The National Endoscopy Training Programme (NETP) is celebrating three years of delivering high quality education and training to more than 370 members of the NHS Scotland workforce.
Launched in 2021, the programme was developed to meet the increased demand of endoscopy services, such as colonoscopies, by providing NHS staff with the skills and confidence needed to deliver the highest standard of care to patients.
Delivered by the NHS Scotland Academy, a collaboration between NHS Education for Scotland and NHS Golden Jubilee, the programme provides hands-on training at a number of accredited sites across Scotland.
Offering a range of courses tailored to different roles and career stages, the NETP provides specialist training to Healthcare Support Workers, Registered Practitioners and experienced Endoscopists.
Thanks to these developments, endoscopy practice across Scotland is improving, providing better care, improved diagnosis and inevitably better outcomes.
The programme also supports service delivery during training. Over the past 3 years, thousands of endoscopy procedures have been carried out at NHS Golden Jubilee, with NETP playing a key role in building the workforce needed to deliver this care.
By enabling trainees to develop while actively contributing to clinical activity, NETP is directly working to reduce waiting lists and improve access to endoscopy services across Scotland.
This has resulted in a 14% increase in detection rates for polyps – small growths that can develop into cancer – and all NHS Scotland Boards now reaching national standards for colonoscopy procedures.
Clinical Lead for the National Endoscopy Training Programme and Consultant Surgeon, Ms Michelle Thornton said: “The National Endoscopy Training Programme has completely changed how colonoscopy is delivered in Scotland.
“Thanks to the programme, we have a new, joined-up approach to training and delivery, combining the latest techniques, modern equipment and an in depth learning approach across Scotland.
“This is not only improving accuracy and outcomes, but has the wider benefit for NHS Scotland of fewer repeat procedures, and a reduced risk of cancers being missed.”
Clinical Lead for the National Endoscopy Training Programme and Consultant Physician, Dr Aidan Cahill said: “The way endoscopists across Scotland have engaged with and embraced the NETP is truly amazing and encouraging for the future.
“We must acknowledge the support and mentorship we have received from internationally recognised experts in endoscopy training, Roland Valori and John Anderson, in developing the programme.
“The high standard and consistency of training within the programme is core to the success we have achieved and often mentioned in the feedback we receive.”
Dr John Anderson, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cheltenham and an internationally recognised expert in endoscopy training, recently described the programme and said: “This is the most significant educational programme in endoscopy anywhere in the world.
“The transformation in Scotland is outstanding – congratulations to everyone involved.”
As the National Endoscopy Training Programme continues to grow, it remains committed to supporting all NHS Scotland Boards to deliver safe, effective and high-quality endoscopy services for patients.