This blog is to update you regarding services at St. Mark’s Bowel Cancer Screening Centre amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Recovery Plans – We are currently undertaking a phased return to service at the screening centre. This will involve ensuring the safety of both patients and staff by following infection control procedures as laid out the Trust Executive Board, North West London Sector and NHSE London.
Bowel Scope (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy) - This service has been suspended. All appointments have been cancelled and these participants have been informed of these cancellations. At present there has been no confirmation when or if this service will resume. As soon as we have further information we will update you.
FIT Screening - This service has been suspended. All appointments have been cancelled and these participants have been informed. No FIT kits are currently being distributed to participants. Again, we will update you when this service resumes. We are hoping to recall those having received a FIT positive result as our first priority. This will commence once NHSE informs us we can do so.
Key advice from British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) can be found here: https://www.bsg.org.uk/covid-19-advice/endoscopy-activity-and-covid-19-bsg-and-jag-guidance/
Surveillance – All surveillance has been postponed and patients have been informed. We are reviewing these with screening consultants and prioritising by clinical need.
We appreciate your understanding in this unprecedented time.
I hope this clarifies the role of St. Mark’s Bowel Cancer Screening Centre for the next few months. If there is anything which is unclear and needs clarification please do email the team via andrewprentice@nhs.net or call 0208 869 3376.
When normal service resumes we will contact you to inform you. Wishing you all the best and stay safe!
Sarah Marshall
Clinical Programme Manager