Endoscopy

What is an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a general term that refers to any medical procedure used to inspect the interior of the body (typically the digestive tract) using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. Common types include gastroscopy, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Your appointment letter will indicate which procedure you are having, and you will be provided with an information leaflet explain about the test and how to prepare for it.

If you are attending for a colonoscopy, you will need to attend a bowel preparation clinic appointment several days before your test where a nurse will check your medical history, provide you with the bowel cleansing solution and explain how and when to take it.

Visiting us for a procedure

If you are being admitted as a day case, you will be sent detailed information through the post about your procedure and how to prepare for it. It is very important that you follow the instructions given. Should you have any questions, or are unsure in any way, please contact us and a member of staff will be able to assist you.

On the day of your appointment, always remember to bring the details of any tablets or medications that you are taking.

Please report to the reception desk on the Endoscopy Unit on arrival to the hospital where you will be checked into the department and directed to the waiting area. A nurse will collect your necessary details and prepare you for your test. Everything will be explained and you may ask any questions you have. You will be asked to sign a consent form to show that you understand the benefits, risks and alternatives of your procedure and that you agree to go ahead with it.

For some procedures, you may be asked to change into a gown. You might like to have a pair of slippers and a dressing gown with you. Please do not bring valuable items with you. The Trust will not accept responsibility for your belongings during your admission.

The Endoscopy Unit strives to ensure your privacy and dignity is maintained at all times and we have the following systems and resources in place.

• Single sex waiting and recovery areas.
• Private bowel preparation rooms with ensuite toilet facilities and door curtain screens.
• Provision of theatre gown, dressing gowns, and disposable privacy pants.

Your procedure will be carried out by a suitably trained member of staff – either a doctor or specialist nurse – who is involved in performing these procedures on a regular basis.

Following your procedure, you may be offered refreshments depending on the aftercare of your specific test.

We will discuss the results of your test and provide written and verbal aftercare and follow-up information. As a general rule, we will ask you to see your GP for any recommended medication. Urgent medication will be provided by the pharmacy department before you go home. You will be required to pay for this unless exempt.

NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

We also host Manchester’s NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. The programme is offered to people aged 50–74 across South and Central Manchester, Tameside, Stockport and Trafford. Bowel cancer screening can save lives by detecting changes before cancer develops or by finding cancer at an early stage.

For more information, please visit the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme page.

Our Team

Staff on the unit you may meet are:

• Doctors and Specialist Nurses
• Unit Manager
• Sister/Charge Nurse
• Staff Nurses
• Registered Nursing Associates
• Healthcare Support Workers
• Porter
• Housekeepers

Patient information

We perform a range of endoscopic procedures for both inpatients and outpatients.

Outpatients will be sent a leaflet containing essential information about their test. We will also provide additional written and verbal discharge advice after your procedure. If we make a diagnosis, we will give written information on relevant medical conditions.

Feedback

We are continuously striving to improve our services. Your views are very important to us. Should you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, please complete our online patient survey or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service.

Please help us improve our service by completing a patient survey for the hospital site that you visited:

• Manchester Royal Infirmary
• North Manchester General
• Trafford General
• Wythenshawe Hospital

Interpreter Services

If English is not your first language and you require clarification of the instructions you have been sent, or require an interpreter, please contact us on the number provided on your appointment letter.

Referral Information

Referrals for endoscopy are received from GPs, hospital consultants, specialist nursing teams, and straight to test clinics. We see inpatients, outpatients and emergency cases.

Discharge Information

If you have had sedation (Midazolam and/or Fentanyl):

You may feel normal after your test. However, the drug that you have been given can make you forgetful and impair your judgement. The full effects of this may take up to 24 hours to wear off. You should therefore have someone to take you home and look after you for this length of time.

Contact Details, Opening Hours and Location of our Endoscopy Units, Bowel Preparation and Pre-Assessment Clinics

Please Note: Your appointment may be carried out at any of the endoscopy sites across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Due to the demand on our Endoscopy Services, you may have your procedure completed by an insourcing company to expedite your appointment. Your care will not be affected, and all procedures are completed by appropriately trained endoscopy staff who provide the same high quality of care, following our polices and guidelines to maintain your safety.

Please check your appointment letter to make sure you attend the right unit.