New service to detect swallowing disorders

A new service had been launched to help assess patients with a swallowing disorder. This new service uses a Video Endoscope and equipment purchased by the Friends of Conquest Hospital.

The new service called the Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing will make it easier to assess and manage patients with swallowing disorders. It involves passing a small endoscope up through the nose to visualise the throat during a swallowing assessment, allowing immediate feedback for patients about their condition.

Mr Paul Kirkland Consultant Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon said, “It is extremely generous of the Friends to purchase this equipment. I would like to thank them for their generosity on behalf of all the patients who will benefit from the new service we are now able to offer. This new equipment will enable the ENT department to work more closely with our Speech and Language Therapy colleagues to offer our patients a much improved service with quicker diagnosis and commencement of treatment.”

Anita Smith Consultant Speech and Language Therapist said, “This new equipment will help us to identify swallowing disorders which we might have missed before using traditional swallowing examinations. Working jointly with our ENT colleagues we will be able to reduce waiting times for detailed swallowing assessments, offer patients immediate advice and reassurance and reduce the need for further appointments which will ultimately improve patient safety”

Bill Hamilton Chair of the Friends of Conquest Hospital said, “We are pleased to be able to fund this new machine which will be so beneficial to those with swallowing difficulties.   We are only able to make this £50,000 donation of equipment thanks to the generosity of local donors, bequests and the hard work of our members, so a big thank you to them all.”