New endoscopy unit opens at St Thomas'

On Tuesday 28 May, Guy’s and St Thomas’ opened its new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit to meet the growing demand of patients needing a variety of tests to examine and treat their digestive tract.

The unit is based on the first floor in the North Wing at St Thomas', overlooking the Thames and the Houses of Parliament.

The unit replaces existing facilities with new and improved equipment and additional rooms to expand both the number and range of procedures available. The endoscopy team currently care for approximately 9,000 patients a year, and this is predicted to increase over the next five years. With separate changing and waiting areas for men and women, the endoscopy team hope that patients will feel more comfortable and at ease before having what can be a daunting procedure.

Patients may be referred to the unit for conditions such as; anaemia, from colitis or Crohn's disease, for ulcers or oesophagitis, bowel, pancreatic or stomach cancers, gallstones and liver disease.

Fiona Nimmo, Matron for endoscopy services says: "The new unit will provide a greatly improved environment which will facilitate a better patient journey and experience. Staff are thrilled with the new facilities which helps boost morale within the department and enhance high standards of care that we already provide."

The £5.5 million unit was made possible by Guy’s and St Thomas’ status as a Foundation Trust because this means we can reinvest our surpluses in developments to improve patient care.