New capsule sponge test service launched at Dorset County Hospital will improve patient experience

A new service to offer patients a quicker, more comfortable alternative to a traditional endoscopy, while supporting the early detection of cancer, has launched at Dorset County Hospital.

The capsule sponge test is a single-use device that consists of a capsule on a string, which, when swallowed, expands into a small, rough-textured sponge in a person’s stomach. The sponge is then removed, collecting some of the cells lining the oesophagus.

Service Manager for Surgery and Gastroenterology at DCH Aidan Dominy said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer our patients this new service.

“The capsule sponge test is a safe and effective procedure that can be delivered in just a few minutes, without the need for sedation or recovery time. Patients swallow a small capsule attached to a string, which is gently removed to collect cells for testing. This less invasive approach has been shown to be well tolerated by patients and can significantly improve the overall experience.”

The service was launched on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at the Outpatient Assessment Centre at South Walks House in Dorchester town centre during National Oesophageal Awareness Month.

Aiden added: “By offering this test in a community setting, eligible patients, including those on surveillance pathways, can be seen more quickly and comfortably, while also helping to reduce pressure on endoscopy services.”

This innovative service has been made possible through strong collaborative working between Wessex Cancer Alliance, Our Dorset Provider Collaborative, and Health Innovation Wessex, working alongside Dorset County Hospital teams. This partnership approach has been central to turning evidence-based innovation into a practical service that delivers real benefits for patients in Dorset.