Endoscopy Unit (Cheltenham)

We pride ourselves on delivering a service that is timely, informative, efficient and friendly. Our aim is to provide the very highest standards of care to patients and their relatives, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained at all times.

Our services

The main types of procedures carried out at the endoscopy unit are:

• Gastroscopy where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside your oesophagus, stomach or small intestine.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) where an endoscope is used to create images of your internal organs and take tissue samples.
• Colonoscopy where an endoscope is used to look inside your bowel.
• Bronchoscopy where an endoscope is used to examine your airways if you have a cough that won’t go, or are coughing up blood.
• Video capsule endoscopy where you swallow a small capsule fitted with a camera, which takes pictures as it moves through your digestive tract.

Find out more about our full range of endoscopy services.

What to expect

When you arrive at the unit, you will need to report to the reception desk. A member of the endoscopy staff will then call you through to an admission room, where they will go through any necessary documentation and explain your procedure.

They will then check your:

• blood pressure
• pulse rate
• oxygen levels
• respiratory (breathing) rate
• blood sugar levels (if you have diabetes)

You will have the chance to ask a trained nurse or doctor any questions. You will then be asked to sign a consent form to confirm you’re happy to go ahead with your procedure.

Medication Advice Line

If you have any questions about medicine you’re taking, you can call the Medical Advice Line on 0300 422 3370, particularly if you:

• have diabetes
• take anticoagulants (medicine which thins your blood)
• take iron preparations

You will need to leave an answerphone message including your name, MRN (this is on your appointment letter) and the date of your procedure. A qualified endoscopy nurse will then call you back by the end of the next working day.

Bringing someone with you

A relative or friend is welcome to wait for you at the hospital while you have your procedure, but they are encouraged to go home if it’s not too far away. We will contact them once you have had your procedure, to let them know when they can collect you.

If you have sedation, there are some safety guidelines we will need to make your friend or relative aware of before you can go home. However, information about your procedure is confidential and we won’t share anything unless you agree to this.

Facilities

• toilets
• hot and cold drinks
• waiting areas
• admission rooms
• changing areas
• lavage rooms (for preparation before your procedure)
• private side rooms
• recovery areas (separate bays for men and women)
• interview room, to talk privately with staff
• discharge areas

Find out more about our hospital facilities during your visit.