Three Transnasal Endoscopes have been kindly donated to the Endoscopy department at Conquest Hospital by The Friends of Conquest Hospital and The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital.
The Friends donated £55,424.88 for the purchase of state-of-the-art endoscopes
which boast 50% narrower tubes than a traditional endoscope, and as it is inserted via the nose it avoids the gag reflex many patients struggle with.
Prior to this equipment’s arrival if a patient were unable to tolerate a traditional endoscopy, they would go on a waiting list to have the procedure under anaesthetic in theatre. This means a longer wait for diagnostics and treatment, as well as an increased need for NHS resources. It can also be more dangerous for patients with specific pre-existing conditions.
Now patients can instead be switched onto a list for the transnasal procedure, either at the point of original clinician’s request, at pre-assessment or even on the day of the procedure.
The department had one Transnasal Endoscope (TNE) already, enabling them to see one or two TNE patients per clinic. With the additional three the friends have purchased, they can now see 10 to 12 TNE patients in a clinic. This makes a vast difference to the capacity of the unit, and in time will impact on the waiting lists too.
Consultant Dr Steven Fong explained that this equipment will help the unit to ensure it is a centre of excellence.
Dr Steven Fong said: “We are so pleased with this new equipment and thankful of the Friends for their generous donation. It will make a huge difference to so many of our patients and will help us continue to improve the services we provide.”
Transnasal Endoscope
Endoscopy Unit Matron, Myra Mendoza, said: “The equipment is ‘game changing’ for the hospital.” She also spoke of a recent patient, who was happy to share her experience. Myra said: “The patient has a particularly strong gag reflex, and on previous occasions has had to undergo endoscopic procedures under anaesthetic in theatres. On this occasion, she was encouraged to instead have the Transnasal Endoscopy. Whilst nervous, she agreed, and was delighted that she was not only able to tolerate the procedure, but she avoided sedation altogether, with just a local anaesthetic throat spray to ease her discomfort. Following the procedure she said that should she need another endoscopy in future, she would be very happy to have the Transnasal Endoscopy again.”
The Friends said: “We were delighted to be able to jointly fund this vital equipment – which simply wouldn’t be possible without the donations, fundraising efforts and support of our local community.”