Endoscopy

Welcome to Endoscopy Department

Located on the second floor of the Jackson Barstow Wing next to the Day Case Unit, our unit provides endoscopic tests to examine the stomach (gastroscopy), colon (colonoscopy & flexible sigmoidoscopy), and bile pipes (ERCP). We also provide breath tests for Helicobacter pylori (the ulcer-causing stomach infection).

We have developed information sheets and consent forms to guide patients through their endoscopy. We also provide test results for patients to take away after their endoscopy. Examples of these are available by clicking on the links below.

Our dedicated and hard-working team are enthusiastic about developing the service and our new unit opened in 2008. This provides state-of the-art facility with two rooms dedicated to these important diagnostic services. In 2010, the unit was inspected by the Joint Advisory Group on GI endoscopy and received the official Certificate of Competency (a national measure of quality and safety against rigorous standards). Every year we ask our patients to complete a satisfaction survey which year after year reflects the high level of care offered to our patients.

Common Procedures

• Gastroscopy: This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and examine the lining directly.
• Colonoscopy: This is a procedure which allows the doctor to see inside your large bowel and examine the surfaces directly and take biopsies (samples of tissue) if needed.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a limited form of colonoscopy in which only the lower part of the colon and rectum is examined.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP): A flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine while you are under sedation (medication to make you drowsy). The endoscope is positioned in the upper small intestine to allow insertion of small instruments into the bile pipes leading form the liver. Using this technique it is possible to remove some gallstones without the need for an operation and to relieve jaundice.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Endoscopic ultrasound is a technique which uses a specialised gastroscope to obtain ultrasound images of the oesophagus, lungs, stomach, duodenum, pancreas and bile ducts. This test is done by Dr Bell (one of our gastroenterologists) in Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Contact details

Consultant Endoscopist Dr David Parker

Tel: 01934 647014

Matron:                    Saffron Flower

Senior Sister:           Melanie Stinger

Junior Sisters:          Geraldine Doherty and Kirsten Beer

Nurse Endoscopist  : Karen Low 

Unit Receptionist: Naomi Wain
ext. 3541