A third procedure room has opened at Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Endoscopy Unit which will deliver an improved service for patients and allow an extra 120 patients to be treated each week.
The funding of just under £1m to improve Endoscopy and Colonoscopy facilities at the hospital, has been provided by the Welsh Government.
The improved facilities will mean a cut in waiting times for patients who need an procedures such as a colonoscopy, which is the most effective way to diagnose bowel cancer. In addition, the unit now also has a new admission room which means more privacy and dignity for patients.
Sandra Jones, Unit Manager of the Endoscopy Department, said the developments will improve the service they offer patients. She said: “We are delighted that we now have a third procedure room in our department.
“We have seen the demand rise for endoscopy procedures in the last few years so the extra room will help towards lowering our waiting list so patients are seen as quickly as possible.
“We are also pleased to have extra space in our recovery area as well as the new admission room.
“The new decontamination unit is also an important part of the improvement work that has been carried out. The new room means we can carry out endoscopy decontamination and our surgical instruments decontamination with the highest of safety standards.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, has welcomed the completion of the work at Ysbyty Gwynedd. He said: “We want to ensure that all patients in Wales undergoing investigative and screening procedures such as endoscopies are able to do this in a safe manner.
“Investing in an effective decontamination programme improves services and ensures patient safety.”
Photos: The Endoscopy team at Ysbyty Gwynedd (Top) and the new treatment and decontamination area.
