Endoscopy Transformation

Endoscopy Transformation Programme

The Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS Endoscopy Transformation Programme began in September 2020, in the wake of the first national Covid lockdown.

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is the inspection of any hollow organ using a thin tube with a light source. The Lancashire and South Cumbria Endoscopy Transformation Programme focuses on endoscopy of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract including both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as innovative diagnostics such as Cytosponge and Colon Capsule Endoscopy.

Pressures in endoscopy

Overall numbers of endoscopy procedures have been increasing over the past five years, with an average growth of 3% per annum in gastroscopy and 5% per annum in colonoscopy nationally.

The Richards Review published in November 2020 recommends the need for a new diagnostics model supporting earlier diagnosis, greater convenience to patients and the drive to reduce health inequalities.

In addition, in March 2021 GIRFT Getting It Right First Time National Report on Gastroenterology was published with a wealth of recommendations.

NHSE National Endoscopy Transformation Programme

The NHSE National Endoscopy Transformation Programme began in January 2022 and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Programme works with regional partners in Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Merseyside as well as systems across the country to share best practice and learn from each other.

The Lancashire & South Cumbria Endoscopy Transformation programme works closely with a number of other programmes across the ICS including Community Diagnostic Centres [hyperlink to ICS CDC page], Imaging, Pathology including on the Double FIT Programme [hyperlink to Claire’s FIT section] and with Health Education England on training programmes and Future Workforce Planning and regional programmes such as the North West Endoscopy Academy.

Working in endoscopy

If you are considering a career in endoscopy, take a look at our Twitter account including videos from a range of front line staff giving a flavour of why they love their job in endoscopy.

If you would like to know more about the Lancashire & South Cumbria Endoscopy Transformation Programme, please contact sarah.hunter1@mbht.nhs.uk