New £2.8m endoscopy unit opens at hospital

The new unit will take its first patients this week and opens just weeks ahead of a new 3.5m sister unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Endoscopy is the examination of a body cavity for diagnosis or treatment by means of a tube-like viewing instrument.

The unit in Halifax will provide services across a range of specialities such as gastrointestinal medicine and surgery, gynaecology, urology and respiratory medicine.

As well as providing diagnostic tests, the unit will also be used to carry out therapy such as the removal of growths and the insertion of stents and feeding tubes.

The centre has the latest equipment and also provides separate waiting areas, changing areas, bathrooms and recovery rooms.

Consultant Ashwin Verma, clinical director for medicine, said yesterday: "Not only will it be a great place to work for everyone but also a great place for patients.

"It has been designed taking patients into account, making sure their journey is as seamless as possible. Endoscopy has developed incredibly in the last 10 to 20 years. We are doing things that we would never have envisaged and this is the way forward."

Senior sister Michelle Durrans said last night: "I am thrilled that we are opening the doors to the new endoscopy unit. It will be a great environment for the staff to work in and for those who are treated here."

The official opening took place on January 5 and was carried out by former clinical director for surgery Robert Goodall and retired gastroenterologist Dr Safraz Qureshi. Both were influential in the development of endoscopy services in Halifax.

Dr Qureshi said: "I am thrilled that this has opened, it is a great improvement."

The sister unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary is due to open in February.