Overview

Good Hope Hospital, part of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), has implemented capsule endoscopy technology to facilitate examinations of the small bowel.

Established Service

• The hospital has been operating one of the Midlands’ most recognized capsule endoscopy services since 2012.
• This service is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and iron deficiency anemia, where visualizing the small bowel is essential.

New Technology

The latest version of this technology, known as Genius, was introduced in February 2026. This patch-based system, provided by MedTech company Medtronic, replaces the traditional belt and bag setup used for capturing images of the small intestine.

Patient Experience

According to Rachel Hilmo, a capsule endoscopy practitioner at UHB, the new system enhances patient comfort:

• Patients swallow a small capsule equipped with a camera and light.
• As the capsule moves through the small bowel, it captures thousands of images to assist in identifying conditions like IBD and the causes of iron deficiency anemia.
• Previously, patients had to wear a bulky belt and carry a bag with a computer, which could be uncomfortable and restrictive.

Improved Technology

The Genius system utilizes a discreet adhesive patch placed on the abdomen, which contains the technology needed to receive and store images. Currently, patients return the patch to the hospital the following day for data download. The long-term goal is to enable direct transmission of information to a secure cloud-based system, allowing clinicians to access results remotely and minimizing hospital visits.

Future Prospects

Initial patient feedback and evaluations from the clinical team will guide the potential wider rollout of this technology across UHB’s endoscopy services. Hilmo expressed pride in being part of this innovation:

• “We are excited to test new technologies that significantly enhance patient experience.”
• She acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in launching the new system, particularly thanking the IT services team for their support.
• With advancements in artificial intelligence and digital integration, the effectiveness and patient-friendliness of capsule endoscopy are expected to improve further.

Cybersecurity Note

It is worth mentioning that Medtronic recently experienced a cyber attack that resulted in unauthorized access to some of its IT systems. However, the company confirmed that patient safety was not compromised and that immediate measures were taken to address the incident.