Rapid access endoscopy service at NSSDH
Refer a patient
Send your usual referral to Dr Samuel's practice.
For patients who may be suitable for gastroscopy or colonoscopy with a consultation on the day of the procedure, include “Consider direct access endoscopy” in your referral. Our team can arrange the next available appropriate procedure appointment, with clinical suitability reviewed before the procedure.
Other referrals are welcome and are reviewed before scheduling.
How direct access endoscopy works →Select a location to see the email address.
Email referral opens your usual email application. Attach your referral before sending. Nothing is uploaded to this website.
Rapid Access Endoscopy at North Shore Specialist Day Hospital
The Rapid Access Endoscopy service at North Shore Specialist Day Hospital (NSSDH), Greenwich, provides fast, reliable investigation for suspected gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and other significant symptoms.
Key features for referrers:
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Fast access: Same-day consultation where appropriate, with procedures usually booked within 1–2 weeks.
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Specialist assessment: All patients are reviewed before the procedure to confirm indication and manage risk.
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Priority triage: Higher-risk or complex cases are identified early and prioritised.
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Experienced team: Procedures are supported by experienced GI nursing and anaesthetic staff.
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Prompt reporting: Results are communicated quickly to support timely management decisions.
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Patient-focused care: Clear communication, reduced waiting times, and supportive peri-procedural care. Patient has practice nurse to call out of hours if needed.
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Cost-aware: Affordable options for uninsured patients.
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Follow-up system: Recall reminders support surveillance and continuity of care.
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Easy access: Free on-site parking for patients.
Patient Suitability
- Low anaesthetic risk with no major organ disease
- Low bleeding risk:
- patients can continue aspirin or dipyridamole (unless on them for primary prevention)
- patients with authority to safely substitute aspirin for potent antiplatelets (clopidogrel, prasugrel, abciximab, ticagrelor) for 1 week prior
- Not suitable for:
- moderately frail patients or
- those with more complex health issues or
- patients on insulin (who would find perioperative insulin management challenging without consultation)
- high bleeding/thrombosis risk patients on anticoagulants: where consultation needed to clarify if:
- safe to substitute aspirin for potent antiplatelets
- cardiologist may need consultation to temporarily stop
- non-standard bridging anticoagulation might be needed
