Services provided by the department
The Endoscopy Unit is a dedicated unit that comprises of 12 Trolley spaces and a reception area. The unit has a recovery area (trolley and seated recovery), three procedure rooms and a physiology room. We also have admission and discharge rooms and a reception area with seating for patients pre-procedure.
The Endoscopy Unit performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in Oesophageal-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), Colonoscopy, Bronchoscopy, Capsule Endoscopy and Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS). Endoscopic-Retrograde-Cholangio-Pancreatograph (ERCP), is carried out by Endoscopy staff using the facilities of the X-Ray Department.
The Endoscopy Unit also hosts a range of non-endoscopic procedures including Hydrogen Breath Tests (glucose and lactose), Urea Breath Tests, Fibroscanning and Manometry.
Staffing
- The Endoscopy Lead Nurse is Jean Asare.
- The Endoscopy Sister is Vanessa Limco.
- The Clinical Team includes Consultant Gastroenterologist, Colorectal Surgeons, Upper GI Surgeons, Respiratory Consultant and 5 Nurse Endoscopists.
- Teams of experienced Staff Nurses support the Sisters.
- The Unit has a dedicated porter daily.
- 7 Endoscopy Office Co-ordinators and 2 Receptionists organise the administrative and clerical functions within the Department
Opening Hours
- Working hours are Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1900 and Saturdays from 0800 to 1800.
- The Unit also provides an Emergency GI Bleed service
Colonoscopy Referrals
All the patients undergoing Colonoscopy require them to take an “Oral Bowel Cleansing Agent" (also called ‘bowel prep’).
A recent NPSA (National Patient Safety Agency) alert “Reducing risk of harm from oral bowel cleansing solutions” suggested such agents carry risks of dehydration and electrolyte disturbance. It is essential that patients have had their U&Es checked in the preceding three months before the patient can safely take this oral bowel cleansing agent. We require all patients over 60 and those taking certain medications to have their U&Es checked before dispensing bowel prep.
If the patient has not already had these blood tests done, we would ask that any patient being referred for Colonoscopy should have U&Es and FBC checked at the time of the referral or before their scheduled procedure.
In case of any questions, please contact Endoscopy Clerk on 01932 726575.
Further Information
If you would like further information about Endoscopy, please do not hesitate to contact Sister Asare or any members of the Endoscopy team.
Please see a link to our referral guidelines.
Location
The Endoscopy department is on Level 3 of the Outpatient / Departmental Block at St Peter's Hospital. It is first on the right as you ascend the escalator from the main lobby.
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