What should I do if…

Ring the booking team they will be able to discuss what options are available to you.

You will need to talk to your GP practice to organise this.

Please contact the Unit and ask to speak to one of our nurses who will be able to give you some advice.

Often if you drink the bowel prep too quickly it can make you feel sick. If this happens, take a break and restart when you feel better making sure that you sip the bowel preparation.

If you don’t get better, please contact the Unit and ask to speak to one of our nurses who will be able to give you some further advice.

You should take your tablet as normal unless you have specifically been told not to, for example blood thinning tablets. If you are fasting for a morning appointment, please take your essential tablets (blood pressure and heart medication) early with a sip of water. For afternoon appointments plan to take medication early with a sip of water.

If you are taking blood-thinning medicines, such as Warfarin, Dabigatran, Heparin, Dalteparin, Apixaban, Clopidogrel, the dose of these may need to be altered or stopped before your procedure.

You may also need to have blood tests before your procedure. If the referring doctor did not give you instructions, you may be referred to the bridging clinic for advice on stopping your medication. If this is required, this will be arranged for you by the referring clinician or the endoscopy booking coordinator.

If you don’t want to have your procedure the decision is entirely yours. We would ask that you let the booking team know so that we can give the appointment to someone else and let your referring consultant/ doctor know about your decision.

If you have any immediate concerns or questions when you leave the endoscopy unit you should contact the endoscopy unit between 09:00 and 17:30 (01908 996 460) Monday to Saturday.

Outside these hours, please call a nurse on Ward 22 (01908 996 455) for advice or go to your nearest A&E department.