The endoscopy unit at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston has been given the seal of approval following an accreditation visit.
The unit cares for patients undergoing endoscopy procedures, where the inside of your body is examined using an endoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and a video camera at one end.
The unit has been refurbished to enhance the facilities for patients on the bowel cancer screening programme. A new out of hours service has also been established for emergency procedures. These developments have meant that the unit has recently been given Joint Advisory Group accreditation.
Known as JAG, this is a national award set up to ensure high standards of care in clinical quality, quality of patient experience, training and workforce.
Following their inspection of the unit, the JAG team report said: “Considerable progress has been made at the Boston site, including the purchase of patient monitors for every bay, patient pathways and staff training.
“The unit should be congratulated on the work of the dignity link nurse and staff to promote values of privacy and dignity, and the effective use of a band 6 nurse educator with protected training time that has resulted in a skilled, motivated and progressive workforce.”
Nikki Woodcock, Head of Endoscopy, Screening and Physiological Sciences for ULHT, said: “I’m so proud of the team in the Boston endoscopy unit for all their hard work to ensure they can provide the best possible care for their patients.
“The JAG accreditation is not only down to the environmental changes that have taken place, but also down to the excellent working practices of the team, and the efforts they have put in to ensure the unit is well staffed and well used.”
An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined using an endoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and a video camera at one end.
Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as the mouth and down the throat, or through the anus.
Some of the most commonly used types of endoscopes include:
· Colonoscopes – used to examine your large intestine (colon).
· Gastroscopes – used to examine your oesophagus and stomach.
· Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – used to check for gallstones.
· Broncoscopes – used to examine your lungs and airways.
The JAG accreditation is awarded by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointenstinal Endoscopy. The group assumes an active role in the quality assurance of endoscopy training and services across the UK.