Before your procedure
On the day of your appointment, please arrive at your scheduled time and report to Level 1 – Endoscopy Reception.
You may be in the department for up to two hours or more, depending on your procedure and recovery time. While we aim to see all patients promptly, delays can occasionally occur.
A member of the nursing team will welcome you and take you to the admission area, where your personal details and medical history will be checked. The nurse will explain the procedure, answer any questions, apply an identification wristband, and insert a cannula if you are having sedation.
You will then be taken to a private room, where the endoscopist will discuss the procedure and obtain your consent.
During your procedure
A member of the nursing team will accompany you to the procedure room, where you will be cared for by your endoscopist and two trained staff members. Your procedure will take place in a calm, safe, and supportive environment using an endoscope, which is a thin flexible tube with a light and camera used to examine inside the body.
If sedation has been arranged, this will be given to help you relax. Throughout the procedure, your comfort and safety will be closely monitored. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or would like the procedure to stop, please let the team know and they will respond immediately.
After your procedure
After your procedure, you will be escorted to the recovery area, where you can rest while the nursing team monitors your blood pressure and overall wellbeing.
Recovery time varies but usually lasts between 10 minutes and one hour. Once you are fully recovered, you will be given written aftercare information and a copy of your procedure report before being discharged.
If you have received sedation, your escort or carer should be present when discharge advice is given, and you should not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours. Our team will ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and well supported before you leave.