The Endoscopy unit at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness has been recognised for quality care and become the first acute unit in Scotland to achieve Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Accreditation.
JAG accreditation, the UK wide recognised standard of excellence within endoscopy services, promotes quality improvement by highlighting areas of best practice and areas for change bringing benefits to both patients and staff. To achieve JAG accreditation the service must provide evidence that a number of specific standards have been met.
The standards cover all aspects of a high-quality clinical service and are organised into four groups:
- Clinical Quality – the service delivers safe and effective diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management
- Patient Experience – the service provides efficient and patient-centred care for all patients including the review of waiting times, facilities and the environment
- Workforce – effective training and support is in place for staff including recruitment, retention and continued professional development
- Training – looks at the support and development of trainee endoscopists, including appraisal and competencies
Amie Westwater, Service Manager, said: “We are delighted to receive JAG accreditation. It is testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the entire team and I’m so pleased that has been recognised.”
Raymond Oliphant, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Clinical Lead for the service, said: “We’ve been able to demonstrate clinical excellence and, in equal measure, a good experience for our patients.
“It has been hard work to achieve this but, as a team, we have all put in the effort to reach this level. Patients attending our unit are safe in the knowledge that we have achieved the highest standard in endoscopy care and we will continue to work and develop to maintain that.”