UHK celebrates ten years of its ‘cutting-edge’ endoscopy unit

IT was back in 2014 that University Hospital Kerry (UHK) marked a significant milestone in its existence with the opening of its state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit, inaugurated by the then Minister for Health Mr. James O’Reilly.

This cutting-edge facility, formerly a hospital laundry, underwent a complete reconstruction to meet the highest healthcare standards.

Now, 10 years on, the staff in the unit are celebrating a decade of excellence in endoscopic care at UHK, so much so that Dr Israr Un Nabi, Consultant Gastroenterologist at UHK, had this to say this week:

“We aim to listen and respond to patient’s feedback ensuring continuous care improvements. Indeed, the Endoscopy Department has consistently achieved above the national standard for positive patient experiences.”

Led by a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals, the department prioritises patient-centred care, emphasising dignity, respect, and compassion in every interaction.

Offering a range of consultant-led services in gastroenterology, surgery, respiratory, and urology, the Endoscopy Unit provides specialised care to prevent, diagnose, and treat referred patients.

Referrals are accepted from general practitioners, with regular outpatient clinics led by consultants and nurses to facilitate timely care.

The department’s multidisciplinary approach extends to inpatient consultations, collaborating closely with other clinical teams and specialists, including general surgeons, dieticians, and colorectal nurses.

This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive clinical care for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.

Since 2014, the Endoscopy Department has been integral to the National Bowel Screening Service, conducting over 3,000 patient procedures to date. This vital service offers patients invaluable access to bowel screening, with diagnostic and therapeutic care delivered by expert endoscopists in the accredited unit at UHK.