A national training programme in ultrasound scanning is transforming diagnostic care across NHS Scotland by cutting waiting times, accelerating staff development, and enhancing patient outcomes.
The National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP), delivered by the NHS Scotland Academy, a collaboration between NHS Education for Scotland and NHS Golden Jubilee, has already supported more than 17,400 patient scans since the launch in 2022.
These scans are vital for diagnosing a wide range of health conditions, from heart and kidney issues to early signs of cancer.
The NUTP is an accelerated and more practical way to train learners, helping to cut waiting lists, reduce delays in treatment, and ease pressure on NHS Scotland Boards.
Traditionally becoming an ultrasound specialist, known as a sonographer, can take years. This new programme transforms training by immersing staff in hands-on learning in a real hospital environment, allowing them to develop their skills while actively contributing to patient care.
Over 90 learners, including trainee sonographers, specialist registrar radiologists and gynaecology residents have already taken part in the immersive training programme.
During and after their training, learners carry out real scans for patients at their NHS Scotland Board, safely and confidently, meaning patients get the benefit straight away and the overall quality of scanning is improved.
The course also includes a series of masterclasses where senior clinicians share their expertise in more advanced or complex cases. These sessions give learners a deeper understanding and help them apply their knowledge in the best way possible.
One trainee who took part in the NUTP said: “I had an excellent experience at NUTP.
“The service really helps trainee sonographers by providing a less hectic scanning environment with lists that are well-structured and allow adequate time to learn in comparison to traditional NHS training lists.
“The team gave me such confidence in my abilities and provided a warm and welcoming environment to work in.
“I look forward to returning this year.”
Ultrasound scans are used widely across the NHS, but in recent years many services have faced a growing demand and a shortage of trained staff.
The NUTP offers an accelerated and more practical way to train learners, helping to cut waiting lists, reduce delays in treatment, and ease pressure on NHS Scotland Boards.
Caroline Handley, Deputy Director of National Elective Services at NHS Golden Jubilee said: “The demand for ultrasound scans is higher than ever across NHS Scotland.
“This programme is a real step forward, it gives learners the experience they need without affecting existing services.”
Clair Graham, Head of Programme (Education) at NHS Scotland Academy said “The NUTP allows us to enhance and accelerate learning through immersive, hands-on experiences for trainee sonographers, radiology residents, and multi-professional learners in the field of ultrasound.
“By providing focused, learner-centred education within NHS Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, we are not only expanding training capacity but also improving patient care, helping ensure scans are delivered more quickly and efficiently.”
The training is part of the wider work of the NHS Scotland Academy which provides accelerated learning programmes to help build and strengthen the healthcare workforce.