Significant milestone for Lagan Valley and Omagh Hospitals
Date published:
Northern Ireland’s Regional Endoscopy Centres at Lagan Valley and Omagh Hospitals treated their 10,000th patient in October– a significant milestone for the regional service.
The two centres have also received the Department of Health’s Elective Care Recognition Award which recognises the significant work and dedication of staff to establish or improve elective care services.
The Regional Endoscopy Centres were established as part of the wider reform of elective care in Northern Ireland and play a significant role in tackling lengthy waiting times in line with the Elective Care Framework, providing a crucial diagnostic service for ‘red-flag’ suspect cancer endoscopy patients.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, said:
‘I am delighted to see the teams at Lagan Valley and Omagh Hospitals Regional Endoscopy Centres recognised for their excellent services.
“This is an outstanding achievement and testament to the dedication and hard work of all the staff in the endoscopy centres here. This award recognises their tireless efforts in delivering much needed services that help to ensure that patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment, thus improving patient outcomes.”
This capacity has had a positive impact on waiting times, with the most recent official statistics for June 2024 indicating a 20.8% reduction in patients waiting for a colonoscopy and a 9.9% reduction in patients waiting for a gastroscopy when compared to June 2023.
South Eastern Trust Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter said,
“It is fantastic that the Regional Endoscopy Centre in Lagan Valley Hospital has received the Department of Health’s Elective Care Recognition Award. This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire team, who consistently strive to provide high-quality, patient-centred care. The award highlights our commitment to improving access to elective care services for our patients across Northern Ireland.”
Geraldine McKay, Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine, Cancer and Clinical Services said:
“I am delighted that our Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex staff have been acknowledged for their tireless efforts as a regional Endoscopy Centre. Our highly professional and committed staff have been flexible and have embodied collaborative leadership, at all levels, to provide first class care to endoscopy patients throughout the region. Well done to all involved.”
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