LJMU transforming endoscopy training across the North West

LJMU’s School of Nursing and Allied Health is helping to transform endoscopy training through its collaboration with a new academy.

The North West Endoscopy Training Academy will deliver high quality training to the region’s endoscopy workforce, ensuring that service users receive a first-class experience from beginning to end of their treatment journey.

Susan Baker, Senior Lecturer, Advanced Practice at LJMU said: “Historically, the standard of endoscopy training and mentorship for trainees has been variable, limited by a lack of access to good quality simulators and dependent on the abilities of the individual trainers they happen to encounter. Likewise, there have been few opportunities for established endoscopists to advance their skills and adopt new techniques. The establishment of the academy promises consistent, high-quality, coordinated training across the North West, and will provide targeted support and training for those wishing to take their practice to a higher level.”

Earlier this month LJMU played host to a special launch event where Dr Neil Haslam, the academy’s Clinical Lead, and Dr Paul Collins, Clinical Director, delivered presentations on the formation of the academy and ambitions in close partnership with NHS Health Education England (HEE).

Attendees were given a hands-on demonstration of endoscopy training within the state-of-the-art simulation centre at LJMU’s Tithebarn Street Campus, which will be used by the academy for its high-quality training sessions moving forwards.

Since the launch, LJMU has already hosted the academy’s first workshop, with a focus on paediatric care.

Internationally recognised experts from leading children’s hospitals including Alder Hey, Great Ormond Street, Royal Belfast and Birmingham attended with trainees to utilise the simulator suite to further their skills and experience.

The simulators use advanced modelling technology, lifelike anatomic detail and realistic touch feedback to improve training and patient outcomes simply and quickly.

Follow the academy on Twitter @EndoscopyWest.