Endoscopy is a term used to describe procedures where a long thin, flexible fibre optic camera is used to examine internal organs, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of a condition.
Endoscopy
Awarded a Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal refers to procedures that examine the upper part of the digestive system, which includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. This part of the digestive system is responsible for the initial digestion and processing of food.
Lower gastrointestinal refers to procedures that examine the last part of the digestive system which includes the large bowel and the anus.
Respiratory endoscopy refers to procedures that examine the airways of the lungs, specifically the trachea and bronchi of the lungs.
All diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures are carried out by doctors or nurse endoscopists that have high levels of expertise in this type of examination.
All endoscopists are supported by specialist endoscopy nurses and healthcare assistants.
As an endoscopy unit we will aim to:
- Ensure your visit to endoscopy is as relaxed and dignified as possible
- Keep you fully informed of what is happening at all times to enable you to make informed choices
- Provide an accessible, timely and high quality service
- Provide you with the highest standard of care based on current recommendations and protocols.
We employ experienced locum consultants where necessary to ensure a timely and effective service delivery.
We are also an associate teaching hospital having under graduate trainees from King’s and Brighton medical schools. Students are encouraged to attend endoscopy sessions. The endoscopy training leads are Nicky Townsend – Lead trainer and Gerard Burke-McCallum – Deputy lead trainer.
We are committed to training Registrars and Nurse Endoscopists to undertake endoscopic procedures and these lists are supervised by a named consultant.
Your admission
On admission to the unit one of our nurses will go through our admission process to ensure we gather all relevant medical history. This is so the process is safe and efficient, and so that we can identify any additional needs you may have.
The procedures are carried out in purpose built endoscopy suites that contain a lot of equipment. Not all of this will be required for your procedure and should not cause you any concern.
We have separate recovery areas for male and female patients so we can respect your privacy and dignity at all times.
On discharge home we provide you with a full report of your procedure. This means that you will be fully informed of the outcome of your procedure and we will advise you if you will need any further investigations.
You may be booked to have your endoscopy examination at either Conquest Hospital or Eastbourne DGH.
Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The Endoscopy Units at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH have been awarded with a Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, by The Royal College of Physicians.
This accreditation is given to endoscopy units that are able to meet a stringent set of standards relating to high quality patient care, and demonstrating a safe, patient centred and efficient service. The JAG accreditation can assure patients that the units are committed to high quality standards in their clinical practice, and measure up to exacting national professional standards.
Patient focus group
Endoscopy is committed to improving our services through community and patient involvement. If you would like to be a part of a patient focus group we would value your feedback. We will provide refreshments and parking would be free. We usually hold a meeting every quarter for approximately one hour. Please indicate your interest by emailing the link nurses for either hospital:
Conquest Hospital
Eastbourne District General Hospital