Improved access to training should boost clinical endoscopy numbers

Changes to HEE’s training programme for clinical endoscopists should help to attract new recruits and improve services for patients.

The programme was paused in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has now restarted using a new model of blended learning. Training is now a combination of online academic learning and face-to-face clinical training, whereas before March there was no virtual element. This should make attendance easier for many people.

Endoscopic procedures – screening patients’ organs with the use of an endoscopy camera – have traditionally been carried out by doctors, but are now increasingly carried out by specially-trained nurses and other non-medical health professionals.

New trainees and their employing NHS trusts are eligible for a support package worth up to £15,000 plus a travel and subsistence grant.

Laura Roberts, Director of Skills Development and Participation, Health Education England, said: “This new, more flexible approach to training is intended to support trusts in building their clinical endoscopy workforce, ensuring they have the skills needed to provide prompt and robust diagnostic services for patients.

“By developing clinical endoscopy as a key role, trusts can ensure that staff are able to progress and free up medical staff to concentrate on the most complex cases such as colonoscopies.”

The Clinical Endoscopist Training Programme began four years ago and more than 250 people have either completed learning or are currently in training.

Increasing the number of recruits is a key target of the NHS People Plan.

More information about the programme is available here:- https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/endoscopy/clinical-endoscopist-training-programme