Following an inspection of the endoscopy service, the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on gastrointestinal endoscopies praised the team in its Accreditation Assessment Report, granting the centre full accreditation.
It praised the recent refurbishment and investment in the centre – a new recovery suite, further single-sex treatment areas, toilet and two new consulting rooms – adding that it has further improved the patient experience, providing a welcoming, calm, spacious environment for the 3,345 people in the Medway area who undergo investigations each year.
The report noted: “The clinical, nursing and management teams should be congratulated on continuing to work successfully together at a high standard to benefit patients accessing the service.”
It went on to say that the service “… is a highly valued part of the local health community, exceptionally well liked and supported by patients.”
During an endoscopy, a camera is passed into the digestive tract. The images are more accurate than X-rays for detecting abnormal growths and for examining the inside of the digestive system, and can also be used to guide treatment, or for confirming a diagnosis by taking biopsies.
Hospital Director Kerry White said:
“I am delighted. The endoscopy team has worked hard to ensure patients have a stress-free appointment that delivers first-class diagnostic results and this has had numerous benefits.
“We support the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and the service is part of a closely linked, combined approach by the Clinical Commissioning Groups and secondary care providers to work collaboratively together across the county’s population.
“In the coming year, we will be investing further in the service with state-of-the-art replacement Endoscope Washer-Disinfectors, which will further enhance the centre’s scrupulous hygiene procedures.”