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 your 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.

Cleanliness and Infections in Hospital

Some people are admitted to hospital with infections that require them to be cared for away from other patients to prevent the spread of that particular infection. Please follow the instructions given to you by staff.

You will be nursed in a single room; the door may need to remain closed, depending on the nature of your infection. Please pay particular attention to hand washing and general cleanliness at all times, especially when leaving the room.

If you have been in contact with chickenpox, measles or mumps within 3 weeks of your admittance to hospital, please inform a member of staff.

We ask that visitors suffering from minor infections such as a cold avoid visiting if possible, for their sake as well as the patients. We do not recommend babies being brought in to visit, again for their own protection.

Hand washing. The most common means by which infection is transmitted is by hand, therefore handwashing is a very basic, yet vital infection control measure. Alcohol hand gel is kept at the entrance of the ward and at each bedside for all the visitors to use before and after visiting. For hygienic hand disinfection apply 3ml (3 shots) to physically clean hands for 30 seconds ensuring all areas are covered, until dry.

Visitors are requested not to sit on patients beds, this is to help minimise the risk of spread of infection and for other health and safety reasons. For Further information on Cleanliness and Infection click here.