Endoscopy Unit

Hetherington Unit
Endoscopy Unit
Level 2 (Green Zone)
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 654860
Email: Endoscopy Unit

About us

Our Endoscopy Unit carries out tests and treatments for problems with the stomach and bowels. We help people with conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Colitis, which can cause long-term inflammation of the gut.

We offer many types of endoscopy. These tests use a thin flexible tube with a camera to look inside the body. We treat both people coming in for the day and people staying in hospital. We run extra weekend clinics with support from Elective Services. This helps us manage our waiting list and keep waiting times down.

How we care for you

We want every patient to feel safe, respected and well cared for. We follow our Trust’s values:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect
• Provide good-quality care
• Show kindness and compassion
• Help people live healthier lives
• Work together as a team
• Make sure everyone is included

We aim to give clear information and support throughout your visit. All staff receive regular training to help keep care safe and effective.

Our service

Our unit has four procedure rooms and a team made up of different health professionals. We care for all adults, whatever their background or personal circumstances.

Opening hours

• Monday to Friday: 7:45am to 6:30pm
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed
• We also run two extra weekend clinics each month.

Who we care for

We treat adults who are staying on the wards or coming in as outpatients.

Tests and procedures we provide

We provide many common tests, including:

• Colonoscopy (to look at the large bowel)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (to look at the lower part of the bowel)
• Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) – a camera test to look at the throat, stomach and upper bowel
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a test to look at the bile ducts and pancreas
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) – placing a feeding tube into the stomach
• Bronchoscopy – looking inside the lungs
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) – removing abnormal tissue
• Transnasal endoscopy – a camera test through the nose

One room is specially built with lead lining so we can use X-ray guidance during some procedures.

Our team

Our nursing team supports every clinic. Procedures are carried out by gastroenterology doctors, surgical doctors, and trained clinical endoscopists.

Our reception and bookings teams help arrange appointments and keep things running smoothly.

Training and education

We have clinical educators who help staff learn new skills and keep their training up to date.

As a regional training centre, we also teach doctors who are learning endoscopy. A trainee may carry out your procedure under the direct supervision of a consultant. You can say no to this if you prefer.

Our Endoscopy Unit is a regional training centre under the NHS Cancer Plan.

Bowel Cancer Screening

Freephone helpline number: 0800 707 6060.

Information leaflets

We have a number of information leaflets available to download under Gastroenterology.

Support videos

To help you to benefit fully from our services, we have prepared some videos that will provide you with an introduction to our services, help you to understand what to expect and help you to prepare for your hospital visit.