When your referral into endoscopy is received, the endoscopy administration team adds you to the appropriate waiting list depending on the procedure that has been requested and the reason for the procedure.

All referrals are vetted by our skilled nurses and doctors to check they are accurate and appropriate, and the team will contact you to make your appointment.

We will always try and contact you by phone so we can discuss and agree a time that is most convenient both for your endoscopy and for your telephone pre-assessment (if needed). 

If we cannot reach you by phone we will send you a letter with your appointment for your endoscopy and another appointment for your telephone pre-assessment (if needed). If your appointment is not suitable, please contact our admin team to rebook at a time that is convenient to you.

Some patients require an appointment with pre-assessment. Your pre-assessment appointment will be booked by our admin team at the same time as they book your procedure appointment.

All patients will require a negative Covid-19 swab, this will be done 3 days before the procedure, this is for the safety of patients and staff. You will be contacted by the swabbing team five to seven days before your appointment to arrange a time to attend. This is a drive through service based at King George Hospital, you will need access to a car, as we do not allow people to come via public transport. If you do not have access to a car, please let the swabbing team know when booking the swab test or contact endoscopy admissions. 

We offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy services at our Trust, and our services are always in high demand. If circumstances change and you cannot make your agreed appointment please contact us directly so your appointment can be re-scheduled and we can re-allocate your existing appointment to another patient. 

Depending on the procedure you have been referred for, this may mean your procedure is delayed, so please try to make every effort to attend.

If we have your mobile phone number we will send you a text message before your appointment to remind you. It is important you respond to this if you cannot attend for any reason. Patients will receive a call 24 hours before the procedure to confirm you can attend and have received all of the necessary information and instructions. We hope with these measures we can improve non-attendance rates for Endoscopy appointments.

If you do not attend (DNA) your appointment without letting us know we will let your doctor know, and this may mean that you are discharged from our care.