The new ?1.9 million Endoscopy Unit at Noble’s Hospital, which opened in September, is now fully operational and providing “improved care for patients” says the Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK.

Endoscopy uses a tube with a miniature camera and light to examine the inside of the body. It is increasingly used to help investigate and diagnose a wide variety of symptoms commonly affecting the throat, stomach, bowel and urinary system, as well as for treatment. Its use as a clinical diagnostic tool has grown significantly since Noble’s Hospital was designed and built between 1998 and 2003, with over 3,500 endoscopies now being performed each year.

The new unit, which is state of the art, meets the latest standards and guidance from the British Society of Gastroenterologists, the National Endoscopy Programme, and Health Technical Memoranda. Work commenced in December 2014, with topping-out in August 2015.

Minister Beecroft said: “This project has been a significant investment in diagnostic medicine for the Island, ensuring that our skilled clinicians can investigate symptoms and, in a number of instances, even undertake treatment in a minimally invasive way. As a purpose-designed clinic space it greatly enhances the facilities at Noble’s Hospital and the level of care available for patients.”

A contributing factor to the growth in endoscopies is bowel screening for over 60s, introduced in 2011. Screening, earlier diagnosis and intervention are key elements of the Island’s five year health and social care strategy which seeks to create a true ‘health’, as opposed to an illness-treating, service.

Originally endoscopy took place within the hospital’s Day Procedures Suite, but the new facility means patients are benefiting from a dedicated clinical environment which is not shared with other services, helping to maintain privacy and dignity. The move of the endoscopy service has freed up capacity for other day procedures in its former facilities.

Local charity, Bowel Cancer Isle of Man, has generously provided funding for new equipment in the treatment rooms, as well as decor and furniture in the patient reception area and recovery room. Chair of the charity, Heather Norman, said: “This is a very positive step forward and we are delighted to have been involved with this important project. As well as other conditions we hope it will help in the early detection and treatment of bowel cancer, and lead to an increase in the number of people surviving the disease.”

Bowel Cancer Isle of Man was formed in 2009 with the primary aims of raising awareness of bowel cancer and providing support to those affected by the disease in the Island. A bowel cancer support group meets regularly throughout the year for patients and carers. For more details contact bowelcanceriom@manx.net or 480973, or visit www.bowelcanceriom.org.

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