New endoscopy unit has opened at Fairfield General Hospital

The new Greater Manchester Endoscopy Modular Unit based at Fairfield General Hospital

A Greater Manchester Endoscopy Modular Unit based at Fairfield General Hospital has begun treating its first patients.

The twin-roomed unit will operate for six months initially from a temporary modular building set up on the Fairfield General Hospital site.

The unit has been specially commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership to support the delivery of endoscopy services following the pandemic disruption.

The unit will prioritise category one patients, which are the most urgent, waiting for an endoscopy.

Dr Roger Prudham, Consultant Gastroenterologist and a Deputy Medical Director at the Northern Care Alliance, which operates Fairfield General Hospital through its Bury Care Organisation, said: “I am overjoyed to see the first patients being treated at the new endoscopy unit.

“It has been a difficult year to say the least and to know that we can now start to treat some of those patients who have waited so patiently for their care is a very special moment.”

Staffing is provided by an external company and includes consultant endoscopists, specialist nursing staff and support staff.

Asia Bibi, Programme Manager, who has been overseeing the project, said: “A number of NHS partners have been working together to support the recovery of services as a region and this is one of the first projects to provide access for all regional patients.

“I am pleased at the pace we have been able to set this up in order to restore services for our patients.”