THE endoscopy units at Worcester and Malvern hospitals have been awarded national accreditation for providing the highest quality of care to patients.

The recognition has come after a rigorous assessment at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Malvern Hospital by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the Royal College of Physicians and British Society of Gastroenterology.

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An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the body is examined by using a long, thin, flexible tube that has a camera at one end for diagnosis or treatment.

JAG sets out national standards for endoscopy units throughout the UK, to ensure the quality and safety of patient care.

To achieve the accreditation, units had to demonstrate excellence across several areas – including clinical quality, patient experience and staff training.

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Richard Lovegrove, consultant colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for endoscopy at the trust, said: “Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an extremely important tool in diagnosing cancers and pre-cancerous conditions within the bowels. We have an extremely busy endoscopy department and our team have been working tirelessly towards meeting the standards the JAG set out.

“I am delighted that we have been recognised as achieving these and are offering the patients of Worcestershire the best possible care. This is extremely positive feedback for our staff and service, and will help with recruitment to the service expansion across the county in order to meet future demands.”