The Joint Advisory Group-accredited Endoscopy Unit, at Harrogate District Hospital, offers a variety of endoscopic procedures, including 
gastroscopy, colonoscopy, bronocscopy and ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography).
During an endoscopy, the inside of your body is examined using a thin, flexible tube that has a video camera at one end. This is known as an endoscope. Common endoscopic procedures include:
- Gastroscopy – through the mouth into the stomach
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy – through the anus into the large bowel
- Bronchoscopy – through the nose into the lungs
- ERCP – a test to examine the tubes that drain bile from your liver and digestive juices from your pancreas, often removing stones.
Endoscopy appointments
The majority of endoscopy appointments are outpatient appointments. We ask patients to arrive 30 minutes before their appointment. This allows time to go over documentation and check that you are ready for your procedure, ensuring that we provide the best service possible.
Please be aware that you could be in the Endoscopy Unit for up to four hours. This allows time for your recovery.
The Endoscopy Team does offer an acute service to inpatients. We also support and work in other areas with Harrogate District Hospital, including day surgery, main theatres and radiology. We occasionally operate a mobile service for patients who are unable to safely transfer off a ward.
Opening hours
The Unit is open Monday to Friday, 8am-7pm.
Location
The Endoscopy Unit is located on the first floor of Harrogate District Hospital. Please follow the signs from the Main Entrance to the first floor, where the Unit is on the main corridor towards the back of the Hospital.
Referral
Patients are usually referred by their GP with symptoms such as indigestion, change in bowel habits, weight loss, anaemia and passing blood through the rectum.
Key staff
Unit Manager: Lorraine Dyson
Booking Team Lead: Mellissa Elliott
Useful links
Macmillan provides information and support relating to endoscopy.