Welcome to the Endoscopy Unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary

This patient information has been provided by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to help you understand your care and treatment.

A PDF version of this leaflet can be viewed here. Alternatively, the information is provided below.

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The Endoscopy Unit

The Endoscopy unit is staffed daily by a nurse in charge, staff nurses and healthcare assistants. There is also a receptionist, and an administrative team who deal with various administrative tasks.

The Endoscopy Unit at DRI consists of four procedure rooms and a 20 bedded recovery area.

What happens in the Endoscopy Unit

Consultants, other doctors who specialise in endoscopic procedures and nurse specialists, perform a variety of procedures on the unit.

These include:

  • Gastroscopy: Examination of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (beginning of small bowel).
  • Colonoscopy: Examination of the large bowel.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower end of the large bowel.
  • Bronchoscopy: Examination of the bronchus (main airway to the lungs).
  • ERCP: Examination of the bile and pancreatic ducts. This procedure takes place in the X-ray department.

We are also able to perform a variety of therapeutic procedures.

Preparation for your procedure

The nurse will discuss the procedure with you, and you will be asked to sign the relevant documentation. You may be asked to change into a treatment gown.

Recovery period

All patients attending for bronchoscopy, colonoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy who have had sedation will be taken to the recovery room to rest for approximately one hour.

The findings of your test will be explained to you, along with any further treatment and medication that you may need. If samples of tissue have been taken during your test, you will receive the results of these at a later follow-up outpatient appointment, or by letter.

Family and Friends

Family and friends are are welcome to attend the unit on arrival but will be asked to wait elsewhere and return when you are ready for discharge. This allows privacy for you and for other patients on the unit.

Contact Details

If you are unable to keep your appointment or if you have any questions please ask a member of staff on the day or telephone the department:

The unit is open:

  • Monday – Thursday 8.00am-9.00pm
  • Friday – Sunday 8.00am-5.30pm

Please telephone:

  • Doncaster Royal Infirmary: 01302 644167 between 8.00am-4.00pm.
  • 01302 644171 after 4.00pm, please telephone: 01302 381424.

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

The team are available to help with any concerns, complaints or questions you may have about your experience at the Trust. Their office is in the Main Foyer (Gate 4) of Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Contact can be made either in person, by telephone or email.

The contact details are:

Telephone: 01302 642764 or 0800 028 8059
Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net


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