EndoscopyFirst

Fast track your endoscopy

EndoscopyFirst is a direct access endoscopy centre where you can book an endoscopy procedure (colonoscopy or gastroscopy) without lengthy waiting times, multiple consultations, and extended periods of anxiety. It also means you benefit from all the conveniences that Waratah Private Hospital offers.

EndoscopyFirst serves as an excellent way to stay on top of your health when your personal or family medical history is of concern and can help in the monitoring of stable and chronic conditions.

Fast track your endoscopy

More about EndoscopyFirst

Why EndoscopyFirst?

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Around one in 23 Australians will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime. EndoscopyFirst aims to continue to reduce deaths from bowel cancer through early detection and treatment of the disease.

People who receive a positive screening result from the National Bowel Cancer screening program need to see their GP and then arrange to see a Specialist for a colonoscopy (which is a day surgery procedure to examine the bowel with a camera). EndocopyFirst supports you through this process by streamlining and fast-tracking your endoscopy journey.

Waratah Private Hospital’s EndoscopyFirst fast tracks your endoscopic procedure with ease and convenience. It means you can book into our specialist services with your GP referral directly and get any niggling concerns or suspect symptoms seen to quickly through our high quality, local service. EndoscopyFirst opens pathways for further treatment if/when required through our seamless medical offering.

All patients are eligible for EndoscopyFirst.

Yes, EndoscopyFirst can help you organise an endoscopy for other reasons, including:

  • PR bleeding (bleeding from back passage)
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Change in bowel habit – constipation or diarrhoea
  • Nausea or bloating
  • Reflux or heartburn
  • Anaemia

No, you do not require private health insurance to access EndoscopyFirst, we offer a very competitive rate for non-insured patients.

A colonoscopy is the best way to diagnose bowel cancer and for most people, it is a straightforward test. But, as with most medical tests, complications may occur. As with any medical test, you should discuss the risks and benefits of colonoscopy with your doctor before consenting to the procedure.

The following procedures can be fast-tracked through EndoscopyFirst:

  • Colonoscopy +/- polypectomy for bowel cancer screening or other concerns
  • Gastroscopy
  • Haemorrhoid banding
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Prior to procedure

You will be booked into a consultation with an EndoscopyFirst specialist on your preferred day. Patients may be booked in to have their procedure done within (1) week following the consultation.

The day before

The day before the colonoscopy you will be asked to drink a special preparation (‘prep’) to help empty your bowel. This is important because it helps the doctor see the lining of your bowel more clearly and find any changes. You will be given information by the doctor about the prep when you book in. You can purchase the prep from your local pharmacy or from HPS Pharmacy located on level 6 within Waratah Private Hospital.

The day of the procedure

A sedative is given to relax you and will make you feel drowsy. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached (a colonoscope) is then passed into the rectum. The camera lets the doctor look for polyps or cancerous growths on the bowel. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and we anticipate that patients will experience a turnaround time of two (2) hours upon arrival at the hospital to discharge.

Discharge

You will be discharged from the Hospital with all the information you need for follow up and after care. For your convenience Waratah Private will send a copy of your discharge summary to your GP and if a follow up is required, we will organise an appointment with the Specialist for you.

Which surgeon can I be referred to?

Your GP may refer you to any of the below surgeons who are accredited at our facility to perform endoscopies:
• Prof Christophe Berney
• Dr Emma Clout
• Dr Hank Chen
• Dr Ruben Cohen-Hallaleh
• Dr Khiem Hong
• Dr Daniel Kozman
• Dr Gary McKay
• Dr Simon Yarrow

If you have any further questions regarding Endoscopy, first please call the Waratah Specialist Centre on 9598 0013.

If you have any questions regarding the National Bowel Cancer screening program, please call the infoline 1800 118 868 or click here.

Which surgeon can I be referred to?