Ysbyty Gwynedd

The Day Surgery and Endoscopy unit, is a purpose built unit that was opened in 1994. Its entrance is located next to the Accident and Emergency Department and it consists of a reception area, pre-assessment and pre-operative area, two operating theatres, two Endoscopy suites and two treatment rooms.

There is a large recovery area that is divided into 1st and 2nd stage recovery. There are also discharge and counselling rooms.

Patients are seen at the unit for pre-assessment prior to surgery by the nursing staff. The staff are able to asses whether the patient is fit for anaesthesia, are aged between 16 – 80+, and that they have a responsible carer following discharge from the unit.

The unit support the following specialities:

• General Surgical
• Gynaecology
• Orthopaedics
• Oral
• Plastic Surgery
• ENT
• Minor Breast Surgery
• Anaesthetics
• X-Ray
• Medical tests

In an average week about 120 patients have endoscopic procedures performed and an average of 30 – 35 patients receive surgical intervention.

On arrival at the unit, patients are escorted to the pre-operative area, where they are admitted to the unit. They are processed through the appropriate department for their treatments.

During their recovery, the patients are nursed initially in stage 1 recovery area (which can accommodate 12 patients and has wall mounted oxygen and suction). When the patient is suitably recovered, they are escorted to the second stage recovery area. Facilities include reclining chairs, tea, coffee and a television. All patients undergoing General Surgery are given drinks and sandwiches before leaving the unit.

Once the designated carer has arrived for the patient, a qualified nurse will proceed through the discharge planning. The procedure they have undergone is once again explained in detail and the nurse arranges any aftercare if required.

The average time spent within the unit for an endoscopic procedure is 4 hours, however, this increases to 6 hours if the patient has undergone General Anaesthetic.

Llandudno General Hospital

Llandudno's Endoscopy unit provides diagnostic and some therapeutic services to the community including One Stop Rectal and Open Access sessions for the GP’s. Lithotripsy services also use the department.