Rapid access endoscopy service at NSSDH
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 performed 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.
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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:
- frail, elderly patients or
- those with more complex health issues or
- patients on insulin (who would find perioperative insulin management challenging)
- high bleeding/thrombosis risk patients on anticoagulants: where unclear if:
- safe to substitute aspirin for potent antiplatelets
- cardiologist may need consultation to temporarily stop
- bridging anticoagulation might be needed
