The Northern Health Endoscopy Service now offers Direct Access Colonoscopy for patients with a Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (+FOBT) that was performed as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) . 

Aim: 

To reduce the waiting time to colonoscopy for patients with NBCSP +FOBT

Benefit:

• Improved time to colonoscopy for patients with NBCSP +FOBT and thus improved time to colorectal disease diagnosis

How it Works: 

• The NBCSP  invites asymptomatic Australians aged 50 to 74 years to undergo FOBT screening every two years via a mailed kit
• At Northern Health we have developed a direct access program to fast-track colonoscopy for patients with a positive FOBT as part of the NBCSP
• The direct access referral form is faxed to the Central Appointment and Referral Service (CARS) on 8405-8616. Complete forms are accepted and passed onto endoscopy bookings
• Our Advanced Practice Nurse Endoscopist then contacts the patient for a clinical assessment over the telephone. The Nurse Endoscopist directly books the colonoscopy on a dedicated endoscopy list, sends all instructions as per Northern Health Endoscopy Guidelines
• The direct access colonoscopy request form  must be used to access this service