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Patients at Good Hope Hospital can now access more specialist endoscopy procedures, meaning they can receive expert care closer to home.

The hospital has introduced a new transnasal endoscopy service, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional gastroscopy. The procedure involves passing a fine, flexible tube through the nose to examine the stomach, avoiding the need for sedation and helping patients recover more quickly. 

Mandy Harrison, Endoscopy Unit Manager, said: “Patients find the transnasal procedure easier as it doesn’t cause gagging and allows them to go home straight after. It also helps us see more patients by reducing recovery time.” 

While still in its early stages at Good Hope Hospital, the service has already helped patients who would otherwise have required a general anaesthetic or needed to travel to Heartlands Hospital for the same procedure. 

Additionally, the hospital has expanded its endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) service. An EUS scope is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope with an ultrasound probe to see inside the body, beyond the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The scope allows doctors to examine organs like the pancreas, liver, and lymph nodes, take tissue samples, and perform other treatments.

This latest vital piece of equipment was kindly funded by Good Hope Hospital Charity and its supporters. Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising at Good Hope Hospital Charity, said: “The charity is incredibly proud to be able to help fund this equipment. Our aim is always to help support patients and staff by making time in hospital that bit easier and smoother by providing state-of-the-art equipment that goes above and beyond what the NHS can provide. It is fantastic that this support and the provision of the scope will allow patients to be treated closer to home, speeding up the process and removing stress like having to travel and spend more time in hospital.” 

Previously, patients needing an EUS at Good Hope Hospital would again be transferred to Heartlands Hospital, potentially delaying diagnosis and extending hospital stays. 

Mandy added: “Being able to offer these procedures here means our patients can get the care they need, closer to home, in familiar surroundings, which is a better overall experience. It’s a big improvement for both patient experience and continuity of care. It is fantastic to see the team’s dedication, not just in delivering high-quality care, but in going the extra mile to improve services for local people.” 

The endoscopy team is continuing to improve facilities and is fundraising for additional equipment, including a new monitor to support the growing service.