Mackay Day Hospital endoscopy unit introduces online bowel cancer consults
Bowel cancer screening is expected to become quicker with the addition of an online consultation service at a new Mackay day hospital endoscopy clinic.
Mackay
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A new endoscopy unit at Mackay Specialist Day Hospital will quicken faster bowel cancer screening times for patients.
The hospital’s Rapid Access Endoscopy (RAE) Clinic should enable patients to have an endoscopy within two weeks of a referral by replacing an in-person pre-procedure consultation with an online one.
“This is all about patient choice. It will reduce the burden (of GPs) of face-to-face meetings and make it a smooth process,” Virtus Health Day Hospitals general manager Bronwyn Jenner said.
“The patient will see a GP who then refers them to the clinic who will then support the patient.”
She said the new clinic should boost the early detection and prevention of bowel cancer.
The disease causes 4000 deaths annually and is often preventable.
Ms Jenner said the use of online consultations was optional.
“The purpose is to streamline the process,” she said.
“We’re very excited about the service. It will provide the best service.
“Endoscopes are extremely important for the early detection and treatment of precancerous conditions.”
Ms Jenner said the computer-assisted endoscopy equipment used a cutting-edge ultra-magnifying gastroscope and colonoscope to provide powerfully sharp images of the oesophagus, stomach and colon.
“It produces high-definition images, making it easier for the surgeon to see the faintest details of a suspicious lesions during routine endoscopy procedures,” she said.
“The images help doctors detect early changes, before they become cancerous, so lesions can be removed during the endoscopy procedure, preventing the need for additional surgery.
“Our doctors are passionate about raising awareness of the national bowel cancer screening program.”
Ms Jenner encouraged people to seek medical help if they noticed symptoms associated with gastrointestinal tract cancers.
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