There are two endoscopy rooms which undertake gastro-intestinal
procedures. Examples of these procedures are gastroscopy,
colonoscopy and flexible-sigmoidoscopy. The opening hours of the
unit are Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm.
Lower gastrointestinal
We provide a complete diagnostic and interventional service for
lower gastrointestinal disease. This comprises of investigation
into the large bowel (Colon) via Colonoscopy or a shorter test
called Flexi-sigmoidoscopy.
Our interventional service includes; polypectomy, banding of
haemorrhoids and stricture dilatation.
Our National Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation allows us
to undertake the Bowel Cancer Screening (BCS) programme.
Upper gastrointestinal
We provide a diagnostic service in upper gastrointestinal (GI)
endoscopy which comprises of investigation into the disorders of
the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (small bowel) this is
done with a test called a Gastroscopy.
We are also able to undertake a selection of therapeutic
procedures including polypectomy, dilatation and treatment of
achalasia.
The Bowel Cancer Screening
Programme
We are a team of 15 core staff members, with
numerous supportive team members, who are responsible for the
national Bowel Cancer Screening investigations, covering the
Bristol and Weston areas. The aim of the programme is to identify
and remove pre-cancerous polyps in the Large Bowel before, or
detect cancer at an early, pre-symptomatic stage.
The programme is made up of x2 programmes.
- Bowel Scope-All patients within our demographic area, are
offered a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy at the age of 55 at one of our
available sites. These include South Bristol Community Hospital,
Weston General Hospital, Southmead Hospital and Prime Endoscopy
Central Bristol.
- Bowel Screening- All patients at the age of 60 are sent a stool
test kit through the post. If this test is positive, they will be
invited to an assessment of suitability for a colonoscopy or CT
Colon scan. These investigations are available at the Bristol Royal
Infirmary or Southmead Hospital. Test kits are subsequently sent
every 2 years, until their 75th birthday, at which point
they may opt back into the programme if they wish to continue.
If any diagnosis or treatment is identified we will
continue to monitor and support these patients as
required.
