"planned investigation unit"

Anything else?

Went in to the PIU on 12th Aug for an endoscopy. Was seen promptly.. within 10 mins of my appointment time. Nurses were lovely.. explained the procedure fully and said I can either have a sedative or throat spray to numb the throat. Totally put me at ease with the procedure and I opted for the throat spray. Nurse also ensured someone was picking me up afterwards, and she filled in medical questionnaire based on what medication I was taking / other medical problems. Taken to treatment room where another nurse took over -also lovely. TheConsultant then came and again fully explained the procedure and said if they found anything would take biopsies there and then and tell me afterwards of any findings. Would definitely recommend the throat spray.. the procedure was not painful- the secret is to concentrate on breathing. Consultant explained what he was doing on every step. Very slight discomfort when scope first enters oesophagus but not painful. Had 4 biopsies taken from stomach wall.. again not painful. All in all took less than 10 minutes. Consultant fully explained results immediately afterwards - hiatus hernia and gastritis, and tested one biopsy for bacteria - helicobacter pylori - which was positive. I was given a letter there and then explaining the results and advised to go to gp for antibiotics for bacteria. Answered all my questions. Able to go home within 10 mins of the procedure. For those unsure where the PIU is - go through the main entrance of hospital and walk straight down the corridor. Is on the North Wing at end of the corridor.