Gastrointestinal unit (GI unit)

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The GI unit provides both inpatient and outpatient services for patients who need an endoscopic procedure. An endoscopic procedure is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract.

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Our Team

The GI team of gastroenterologists and surgeons use endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat many disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These procedures include:

  • Gastroscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

  
The GI unit also provides other diagnostic and treatment services such as:

  • Urea breath test
  • Iron infusions
  • Infliximab infusion

The GI unit is a tertiary referral centre and one of the national leads in EUS and ERCP. ERCP is used to evaluate and manage conditions of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, including stones and tumours. 

The unit is one of 14 centres nationwide that provides colonoscopy examinations as part of the national bowel screening programme. The programme offers free screening to men and women aged 55 to 69 years. 

The service is accredited by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on gastrointestinal endoscopy. JAG's purpose is to ensure that endoscopy services have the skills, resources and motivation necessary to provide high quality, timely, patient-centred care. This is achieved through robust quality assurance assessments and by setting standards for individual endoscopists and endoscopy training.

Cancer genetics is becoming increasingly influential in cancer detection and prevention. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes for patients and their families. The GI unit runs family screening programmes for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). 

Referral & Appointment Information

Referrals

All referrals must be made by your GP, ideally using the GP referral form. The referral form can be sent by post or faxed to (01) 803 4770.

All referrals are triaged by one of the GI doctors. Patients are scheduled in order of clinical priority and then by referral date.

All urgent referrals are scheduled within four weeks of sign off. Routine appointments are scheduled within 12 weeks.

Your appointment

Patients will either receive an appointment for the outpatient clinic or an appointment for a procedure. A pre-procedural information booklet and a consent form may be sent with your appointment letter.  If you need further information, you can call the unit before your appointment.

If you require an interpreter, please contact the unit and we will organise this.

Please contact the consultant’s secretary if you are unable to attend your endoscopy appointment or clinic. Another person can then be offered your appointment, and the secretary will offer you an alternative appointment if you wish.

What to take with you on the day

If you are on any regular medications, bring a list of them with you to your appointment. Please bring suitable clothing to wear (pyjamas/nightdress) during the endoscopy procedure.

Patient consent forms

You will be told which of these consent forms you need to complete by the GI Unit team. 

Bowel preparation instructions for patients

There are two different bowel preparation instructions used for a colonoscopy in the GI Unit of the Mater Hospital. These preparation instructions are determined by your colonoscopy appointment time. Please click on the instructions for your appointment time below.
 

 

Polish Information

 

 

Romanian Information

 

 

Russian Information

 

 

Chinese Information

 

 

Portugese Information

 

 

Somali Information

 

 

Ukranian Information

 

 

For patients with Cystic Fibrosis

 

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Gastrointestinal Unit (GI unit)

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  • Location:
  • GI Unit
  • Level 4, Whitty Wing
  • North Circular Road

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