MIDLANDS ENDOSCOPY NETWORK LAUNCH EVENT: DRIVING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN ENDOSCOPY CARE

5 March 2025

Introduction

On 31st January 2025, the Midlands Endoscopy Network hosted a launch event at the  Village Hotel in Walsall. This conference marked the formal establishment of the Network, uniting healthcare professionals and stakeholders across the region with a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and addressing key challenges in endoscopy services.

The event provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, featuring insights from two key speakers: Andrew Chilton, Regional Endoscopy Lead and Ash Bassi, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Cheshire and Merseyside Endoscopy Network Lead, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions. Key topics included workforce strategies, digital innovations in endoscopy, and aligning the Midlands Endoscopy Network's strategic priorities with local and national goals, including cancer care. The event facilitated valuable dialogue and collaboration, setting the stage for the future of endoscopy care across the Midlands.

This update shares key highlights and takeaways from the event, as well as next steps for the Network. If you would like further information, please contact polly.kaur2@nhs.net

Speakers

Andrew Chilton 

Andrew Chilton, Regional Endoscopy Lead, opened the conference with an overview of the network's progress, sharing its mission and vision, and offering insights into the national Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Strategy. He said,

"Our aim is to deliver timely access to high-quality endoscopy services across the region, constantly improve these services, and ensuring a sustainable legacy. Ultimately, we want to be the best and most mature network in England, fostering excellence in training and care.

Pillar 4 within the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Strategy is particularly important, it highlights networks and the development of integrated gastrointestinal pathways across primary and secondary care and the creation of mature endoscopy networks throughout England, with Cheshire and Merseyside being recognised as the most mature example.

He also provided insights into the current state of the 21 endoscopy networks across the country, noting,

"These networks are at various stages of development, with some being less than 12 months old, while others have been running for over 24 months. The benefits of these networks, are wide-reaching, ranging from improved financial and performance outcomes to the optimal use of resources, which in turn enhances clinical efficiency. In the Midlands, we’ve made significant strides, including the appointment of 10 out of 11 ICB leads, along with crucial investments in our regional estates, capacity, and equipment."

Looking ahead, Andrew acknowledged that the roadmap for the future is "challenging but achievable," he emphasised,

“We need to define network priorities, focus on advanced training, and foster close cooperation between regions, especially around ERCP and colonoscopy services. Ultimately, success depends on all of us working together to shape the future of endoscopy services in the Midlands.”

Ash Bassi 

Ash Bassi, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Cheshire and Merseyside Endoscopy Network Lead, shared the successes and challenges of the Cheshire & Merseyside Endoscopy Network, which serves a population of 2.7 million across 17 Trusts, 355 GP practices, and 51 PCNs. He highlighted the network's key milestones, saying,

“After the 2016 Lord Carter Review, the network began taking shape, with further development following the NHS Long Term Plan and Prof Sir Mike Richards Review. We used the Covid crisis as a springboard to strengthen, adapt and evolve our network.”

Ash discussed several key initiatives, including the creation of endoscopy hubs, advanced endoscopy hubs, and an optimisation tool. He said,

“The network started with simple projects like implementing post-polypectomy surveillance guidance before moving on to more complex initiatives, such as developing models for mutual aid. The importance of a data-driven approach, sharing that baseline data collection led to a 25% increase in capacity across the network, equating to 20,000 additional colonoscopies annually. The network also developed a common endoscopy reporting tool, which has been essential for audits and centralising KPIs. Nothing in endoscopy happens without the network, and this collective approach is what drives our improvements."

Next Steps 

The event included three breakout rooms, one of which focused on gathering insights from delegates on the key priorities of the Midlands Endoscopy Network Strategy. The Midlands Endoscopy Board has reviewed and consolidated the feedback from the breakout sessions, finalising and approving the strategy. It will now be published on the NHS E Endoscopy Futures website.

You can watch a short video of the even here

< back