The Northern Trust provides endoscopy services at four locations: Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt and Whiteabbey Hospital.
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor or specially trained nurse to look at areas of your gastrointestinal tract. They can look down the endoscope and see if there is any inflammation or any other abnormalities. By using the endoscope, samples (biopsies) can be taken of any abnormal looking tissues.
We are a teaching Trust and therefore students and trainee endoscopists might be involved in your care. This will not affect the quality of your treatment and the students and trainees will be supervised at all times. Please tell us if you wish for them not to be involved in your care.
Types of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
There are two types of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GI); Upper and Lower.
Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI Endoscopy is often called OGD (OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy).
OGD looks at your gullet, stomach and Duodenum (the first part of your small bowel) and can show what is wrong if you are having difficulties with swallowing, indigestion, heartburn or nausea.
Read more about Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD): What to Expect
Lower GI Endoscopy
Lower GI Endoscopy involves a colonoscopy which looks at all of the large bowel and a flexible sigmoidoscopy which examines the left side of the large bowel.
These tests can show us what is wrong if you have changes in your bowel habits, blood in stools, unexplained anaemia and as a screening test for colon cancer.
Read more about Lower GI Endoscopy (Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy): What to Expect.
Other Endoscopy Services
The Northern Trust also offers a range of specialised endoscopy tests to help diagnose and treat different conditions.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography)
An ERCP is a test that uses an endoscope and X-rays to look at the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. It is used to diagnose and treat problems with your biliary system.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
This test involves swallowing a small capsule (about the size of a pill) that contains a tiny camera.
As the capsule moves through your digestive system, it takes pictures of your small bowel to help identify any problems.
Research and clinical trials
Research is vital to improving the care that you receive when you’re unwell. You can help improve healthcare by taking part in research studies at our Trust. During your appointment, ask your healthcare professional about research. They’ll be happy to tell you about research studies you could be eligible to join.
How to contact us
Endoscopy unit, Antrim Area Hospital
Level C, Antrim Area Hospital, Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL.
- Telephone: 028 9442 4758
View the access guide for the Endoscopy Unit at Antrim Area Hospital.
Day Procedure Unit, Causeway Hospital
- Telephone: 028 7034 6105
The Day Procedure Unit is located to the left of the main hospital entrance.
Mid Ulster Hospital
Ground Floor, Mid Ulster Hospital, 59 Hospital Road, Magherafelt, BT45 5EX.
- Telephone: 028 7936 6767
For those with mobility issues, please access through the Occupational Therapy Department to the right of the main hospital building.
Endoscopy Unit, Whiteabbey Hospital
McCaughey House, Ground Floor, Whiteabbey Hospital, Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 9RH.
- Telephone: 028 9055 2464
Cancelling or changing your appointment
If you need to cancel or change your appointment date, please call 028 9442 4077.
You can only reschedule your appointment date once. Please give as much notice as possible so someone else can have your appointment slot.
If you do not attend your appointment, you may be discharged back to the care of your GP or referrer.