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Gastric sleeve

Sleeve Gastrectomy removes part of the stomach to help with weight loss. The stomach is divided vertically from top to bottom, and the larger stomach section is then removed. This leaves a smaller gastric tube which is around 25-30% the size of your original stomach.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy encourages weight loss by reducing the amount of food you can eat and by reducing your appetite through complex hormonal mechanisms (not well understood). Your stomach will be around 70% smaller than before the surgery, meaning that the portion sizes that you are able to manage will be smaller. A Sleeve Gastrectomy is permanent and the alteration to your stomach is not reversible.

Unlike some other forms of bariatric surgery, a laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy does not affect the valves or nerves in the stomach. This means that although the stomach is reduced, the stomach function largely remains intact.

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.