High-quality endoscopic care coming to Lower Hutt

24 May 2018

Southern Cross Hospitals Limited has joined forces with a group of specialists to build a new endoscopy unit in Lower Hutt to service the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast.

Opening in July, the new Rutherford Clinic will offer the region a full range of procedures, such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy, from several highly-experienced endoscopists.

Located in Connolly Street, the day-stay clinic will be the first time Southern Cross Hospitals has had a presence in the Hutt region; bringing a modern, purpose-built facility to the area. It will have two operating theatres and employ up to 20 staff.

Southern Cross Hospitals Chief Operating Officer Tau Loon Ho says the facility will have an inviting and fit-for-purpose environment for patients, staff and the endoscopists.

“We are thrilled to be working with a group of endoscopists and nursing staff who share our desire to offer the people of Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast a dedicated facility close to home,” he says.

Gastroenterologist Dr Stephen Inns, who is among the group of endoscopists, says greater awareness of the benefits of monitoring gastrointestinal and bowel health has led to increased demand for endoscopy services.

“The Rutherford Clinic will be dedicated to endoscopy, meaning it will offer an efficient service supported by a team of high calibre nursing staff,” Dr Inns says.

“The Rutherford Clinic will increase the choice and convenience for Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast residents who need a high-quality endoscopy service. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world and bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand.”

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into a person’s body so doctors and surgeons can examine their inner organs. The camera is inserted through the mouth (gastroscopy) or through the anus (colonoscopy).

What are the benefits of endoscopy?

Endoscopy allows early detection and treatment of many gastrointestinal diseases. It is increasingly being used to treat conditions that previously would have required surgery. Screening for bowel cancer using endoscopy has been shown to reduce cancer deaths in international studies.

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