How does NHS colonoscopy referral work?

[Boredofmyguts]

So following on from my sky high calprotectin I received a cc'd email via the NHS app once the clinican had 'reviewed my case' remotely (2 weeks after seeing GP), to say he recommended a colonoscopy with biopsy, but no red flags.
With that, via the local hosptial trust's portal I received a text to complete a pre-op questionnaire, which I duly completed and sent back.
This was only on Monday so I am now waiting to hear back re the date for the colonoscopy - is the GP having to make the referral now for the procedure, or will I hear direct from the hospital, and how do I get my prep?
Last time I had one it was via private healthcare so different - he just gave me the prep at first consult.
The referral was urgent, but now it seems to have been downgraded as 'no red flags' ie, FIT normal.
Anyone who has had a recent colonoscopy can shed light? DH had one last year but he was referred through A&E.

I had a routine CT scan for something different but it picked up an issue with my colon. I was referred by that dept at the hospital directly to gastroenterology. I was triaged by a nurse over the phone and referred for a colonoscopy. Everything before the procedure was over the phone apart from having to go to the hospital to pick up the preparation. They also arranged for bloods to be done at my local health centre. My GP wasn't involved at all until they wrote to them to say it was clear and they were discharging me.

I think it is just a matter of waiting to get a date now.

Thanks. Yes, I was a bit confused on whether I would hear from the hospital or whether the GP now refers onwards for the colonoscopy.

I've had recent comprehensive bloods which were all ok.

So I would have to pick up the prep from the hospital, which could be a pain depending on what hospital it is as we have a few in the trust (London).

Non urgent colonoscopies in my patch are done by a small semi private clinic, rather than the endoscopy dept at the hospital. It's much nicer! They post the prep to you after doing pre-op on the phone. They contact you.
Obviously all areas differ in their approach.

Just to update I had my colonoscopy on Friday. Now waiting for biopsy results and a CT referral as they want to check my appendix.

Hope it went ok. Don't hold your breath, I have been waiting for my biopsy results for nearly 2 months now!

Blimey, they say 4-6 weeks here! Hope you get them soon.

3 weeks they told me too!

Mine are finally back though after 8 weeks & it is IBD I think it says but it isn't clear. I thought the point of the colonoscopy and biopsies was to be able to be specific in the diagnosis but it isn't, or perhaps they just don't give a diagnosis by letter. I think it is UC (colitis, proctitis and ulcers, no granuloma). Says GP should make an 'urgent' referral to gastroenterology, will be interesting to see how quickly that comes through.

Hope yours come back soon. Did they say anything more at the colonoscopy appointment? At the end of mine I was given IBD meds to start right away so I knew then really, it was more than I thought the biopsies were to be specific so was expecting more info from that result.