Endoscopy (GP information)
Introduction
The L&D’s Endoscopy department is renowned for its efficiency and patient care. We carry out a number of procedures in our unit – Gastroscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy and ERCP.
Patients are usually initially referred to one of the consultants for an outpatient appointment. However, we also operate an open access service for gastroscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy so GPs can refer purely for one of these tests. If it is obvious from a GP’s letter that a patient needs an endoscopy test, we may arrange to do this first, before they are seen in the outpatient department.
Referral Process
Referrals can be made via ICE, Choose and Book or a written letter.
Procedures Provided
- Gastroscopy – for investigating the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – to look at the left side of the large bowel (colon).
- Colonoscopy – for investing the entire large bowel (colon).
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography) – to view the bile ducts in the liver, the gallbladder and the pancreatic ducts
- Oesophageal dilatation.
- Insertion of an oesophageal stent.
- Insertion of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy (PEG).
- Bronchoscopies (respiratory physicians).
Clinics
Endoscopy lists run daily, including weekend backfill.
Patient Information Leaflets
Bedford Hospital
Having an ERCP (Outpatients)
Luton & Dunstable University Hospital
Having an ERCP (Outpatients)
Clinicians - Consultants/Specialist Nurses
Luton & Dunstable University Hospital
Endoscopy
AshaBinu
Clinical Nurse Specialist
DrMatthewJohnson
Consultant Gastroenterologist
DrKiranBundhoo
Consultant Gastroenterologist
DrElliotTash
Consultant Gastroenterologist
DrAnthonyGriffiths
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Dr Pooja Khanna
Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology and Hepatology / Hepatology Consultant
Dr SteveShieh
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Dr Sambit Sen
Cross-site Hepatology Lead / Hepatology Consultant
DrRuiGao
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Useful Contacts
Bedford Hospital
General Manager
David Cox
David.Cox@ldh.nhs.uk
David.Cox@ldh.nhs.uk
PALS (for patient specific enquiries)
01234 795814
pals@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
pals@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
Luton & Dunstable University Hospital
General Manager
David Cox
David.Cox@ldh.nhs.uk
David.Cox@ldh.nhs.uk
Clinical Director:
Dr Elliot Tash
Elliott.Tash@ldh.nhs.uk
Elliott.Tash@ldh.nhs.uk
Bleep Numbers
601 614
Email Address
endoscopy.booking@ldh.nhs.uk
Bedfordshire Bowel Cancer Screening Nurse Specialist:
01582 497939
Outpatients booking department:
01582 561385
PALS (for patient specific enquiries)
01582 491 166
PALS@ldh.nhs.uk
PALS@ldh.nhs.uk
Switchboard
01582 491166