NHS to tackle endoscopy patient backlog

All endoscopic services except for emergency and essential procedues were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Using new technologies and additional capacity, the backlog will be steadily reduced with patients seen on the basis of clinically determined priority.

The NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital, mobile endoscopy units and commissioning of the private sector will all provide additional capacity.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “There’s no question that stopping endoscopy services for all cases except emergencies was a difficult decision to take.  But it was necessary so we could deal with the challenge of Covid-19.

“I’m pleased that as we continue to see positive results in dealing with the virus we can now move to treat the many patients who have been waiting, and we will do that safely and sustainably.

“Patient safety always comes first. So as we steadily re-mobilise our NHS, your experience as a patient will be a bit different, and it will take us longer than before to see people as we maintain our vigilance against the virus with important additional safety measures.”