We are very pleased to be celebrating the success of our Endoscopic Ultrasound Service (EUS), which has now been operating for an entire year.
On 15 October 2023, Darent Valley Hospital (DVH) was the first hospital in Kent to offer this service, which is essential in the diagnosis of Upper GI and Hepatobiliary Cancers and allows the biopsy of pathology deep within the body through the walls of the GI tract.
The service at DVH has enabled our patients to have their endoscopic ultrasounds more locally in Kent as previously they were having to travel to King's College Hospital or Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, both in London.
Not only has this resulted in less travel time for our patients, it has reduced the wait for our patients with suspected cancer from 7 weeks to 2 weeks. In addition to the significant primary benefits for our patients, we are pleased that there are financial advantages for the Trust as well.
Remarkably, over the last year, we have performed 174 EUS procedures and since April, we have started taking biopsies of the pancreas, upper GI tumours and pathological lymph nodes. We have performed 33 biopsies so far with a 91% success rate at reaching a diagnosis. What’s more, there have been zero complications.
Sharing his gratitude on this remarkable achievement, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust’s Upper GI Cancer Lead, Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist, Dr Ben Warner said: “I would like to especially thank Rebecca Steele for all her support on this as well as the nursing staff in endoscopy for helping me introduce a new type of endoscopy to the department.”
The Trust’s Divisional Director for Medicine, Cancer and Emergency Care, Dr. Aref Rastegar, added: “I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding leadership in establishing the Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) service at our hospital. Being the first in Kent to offer this procedure is a significant achievement, and it is a testament to your dedication and vision.
Your hard work and commitment have made a real difference in the lives of our patients, providing them with advanced diagnostic options that were previously unavailable. It has been inspiring to see how you’ve brought this service to fruition, and I am proud to be part of this journey alongside you.
Thank you once again for your incredible efforts. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in the years to come.”