What to expect when you are admitted to our unit

On arrival to the Endoscopy Unit please report to the reception desk. The receptionist will take your name and ask you to take a seat in the waiting room.

You will be called through to an admission cubicle by a trained nurse who will go over the documentation that needs to completed prior to the test, ensure you know why you are here and what is going to happen during the procedure and afterwards.

Your blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen levels and respiratory rate will be checked. If you are a diabetic you will also have your blood sugar level checked before the procedure is carried out.

You will have a chance to ask the trained nurse any questions you may have thought of. You will also be asked to sign a consent form to show that you are willing to go ahead with the test.

When you have been seen by the trained nurse and the paperwork completed you will be asked either to return to the waiting room or will be shown to the patient recovery area within the unit. This will depend on which procedure you are having done.

Some procedures such as a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy require patients to remove their clothes and change into a hospital gown. If you are having either of these procedures you may like to bring a pair of slippers and a dressing gown with you.

When you are bought through to the recovery area to change prior to your test we ask that your relatives/friends who have accompanied you wait in the designated waiting area. This is to maintain the privacy and dignity of the other patients within the unit who are in various states of undress and recovery post procedure.

Things you can do: -

• Please leave all valuables at home as facilities are limited for storage of these items. You may, however, wear watches and jewellery as these are not removed during Endoscopic procedures.
• Bring something with you to read. Although we endeavor to ensure that lists run to time there are occasions where procedures take longer than expected or emergency inpatients have to take priority. You will always be informed if this is the case..
• Please removed all nail varnish prior to admission

.Please be aware that the Trust is now a smoke free NHS. Smoking is not permitted in any building or within the grounds of any of our sites. Information and support is available to any patients who wish to stop smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available to help reduce your cravings during your stay.

 

When will I see a doctor and what happens next?

You will meet the doctor prior to the investigation being carried out. The doctor will confirm with you the type of procedure that is planned and answer any last minute questions you may have. If you have not already signed a consent form you will be asked to do so. Your signature on this form gives your permission for the procedure to be performed. The completed consent form is an integral part of the overall procedure but this does not waive your right to have the procedure stopped at any time. After this you will be shown into the procedure room by one the Endoscopy nursing team.

Following the procedure

When you return to the recovery area after your endoscopy you will be allowed to rest for an appropriate period of time. Following this you will be given a hot/cold drink and a biscuit. When you are ready to leave the department a trained nurse will go over the report that is generated during your procedure and give you your discharge advice.

 

Going Home

Ensure that you have organised for someone to pick you up if you are having a sedative and for someone to stay with you overnight. We cannot discharge you home on your own following sedation and if you have not arranged for someone to pick you up the doctor may refuse to carry out the procedure.