Key being handed over - Endoscopy 009 edit web lge

New Endoscopy Unit opened today at St Mary’s Hospital

This in from the IW NHS, in their own words. Ed


The new facility, which is part new build and part conversion of a former ward, offers the very latest state-of-the-art technology including high specification scope cleaning equipment and decontamination facilities in an environment which is modern, spacious and boasts the Trust’s dementia friendly interior style.

Dr Christopher Sheen, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Lead Clinician for Endoscopy is delighted with the facility:

“We are extremely pleased with the new unit and it will, undoubtedly, bring huge benefits to patients. We have been involved throughout the design and build phase to ensure that we have a facility which meets our needs and the needs of our patients. It will be a real pleasure for staff to work in.”

Endoscopy Sister and Clinical Manager Julie Parrack comments:

“The design of the unit has been carefully considered to ensure that patients flow between the various treatment areas with ease from the point of admission through to treatment, recovery and discharge whilst meeting current legislation and best design practice.

“There are now additional treatment rooms, two staged recovery areas, a large waiting area and much improved staff facilities offering space and privacy and dignity throughout. There are separate entrances for inpatients and outpatients and patients requiring critical acute care will be cared for in a separate area to patients receiving non urgent treatment. This is great for patients and great for staff.”

Delivered on time and within budget
The IoW NHS Trust procured the new facility through the Department of Health’s Procure 21+ Framework and Kier Construction appointed as Principal Supply Chain Partner. Commenting on the new unit, Robert Graham, General Manager for Wight Life Partnership and overall Project Manager, said:

“Work started on the new unit in January 2015 and the endoscopy team have been fully engaged in both the design and construction process and that engagement has been crucial to the project’s success. We have a facility that is truly fit for purpose which was delivered on time and within budget; it’s been a real team effort.”

The endoscopy team run fifteen (15) sessions each week by seven (7) Consultants and three (3) Nurse Endoscopists. The sessions provide colonoscopies, gastroscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies for conditions like bowel cancer, colitis, stomach cancer and dyspepsia. Additionally, consultant led outpatient clinics and specialist nurse clinics provide an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Deficiency Anaemia Service as well as pre-assessment clinics. The service offers a variety of treatments including those for cancer, polyps, swallowing problems, bleeding ulcers and gall stones.

Dr Sheen continued:

“Endoscopy was first offered on the Island at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1978 and since that time we have continued to develop the service; technology has progressed and we have continued to improve skills and knowledge but this new facility means we can now further develop therapeutic services and improve the care for our patients which is incredibly exciting.”

Where to find it
The new Endoscopy Unit is located on the first floor, Level B, St. Mary’s Hospital.

The ‘key’ to the new unit was handed over by Paul Fleming, Project Manager from main contractor Kier to long serving staff member Janet Taylor, a Nurse Endoscopist in the unit since 1980.

The majority of services provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust are commissioned and funded by Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS England and Isle of Wight Council.