In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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We care for and treat people with problems with the gastrointestinal system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines and bowel, liver and pancreas.

About this service

We offer various gastroenterology services, including specialist appointments with doctors and nurses, as well as procedures.

As part of our gastroenterology clinics, we have services that care for people with problems with the liver, as well as for people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The procedures we provide include:

  • Gastroscopy - an endoscope (a long, thin flexible tube with a video camera at the tip) is passed through the mouth, the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small bowel.
  • Colonoscopy – an endoscope is passed through the rectum, the large bowel and part of the small bowel. If you need a colonoscopy, we will ask you to complete a bowel preparation before the procedure to ensure your bowel is cleared out.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy - an endoscope is passed through the rectum and the lower part of the large bowel. We will tell you how to prepare for this procedure.
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) - an endoscope is passed through the mouth, the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine where the bile duct and pancreatic duct connect.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – a special endoscope with a built-in ultrasound probe is passed through the mouth, the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small bowel.  It can be used to help diagnose certain conditions.
  • PEG insertion, replacement and trouble shooting. A PEG tube is a feeding tube that goes through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.
  • Fibroscan - a scan that measures the stiffness of the Liver.

All of these procedures can usually be done as day procedures, meaning you won’t have to stay in hospital overnight.

If you are booked for one of these procedures, we will give you information about how long you need to fast and any other preparation you need to do.

Who we care for

We care for people aged 16 years and older.

There is no cost to you if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

How to access this service

To get your first appointment in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist.

If you require ongoing care you will need a referral from your GP as Specialist referrals are only valid for three months.

We also provide Endoscopy at North Canberra Hospital.

What to expect

All referrals to our service are triaged by one of our gastroenterologists.

Once you have been triaged you will be added to a waiting list appropriate for your triage category. We will call you to arrange your appointment and confirm it in writing.

Your first appointment will be a clinic appointment. We will assess you to decide if you need any of the procedures offered by our service.

If you have Chronic Liver Disease you may not require any procedures but will continue under the care of our Liver Specialists.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Canberra Hospital, Building 1, Level 2.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week