The Endoscopy day units at both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals perform a wide range of gastro-intestinal and respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, providing facilities for both inpatients and outpatients investigations. Both units have six procedure rooms in total with state-of-the-art equipment and around 18,500 procedures are performed each year. We are national leaders on the Bowel Cancer and Bowel Scope Screening programmes.

We aim to ensure our clinical practice is based on up to date information to safeguard a high standard of care for every patient that visits our units. If you want to read more about our philosophy of care, click here.

Both units are JAG accredited, which defines a high-quality, safe and appropriate endoscopy service, delivered by a highly-trained, highly-supported and highly-motivated workforce.

Maidstone Hospital Unit Manager: Mary Digman
The Maidstone Unit is located in the yellow zone, number 13, on the ground floor. All procedures, except capsule endoscopy are undertaken in this unit with the addition of EUS and EBUS.

Tunbridge Wells Hospital Unit Manager: Sally Craven
The Richard Loke Endoscopy Unit at Tunbridge Wells hospital is situated in the purple area on Level –1. All procedures (including capsule endoscopy), except EUS and EBUS are undertaken in this unit.

Contact for general queries regarding appointments: 01892638210

• Option 1: to change or cancel an appointment at Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone (line open Monday to Friday, between 9:00 and 11:00 or 13:30 and 15:30);
• Option 2: medical enquiry with appointment at Tunbridge Wells;
• Option 3: medical enquiry with appointment at Maidstone.

Opening hours

Both Units are open from 08:00 to 18:30 Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays and Tunbridge Wells site from 08:00 to 13:00 on Sundays.

Maidstone Unit is temporarily open on Sundays from 8:00 to 18:30.

If you are preparing to visit us, or just wish to learn more about endoscopy, please browse and use all the information provided here.

What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopic procedure enables the health professional to inspect your gastrointestinal or respiratory tract with a flexible tube, which has a video camera attached to the end.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (OGD or Gastroscopy) includes the examination of the oesophagus (foodpipe or gullet), stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is an examination of the colon (large bowel). We can also visualize the entire small bowel using a swallowed pill-sized camera (capsule endoscopy). Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) examines the biliary tree (ducts that connect your gallbladder, pancreas and duodenum) with the help of X-Ray and Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS) can also be used to visualize these ducts or the external layers of your gullet. Respiratory endoscopy (bronchoscopy or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)) includes the examination of the bronchial tree and adjacent lymph nodes.

Click on the links below to learn more about the different types of endoscopic procedures and relevant forms/guidance:
• Gastroscopy;
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy;
• Colonoscopy;
• Capsule Endoscopy;
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP);
• Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS);
• Bronchoscopy;

What is the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK, with 41,265 new cases diagnosed in 2014 accounting for 11% of all new cancers. The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer is 1 in 14 for men and 1 in 19 for women, in 2012 in the UK. To read more about bowel cancer and its treatment, please visit the Cancer Research UK website by clicking here.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented via polypectomy, which is the removal of pre-cancerous growths (polyps) within the bowel at either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is a safe, mostly painless procedure with highly effective results.

For further information on the bowel cancer screening programmers, click here.

Questions or problems after your procedure

In the case of an emergency, you are advised to attend your nearest A&E department, taking a copy of your endoscopy report with you. For other queries, you can contact your GP or the medical staff in the endoscopy department on the general enquiry line 01892 638210.

Meet the Team

Between 30-35 physicians, surgeons and nurse endoscopists supported by nurses deliver endoscopy cross-site at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals. They are supported by a large team of specialist nurses, endoscopy assistants and technical staff.