National Ultrasound Training Programme shortlisted for national award
We are delighted to share that the National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP) has been shortlisted for Scotland Radiography Team of the Year 2025 in the Society of Radiographers Awards.
Delivered in partnership by NHS Education for Scotland and NHS Golden Jubilee, the programme is transforming how ultrasound professionals are trained across Scotland.
By embedding education directly into clinical practice, NUTP is helping to reduce waiting times, improve patient outcomes, and support the Radiology Recovery Plan.
Since launching in 2022, the programme has:
- Trained over 138 healthcare professionals from 12 Health Boards
- Supported more than 21,200 patient scans
- Achieved 98% patient satisfaction
- Significantly reduced Did Not Attend rates
Training takes place in purpose-built rooms at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, where learners scan real patients under expert supervision. This ensures training contributes to service delivery from day one.
The programme is free to access and open to professionals across NHS Scotland. It includes advanced masterclasses and interprofessional training weeks, welcoming participants from a wide range of clinical backgrounds.
In 2025, NUTP launched its first Interprofessional Learner Week, introducing NMAHP students to sonography as a key diagnostic tool and career opportunity.
The programme has also:
- Established a national Gynaecology Reference Group
- Developed specialist training in head and neck and musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Secured recurrent funding to expand its reach
Winners will be announced in November.
Read the full story on our website.
Visit from NHS Wales colleagues
In October we were delighted to welcome colleagues from the NHS Wales Imaging Academy.
The visit provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange, as our guests met with the National Ultrasound Training Programme development team to learn about the establishment, governance, and operationalisation of the programme.
The NHS Wales team expressed a keen interest in replicating a similar model, aiming to positively influence education and training for the sonography workforce through a model that directly benefits patients.
National Endoscopy Training Programme
The National Endoscopy Training Programme (NETP) has now delivered high-quality education to over 687 NHS Scotland staff.
Launched in 2021, NETP was developed to meet rising demand for endoscopy services by equipping staff with the skills and confidence to deliver safe, effective care.
Delivered by the NHS Scotland Academy, the programme offers hands-on training at accredited sites across Scotland. It supports a wide range of learners, from Healthcare Support Workers to experienced Endoscopists.
Key achievements include:
- Thousands of procedures delivered during training
- A 14% increase in polyp detection rates
- All Boards now meeting national colonoscopy standards
- Fewer repeat procedures and reduced risk of missed cancers
Learn more about the National Endoscopy Training Programme
Clinical Skills for Pharmacists Programme: Supporting Primary Care
The Clinical Skills for Pharmacists Programme continues to support the development of pharmacists working in Primary Care across Scotland.
To date, 2,153 learners have taken part in the programme, which is designed to build confidence and competence in clinical assessment, decision-making and patient management.
Delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face learning, the programme is helping to:
- Enhance the role of pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams
- Improve access to care for patients
- Reduce pressure on GPs and other services
The programme is part of the NHS Scotland Academy’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the Primary Care workforce.
Upcoming from the NHS Scotland Academy
Supporting the Biomedical Workforce
The NHS Scotland Academy is pleased to launch a new series of Accelerated Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Registration Training Portfolio (RTP) Workshops. These online sessions are designed to support trainee biomedical scientists in completing their IBMS RTP.
Running to January 2026, the workshops provide practical guidance and expert support to help learners progress through their portfolio and prepare for registration.
Click here for more information, including how to apply
Best Practice in Colorectal Polypectomy
Now open for registration
Join us at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel on 8 December 2025 for a national training event on Best Practice in Colorectal Polypectomy, delivered through the National Endoscopy Training Programme.
Learn from expert national and international faculty, explore advanced techniques, and see live demonstrations of complex procedures including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
- Open to all Scottish endoscopists
- Registration: £100 (consultants), £50 (trainees and nurses)
- Venue: Golden Jubilee, Clydebank
Book now by emailing NHSScotlandAcademy@nhs.scot.