The endoscopy service have introduced alternative pathways, including the option to have a tiny camera fed through the nose rather than the mouth.
The trans-nasal endoscopy service is more comfortable and patients do not need to be sedated, reducing the amount of time they need to spend in hospital.
Anita Gillard, who was the first patient to have the trans-nasal procedure at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, said it was totally different to a traditional endoscopy.
She said: “I had an endoscopy the traditional way 20 years ago, and it wasn’t a great experience.
“It wiped out the whole day because of the time recovering afterwards.
“I was really worried about having another one, but my GP really wanted me to have it to get to the bottom of some issues I had been having with reflux.
“They explained it could be this new procedure and it was so much better – they spent more time explaining what would happen and going over the results than the actual test.
“It really was incredible, and the team were so lovely; they were amazing.”
Anita, 68, who runs a cleaning company, described a weird feeling when the camera was inserted and removed, but said it was not painful.
She said: “You can feel it but it’s not uncomfortable. It was almost like a bubbling when they pulled it out.
“I just want other people to know what it’s like so they don’t have to feel anxious – the whole service was really excellent.”
The alternative pathways will help reduce waiting times for people needing endoscopies. As well as the trans-nasal procedure, the team offer small bowel capsule endoscopy at Buckland Hospital in Dover and for inpatients across the Trust, and the capsule sponge test at the William Harvey Hospital. Colon capsule endoscopy will be available from November.
The capsule tests involve swallowing a small capsule – for the small bowel and colon procedures it takes thousands of photos as it passes through the digestive tract. For the sponge test, it contains a compressed sponge on a string, which collects cells as it is pulled back up.
There are plans to expand trans-nasal endoscopy to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate later this year.
Mafalda Silva, the alternative pathways manager, said the aim was to bring diagnostic services closer to the communities they served, as well as reducing waiting times and allowing more people to access the tests.
She said: “I am proud to lead an incredible group of people passionate about healthcare innovation and providing the highest standards of care for their patients.
“Alternative pathways is a step forward for endoscopy and the patients we serve.”
Mafalda thanked East Kent Hospitals Charity, which funded an observation machine used to help monitor patients during their procedures.
She added: “This equipment helps the team provide safe, high-quality care throughout their visit. This investment demonstrates the importance of partnership working in enabling innovative services to become a reality for our patients.”
