All change as endoscopy service is axed from new Skye hospital
NHS HIGHLAND has confirmed there will be no endoscopy service in the new hospital planned for Skye.
The endoscopy service in Dr Mackinnon Memorial Hospital at Broadford was stopped several years ago because of health and safety concerns.
NHS Highland had thought the service could be resumed once the new hospital was built. However, a review by Mr James Docherty, colorectal surgeon and NHS Highland’s clinical lead for endoscopy, has highlighted a number of reasons why such a service is no longer appropriate.
‘The low level of activity would mean the service would only run for one session per week. This would mean it would not be sustainable, including staff not able to maintain skills,’ he said.
His report concluded these low levels did not warrant the significant investment required to build an endoscopy suite, buy the equipment and fund the annual cost of running the service. The capital costs alone would be in the region of £1.5m.
Mr Docherty added: ‘Instead, it was my strong view we must look to the future and I am confident the current trial of capsule endoscopy in Skye, and in Ullapool, will be successful.
‘Unfortunately, a minority of patients who require a biopsy or treatment will still have to travel to Fort William or Inverness. However, more patients will benefit and overall fewer will have to travel once the PillCam is rolled out.’
Diagnostic endoscopy services across Highland are set to be revolutionised by the PillCam pilot project currently under way on Skye.
Instead of having to travel to hospital for an invasive procedure, a pill - which includes a tiny camera - can now be taken.
As well as being less invasive, the capsule can be taken at home with the results discussed at home or the medical centre.
Dr Steve McCabe, who met the research team and proposed the local trial, said: ‘This is really exciting for patients. It puts Skye and NHS Highland at the forefront of the development of gastro intestinal investigations.
‘With the new technology, diagnostic endoscopy can be organised and supported locally from local practices without having to travel for an invasive procedure.’
He added: ‘It is a fantastic development and good example of how technology developed for other fields can and should be used to deliver high quality clinical care to remote communities.’
Endoscopist Dr Will Nel, clinical lead for the locality, added: ‘The pilot, which is also taking place in Ullapool practice and is being co-ordinated by senior clinicians from Raigmore Hospital, is going well.
‘It will hopefully demonstrate this approach will work in any practice irrespective of the locality.’
The test is for diagnostic scopes only. Anyone requiring biopsies or treatment scopes would still have to travel to Belford or Raigmore Hospital.