Regional endoscopy training centre opens at Yorkshire hospital

Mid Yorkshire staff at the official opening of the West Yorkshire Regional Training Centre for Endoscopy

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust (MYTT) have officially opened the West Yorkshire Regional Training Centre (RTC) for Endoscopy.

The RTC is part of the Yorkshire Endoscopy Training Academy which has been implemented to improve the access to endoscopy training for gastroenterologists, surgeons and clinical endoscopists throughout East, West and South Yorkshire. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been appointed as the Academy Hub for Sheffield, MYTT, Leeds and Calderdale.

The first session at the RTC saw clinicians take part in ’basic skills in colonoscopy’ training.

Richard Robinson, Chief Medical Officer at MYTT, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to host the West Yorkshire Regional Training Centre for Endoscopy. The first of its kind in West Yorkshire, the training centre will work with all the trusts in the region to provide high quality Endoscopy training.

“Not only will this support our staff’s continued education but it will benefit the local population, ensuring patients can get the test results they need in the shortest time frame.

“At Mid Yorkshire we have amongst the shortest waiting times for diagnostic tests in the country, the academy will help us and other trusts in West Yorkshire to maintain and improve access.”

The Academies, which are being implemented nationally, have been set up following the post-Covid publication of Sir Mike Richards (Oncologist and former National Cancer Director for the Department of Health) Diagnostics, Recovery and Renewal. They aim to provide high quality training, efficient and trainee-focused learning and develop the Clinical Endoscopist workforce, all whilst upholding a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff involved in the delivery of the procedures.