Faster treatment for patients thanks to endoscopy team’s hard work

East Kent Hospitals endoscopy team has more than halved its waiting list, helping to reduce delays for patients.

The team had almost 14,000 people waiting for the procedure in September last year, which meant those needing a non-urgent test could wait more than a year.

But after 12 months of focus on investigating the issues and working to find sustainable solutions - combined with a temporary increase in capacity – the waiting list is now around 4,900, and the team hope to be at a steady state of around 4,500 by November. This means patients will be removed from the list at the same rate new referrals are added, minimising any delays.

Dr Kate Hills, Trust lead for endoscopy and training, said: “The list is never going to be zero as there will always be referrals coming through and patients waiting for surveillance but to achieve our steady state within this timeframe is a significant achievement.

“We have had high waiting lists before, and historically that has been tackled by having weekend sessions – but when we stop the lists gradually build back up.

“The difference this time has been getting to the root of the problem, and working with teams across the Trust to find the solutions.

“It has involved our admin colleagues, operational teams, as well as nursing and endoscopy teams, all working together for our patients.

“The input from NHS England and NHS Kent and Medway has also been constructive, they have helped facilitate the search for answers.”

Appointment slots were also opened further in advance, allowing 1,400 people to be booked in the next eight weeks, helping to make better use of the extra capacity.

Kate said: “It has been a real team effort – within our team and with many different teams inside and outside the Trust.

“This isn’t something we could have tackled by ourselves and it was important to recognise everyone’s contribution.

“We are now looking to the future, how we can expand and develop. We have five clinical endoscopists who are an essential part of the future as well as plans to manage patients differently with the help of other teams to supplement and support endoscopy.

“East Kent Hospitals endoscopy is now hopefully heading in a very positive direction due to the collaborative work of so many.”