NHS trust proposing upgrade to screening services

NEW BUILDING AT GLENFIELD TO SUPPORT ENDOSCOPY

CONSULTATIONS have started on proposals to build a state-of-theart endoscopy unit at Glenfield Hospital.

The proposal was submitted in February by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

The consultation, which began on Wednesday, includes seeking opinions on details of the proposal, that would be in a specially constructed two-storey building.

The application said: “Endoscopy services play a key role in patient screening, investigation of symptoms and treatment of disease.

“Demand for gastrointestinal endoscopy in the UK is expected to increase over the next decade due to increased patient expectations, emphasis on early diagnosis and better uptake of screening.

“Improvements to the efficiency and quality of endoscopy is therefore of significant strategic importance for the trust. The endoscopes used in the procedures require specialist washing between treatments.

“The trust currently provides endoscopy services from a number of locations, each utilising local decontamination facilities.

“This project aims to improve the existing services by centralising the decontamination facilities into a single, state-of-the-art location, with increased cleaning capacity, service resilience and potential for future expansion.”

The proposed site is to the north of the hospital on a lawn at the front of Baldwin Lodge.

The decontamination unit would have a 993m sq floor area at ground floor, supported by an additional 349m sq plant area above.

The plant is laid out logically and efficiently according to the clinical requirements, with a central processing area surrounded by utility and staff support accommodation. If plans are given the green light the work is expected to be carried out over the next five to 10 years. A decision is due to be made on the application by December 15.

Demand for gastrointestinal endoscopy in the UK is expected to increase

Leicester hospitals trust