An additional £1 million has been injected into enhancing endoscopy services to address patient waiting times in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. The University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust, managing Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stafford’s County Hospital, confirmed the extra funding. The funds aim to bolster capacity through collaboration with the independent sector.
The trust spokesperson highlighted the strategic use of digital systems and improved booking practices, emphasising the goal of bridging the gap between service demand and capacity for endoscopy services. The move comes in response to a backlog affecting UHNM’s performance in meeting national targets, particularly for diagnosing conditions such as cancer.
The national target mandates that 99% of patients should receive a diagnostic test within six weeks. November’s overall performance was at 78%, a slight improvement from October, with endoscopy services identified as a key factor in falling below the national target.
Endoscopy remains a critical component in diagnostic pathways, leading to its internal special measures designation. The trust is actively implementing measures to address the situation, including an insourced weekend service funded externally by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, specifically targeting the reduction of cancer waiting times.
While acknowledging challenges in cancer diagnostic performance, the trust has noted a sustained improvement, though not in alignment with the desired trajectory. The report indicates a reduction in the total number of patients waiting beyond their target date, albeit routine, urgent, surveillance, and planned patients still face delays.
Trust board members discussed ongoing efforts to minimize patient test waiting times, highlighting progress in cancer performance. Non-executive director Leigh Griffin acknowledged challenges in endoscopy but stressed the team’s dedicated efforts. Chief operating officer Simon Evans noted positive strides in reducing the overall backlog, citing the impact of additional capacity for endoscopy.
In conclusion, the UHNM NHS Trust is actively tackling challenges in endoscopy services, with the injection of £1 million, improved processes, and collaborative efforts with the independent sector. While acknowledging persistent challenges, the trust is making strides in reducing the overall backlog and is committed to enhancing patient care.
