York Hospital launches new service to help cut cancer waiting times
The Endoscopic Ultrasound procedure will give faster, more accurate results for patients.
York Hospital has officially launched a pioneering diagnostic service that will help transform the way patients with serious conditions are assessed and treated in the region.
The new Endoscopic Ultrasound Service (EUS) is now operational. The advanced procedure, used to diagnose and stage conditions such as gastrointestinal cancers and pancreatitis, had previously only been available in cities like Leeds or Hull—forcing many patients to travel long distances for essential care.
Now, thanks to a £500,000 investment, the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer the cutting-edge service closer to home.
“This is a gold standard moment for our patients,” said Dr Prashant Kant, Consultant in Gastroenterology with the Trust. “It’s about bringing high-quality, timely care to where it’s needed most.”
Faster, More Accurate Diagnoses
The EUS procedure, which takes just 30 minutes, combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology to provide detailed imaging of the digestive tract and nearby organs. Crucially, it also allows biopsies to be taken during the same session—enabling faster diagnoses and reducing the number of appointments needed.
Dr Thomas Berriman, who leads the new service, said:
“EUS gives us an incredibly detailed view inside the body and is especially effective in diagnosing and staging cancers and other complex conditions. Now, instead of referring patients to Leeds or Hull, we can offer the full procedure here at York Hospital. This means faster results, earlier interventions, and less stress for our patients.”