Heartbeat: Cystoscopy pilot proves a huge success

September 22, 2021

Over the last 18 months, we have all felt the pressures of the pandemic and countless teams have found new ways to continue supporting patients. Our urology team is of those teams and has recently trialled an innovative procedure to help reduce their backlog and offer reassurance to their patients.

Speaking to Heartbeat, Mr Tariq Sami, Urology Consultant, told us: “The pandemic has meant that we have a backlog and limited capacity to see all of our patients. We needed to find an efficient way for patients to have their diagnostics done and see patients who have been waiting a long time for their cancer management.

“With the help of the Trust, we have moved forward with this trial. Approximately £65,000 was secured in funding for the cystoscopes and it has meant we can start to see the patients who need a diagnosis or follow-up treatment. A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope. There is a high rate of bladder cancers and because of the delay; our pick rate has been high. Being able to do this means patients can go on to have their surgery after having this procedure.”

Mr Sami continued: “This is an in house service; done externally, it would mean a higher cost. We do 40 cases a week – that’s on top of what we ordinarily provide. It means we are providing care on the wards and patients aren’t going to theatres. It reduces their pathways and diagnosis and improves the overall patient experience. It’s quick for us, quick for patients and, it has helped with difficult categorisation cases. Plus, we’re now looking at using this in outpatient clinics. It will mean prompt care and stopping patients going back and forth.”

Amy Harper, CNS Urology, told us feedback has been excellent. Some of the comments from patients include: “Thank you so much to all the staff who have supported me through my treatment”, whilst another remarked: “Staff were extremely helpful and pleasant – a superb and efficient service.”

Asked about when this trial began, Mr Sami explained: “We started in May; I came in on my annual leave, as have other consultants so that we can do this work. Working weekends allows us to continue our day to day service without disruption.

“Four consultants have been part of this trial. Including me, there has been Mr Ullah, Mr Khan and Mr Dhanasekaran. Our nurses have been coming in on the weekends too – Maria Delarosa, Lindsey Broadhurst, Sue McKenzie, Emma Hill, Emma Jones, Stacey Clarke and HCA Kully. It’s been a real team effort that has been supported by the bookings team and our management, in particular Andy Torrance and Mohammed Nawaz.”

Reflecting on the success of the pilot so far, Mr Andy Torrance, Colorectal Consultant, remarked: “Mr Sami has led on this initiative and, it has been an extremely positive pilot for patients and the Trust. Adapting as the team has is making a real difference in people’s lives is something we can all be proud of. Well done and, thank you to everyone that has supported this project.”