'Excellent' endoscopy unit for Infirmary

Patients and staff will soon be feeling the benefits of a £3.5 million investment in endoscopy services, designed and provided by ModuleCo (formerly PKL Healthcare).

The new modular endoscopy suite replacing the outdated accommodation in the Brotherton Wing of the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) has now officially opened in the Clarendon Wing.

The new unit – a state-of-the-art facilty designed using off-site construction, was lifted into place using a specially commissioned 250 ft crane – will improve the patient experience and provide staff with first class clinical facilities.

It will also provide the flexibility to expand endoscopy services in the future – for example if the Government presses ahead with plans to introduce nationwide colorectal screening.

Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Simon Everett said: “The new endoscopy unit provides state of the art accommodation and modern healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract.

“There are spacious, comfortable and dignified patient areas as well as purpose built facilities for the hands-on training of future endoscopists. We believe this will significantly enhance the service we can offer patients in Leeds.”

Endoscopy services were previously provided in a three roomed unit in the basement of the Botherton Wing. The facilities were cramped, with little scope to improve decontamination services in line with new regulations. Because of estates constraints, inpatients and outpatients had to share facilities.

The new unit has four spacious rooms and is equipped with the latest in decontamination technology. Dedicated training areas will allow the Trust to build on its excellent reputation for training the endoscopists of tomorrow.

Trust chief executive Neil McKay said: “We have known for some time that we needed to bring endoscopy accommodation into the 21st century.

“I’m delighted that the reconfiguration of acute services across the Trust has given us with the opportunity to provide this excellent new facility. The unit is a tremendous development, both for our patients and the staff who care for them.”