1. Request an appointment
Use the appointment page or call reception. Your preferred day and time are requests, not confirmed slots. Reception will confirm availability and explain whether you need a consultation or pre-procedure review first.
2. Bring the information that matters
Bring relevant blood results, imaging, endoscopy and biopsy reports, hospital summaries and a current medicine list. Record when symptoms started, how they have changed and the questions you want answered. Include allergies, major illnesses and previous procedures. Do not send identity documents or sensitive medical images in your first booking message.
3. Discuss the assessment and options
Ask what is most likely to explain your symptoms, what needs to be excluded and which investigations would change the plan. An endoscopy is not necessary for every digestive symptom. Discuss benefits, alternatives, uncertainties and costs with the appropriate team before deciding on further care.
4. Prepare for an agreed procedure
Follow the individual fasting, bowel preparation and medicine plan. Do not independently stop blood thinners or change diabetes treatment. Ask about sedation, transport and a companion. Contact the team if you cannot follow the instructions or develop a new illness before the appointment.
5. Understand results and follow-up
Before leaving, confirm which results are available, which remain pending and who will review them. If a biopsy was taken or a stent inserted, make sure the next step is documented. Keep the reports and bring them to future visits. Ask which symptoms should trigger earlier or emergency assessment.
Do not use booking messages for emergencies
Vomiting blood, severe bleeding, inability to swallow saliva, severe persistent pain, jaundice with fever, breathing difficulty, fainting or confusion requires urgent assessment at the nearest emergency department.