Works are progressing to install the new modular Endoscopy suite which will allow more procedures to be delivered to patients.

Works have commenced on a building project to expand TPCH’s Gastroenterological and Endoscopy Service, allowing more procedures to be delivered to patients.

The project involves the installation of a portable modular suite containing two full sized procedure rooms, a decontamination room and six recovery spaces. The new suite, located in the Endoscopy Unit car park, will allow an additional 100 colonoscopy procedures to be performed every month, supporting the growing demand on the service.

TPCH Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Professor Tony Rahman said that the new suite was an excellent improvement for the service.

“TPCH is one of Queensland’s busiest gastroenterology services performing around 8,500 procedures each year, 60 per cent of which are colonoscopies,” Prof Rahman said.

“Over the last five years, the service has experienced significant growth, with more members of the community needing these vital procedures.

“With bowel cancer now recognised as the nation’s second most common cancer, more people are requesting colonoscopy procedures to aid in its early detection.

“Having these expanded facilities will allow more patients to receive high quality, facilitating early diagnosis and timely treatment.”

The new facility is scheduled to open from late January 2021.