An endoscopy service that investigates potential internal health problems has once again been recognised as “exceptional” – following an independent inspection.
Our endoscopy service has been described as “high quality, innovative and progressive”.
This is following an assessment by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recently. This assessment takes place every five years.
The service has two units – a hot-site at the University Hospital of North Tees for higher risk procedures and the Rutherford Morrison unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
In an official report sent to the service, it states: “It is a high quality, innovative, and progressive service.
“The visiting team found this to be an exceptional endoscopy service. It exemplifies genuine and inclusive teamwork from the executive team down to the domestic staff.”
The assessment found “excellent achievements” in a number of areas including:
- Maintaining patients’ privacy and dignity
- Procedure information videos on the Trust website
- “Excellent decontamination services”
- Excellent feedback from patients
- Strong leadership in the nursing team
- The team’s “passion and compassion for their work, patients and each other”
It also acknowledged the achievement to recently open a new cutting-edge regional training facility at the Hartlepool site. This was opened as part of the newly formed Northern Endoscopy Training Academy.
“Above and beyond”
Joan Lattaway, endoscopy service manager, said: “To once again receive such an excellent assessment is fantastic recognition of the dedication and commitment the team has to the service and our patients.
“Each and every member of the team goes above and beyond to do all we can for our patients. And that is clearly shown in this report.
“We also have a number of recommendations which will help us make further improvements to the service, something which is just as important as acknowledging all of the fantastic feedback we have had.
“I would like to thank all members of the service for everything they have done over what has been a challenging period over the last few years.
“We are determined to improve further – with new developments in the service including the opening of the training academy it really is an exciting time to be a part of the service.”
