Sulis Hospital invests in impressive new technology to improve patient care and safe diagnosis
Sulis Hospital is the only independent provider in Bath to offer video rhino-laryngoscope evaluation within its outpatient Setting
Over the 18 months, many people have had to postpone surgeries and procedures, but now a Bath-based hospital is stepping in to help out.
Consultant ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists at Sulis Hospital Bath are supporting patients who have been waiting months for treatments whilst the hospital also invests in equipment to improve patient care and safety.
recently, Sulis Hospital Bath made the decision to invest by purchasing a high-definition video rhino-laryngoscope. This technology enables the consultant to safely, and more comfortably, examine the upper airway and evaluate conditions of the nasal passages, sinuses, passages, throat, and voice box.
The video rhino-laryngoscope is linked to a monitor, which displays the video images captured by the camera on the end of the scope. The use of a video rhino-laryngoscope and video display enables the consultant to examine a patient in much greater detail and more safely. The patient is also able to see the images and better understand their diagnosis.
In the past, PPE could cause visual impairments and the consultant would have to get very close to the patient’s face to make an accurate examination, this is no longer an issue with the new equipment.
Covid-19 control is paramount to the safety of Sulis Hospital’s patients and clinicians. It is clear that Covid-19 secure pathways remain the focus of the private hospital, which was awarded outstanding for caring by the CQC at its last inspection. The use of the video rhino-laryngoscope promotes a more suitable examination and mitigates the risk of covid transmission.
Sulis Hospital is the only independent provider in Bath to offer video rhino-laryngoscope evaluation within its outpatient setting. Consultant ENT specialist Mr Stuart Gillet described what a patient may experience when requiring a video-enabled nasal endoscopy.
Mr Gillet told us: “Typically, a nasal endoscopy would be required to support diagnosis. Additionally, it can be used for post-operative investigation of the nasal passage to check if a surgical treatment is working effectively.”
“In some cases, we utilise the nasal endoscopy to perform minor treatments or to obtain biopsies of tissue.”
Sulis Hospital has been successfully, and safely utilising the video nasal endoscopes for the past six months. It has supported many patients who have been waiting for a diagnosis and treatment following the disruptions covid-19 created.
Mr Gillet added: “For the actual procedure the patient would be sat upright in the examination chair. I would insert the scope into one of the nasal passages. Patients can find this initially a little uncomfortable, as a result I can make some adjustments by using a smaller scope or sometimes the use of a numbing spray.”
“I will manipulate the scope forward to view the nasal cavity and sinus. This might be repeated a number of times to view various areas. On some occasions this will be repeated in the patient’s other nostril. This depends on the symptoms and condition.”
“After the procedure patients can go about their normal activities. The scope will provide me with the information required to create a treatment plan.”
Within the region, the NHS wait times for some ENT procedures can be up to 49 weeks. Sulis Hospital Bath is continuing to work in partnership with the royal United Hospital NHS Trust to support easing the pressures created from the pandemic.
Additionally, the hospital’s private ENT Unit is open to support those patients wishing to opt for the self-funding private pathway. Patients can pay for consultations, diagnosis and treatments on a pay-as-you-go basis. Alternatively, the hospital works with a number of major insurance providers for those with appropriate private medical insurance cover.
The ENT Unit at Sulis Hospital is made up of a group of ENT specialists who work together and are highly experienced in providing diagnosis and treatments for all common ENT conditions. These include skin lesions, hearing loss management, tonsil removal, throat and voice issues, grommets, and nasal blockage surgery.
each surgeon within the group has a subspecialist interest and as such patients can be assured that they will receive expert advice in a range of more specialist issues such as the treatment of conditions of the head and neck, cosmetic and facial plastic surgery and complex ear conditions.
If you require treatment or further diagnosis of a condition, then please get in touch with the hospital Private Patient Treatment Advisers on 01761 422288 or visit the ENT Unit to make an enquiry online.