EAST Lancashire’s hospitals have launched a new webpage for endoscopy patients.

Doctors said the feature will help patients be fully informed of procedures before visiting the unit while also offering them the chance to give feedback.

An endoscopy is a camera examination of the stomach and large bowel. The tests are done at Burnley General Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital and Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre.

Last year the trust performed more than 15,000 procedures and by 2017 this number is expected to rise to nearly 20,000.

Dr Charles Grimley, consultant gastroenterologist at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Our aim as an endoscopy team is to make the patient’s visit to the unit as relaxed and as dignified as possible.

“As part of this we’ve developed the endoscopy webpage to ensure all patients are fully informed before attending the unit, helping to reduce anxiety and assist patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.”

See elht.nhs.uk/endoscopy.htm