A DALMUIR hospital has become the first NHS facility in Scotland to be accredited by the Royal College of Physicians’ Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy.

The JAG accreditation Global Rating Scale (GRS) for endoscopy is recognised internationally as a measure of excellence used to underpin all aspects of a high-quality endoscopy service including clinical quality, safety, patient experience, the environment and the workforce.

And the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital has now been recognised due to its ongoing work in the field.

On the accreditation, health secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased to see NHS Golden Jubilee recognised for their excellent endoscopy services, the first NHS hospital in Scotland to be accredited by the Royal College of Physicians’ Joint Advisory Group (JAG).

“This is an outstanding achievement and is testament to the high standard of service and hard work of staff at the hospital."

GI endoscopy is a vital diagnostic procedure, which is needed by thousands of patients across NHS Scotland every year to help identify and treat a range of conditions, including some types of cancer, unexplained pain or inflammation, reflux disease and ulcers.

Last year, NHS Golden Jubilee performed approximately 6,000 endoscopy procedures, more than doubling the number performed by the hospital before the Covid-19 pandemic for patients all across Scotland. 

This service is set to expand significantly later in 2023 with the opening of its new dedicated endoscopy suite, helping treat more patients than ever before.

In addition to high quality, patient-centred service delivery, and building on JAG accreditation, plans are in place to establish the NHS Scotland Academy, through its National Endoscopy Training Programme, as a centre for training excellence in endoscopy.

Carolynne O’Connor, deputy chief executive and director of operations at NHS Golden Jubilee, added: “We are delighted to have met the JAG accreditation standard, and proud that the report made particular reference to our high quality, patient centred, service and rigorous standards of governance.

“This achievement now puts NHS Golden Jubilee on a path to become a centre of excellence for endoscopy in Scotland, and more importantly, lets our patients know that when they come here, they will receive the highest possible standard of safe, effective and person-centred care.

“At a time when demand for this service is very high, it also provides reassurance for those patients who may need to travel to get here, that they will be getting their scope carried out by a skilled professional.

"This means that they will either be told that no further treatment is needed and if it is, that they are in the best possible hands to get them the care and support they need.”

JAG accreditation assessments take place every five years, with annual reviews against set criteria to ensure standards are maintained.