I recently had a colonoscopy as part of a health check-up. While everything thing went well, for some reason my North Shore-based doctor referred me to a facility over the bridge for the procedure. What I recently discovered is that one of the very best facilities for colonoscopy and gastroscopy is actually right here on the Shore. My trip in morning peak hour traffic could have been avoided had my doctor referred me to Waitematā Endoscopy on Wairau Road. Much easier.
As we are all learning more and more, getting the check is very important. This is why we are highlighting it in this issue of Channel Mag. With bowel cancer being the second highest cause of cancer deaths in New Zealand (more than breast and prostate cancer combined), early treatment is essential, with endoscopy an integral part of early cancer detection and diagnosis.
At Waitematā Endoscopy, they have worked hard to solve the problem of timely access to a colonoscopy for the early screening, detection and diagnosis of bowel cancer, at ideally its pre-cancerous stage. Now, with increased capacity, North Shore residents requiring private endoscopy services can have access to significantly reduced wait times during an anxious time.
With 17 gastroenterologists and surgeons, Waitematā Endoscopy is able to offer patients a confirmed appointment within seven working days of a GP, specialist, or self-referral for most standard colonoscopies and gastroscopies, when you let them match you with the availabilities of their experienced specialists across the Waitematā Endoscopy Group. North Shore patients now have increased access to world-class endoscopy care closer to home for greater peace of mind.
The Waitematā Endoscopy clinics (as well as North Shore they also have a clinic in Henderson) provide people with upper gastrointestinal issues, reflux, coeliac disease, colon/bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, access to a highly experienced team of 10 gastroenterologists and seven surgeons, supported by a kind and compassionate nursing team.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the gut using a thin tube and light that is minimally invasive for patient. Commonly referred to as a “Top and Tail”, the “top” is a gastroscopy, when the tube or scope is inserted through the mouth. The “tail” is a colonoscopy, where the scope is to get a good look at the colon or large bowel.
How do I get an appointment?
If you have health insurance, Waitematā Endoscopy is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Health insurance, and can also apply for prior approval with NIB on your behalf. They also provide quotes for other insurers, or if you are self-funding, they can provide an estimate.
Waitematā Endoscopy aims to deliver an international standard of excellence in endoscopy services for New Zealanders. With purpose-built endoscopy clinics, which includes a personal ensuite in the pre-procedure areas, as well as the latest technology, Clinical Director Dr Ali Jafer says “local residents can have increased peace of mind, knowing that they can receive timely and exceptional quality endoscopy care when they need it, to improve their quality of life and wellbeing”.
So don’t sit on your symptoms, take action for you and your whānau.
The Waitematā Endoscopy team may also be able to assist you with a payment plan of 12 months interest free or six months long term finance with Q Mastercard. Talk to them about the conditions that apply.
To meet Waitematā Endoscopy doctors and read their profiles, visit waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/doctors
Waitematā Endoscopy on the Shore – at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital, 212 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley.
Phone: 09 925 4449
Also located in West Auckland at 53 Lincoln Road, Henderson.
Visit: waitemataendoscopy.co.nz
