Endoscopy and urology diagnostic: recovery and renewal plan

Introduction

In July 2020, the Scottish Government announced £7.8 million investment to increase capacity specifically for Endoscopy and Urology diagnostic services. This supported the initial recovery actions and helped fast-track innovative diagnostic technologies and delivery methods such as Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) and Cytosponge ^TM. In October 2020, the National Endoscopy Programme Board was established.

A number of improvements have been made over the last year despite the limitations as a result of the pandemic, our aim is to continue to achieve overall recovery and a sustainable service for the future. Development so far include:

• Waiting list validation and clinical prioritisation tools introduced
• Clinical Forums for Endoscopy and Urology established
• Endoscopy low risk pathways and testing pathways developed
• National databases and post colonoscopy cancer audit commissioned
• Workforce programmes for Urology and Endoscopy developed

In June 2021, as a result of the pandemic, delivery of new endoscopy procedures within six weeks had fallen from 66.6% to 36.5%. The overall waiting list by June 2021 increased by almost 55%.

The Endoscopy and Urology Recovery and Renewal Plan focuses on recovery of services and builds the platform to deliver sustainable services.

Improving patient experience is fundamental to the delivery of this endoscopy and urology diagnostic plan, and is at the heart of its development. Patients have told us that improving communication and providing information around their diagnostic procedure and timely access to test results is key and that having access to single point of contact across their overall care journey would improve their experience.