The development of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) from advisor to assessor has placed a strong emphasis on the improvement and standardisation of NHS endoscopy facilities in recent months.
Against the backdrop of a challenging financial climate, NHS Trusts have begun to approach this ‘endoscopy challenge’ with more and more innovative solutions, according to Ian Monaghan, Sales Director of mobile surgical and endoscopic facilities supplier Vanguard Healthcare.
“Where endoscopy facilities do not meet JAG standards,” Ian Monaghan explained, “hospital chiefs are looking at proven, financially viable alternatives to the construction of brand new permanent facilities – a commitment that requires a significant capital investment and offers little flexibility in managing the peaks and troughs of patient demand.”
Ian continued: “Mobile endoscopy facilities are fast becoming the new way of tackling waiting lists and achieving JAG accreditation when new builds are simply not an option.”
The shift in JAG’s role from passive advisor to actively moulding endoscopic practice and policy has correspondingly encouraged healthcare providers to proactively assess their facilities and strive to meet the standards required for JAG accreditation.
Mobile units have correspondingly come to the fore in helping NHS Trusts to meet JAG standards for everything from the design and layout of their facilities to the successful management of patient waiting times.
Ian Monaghan explained: “Vanguard’s mobile endoscopy units surpass each of the standards set by JAG, including the provision of dedicated waiting and recovery areas, the availability of compliant equipment and the necessity for a suitable decontamination environment.”
“Of course, bringing in the flexible and instantaneous boost to capacity offered by a temporary mobile solution also tackles the issue of waiting times and management of capacity and demand – one of JAG’s key criteria for accreditation,” he continued.
“Waiting times have fallen significantly over recent years to the tune of nearly 50 per cent from September 2008 to September 2009.
“The challenge now is to maintain this vast improvement in a tight economic climate,” concluded Ian, “and credit must be given to the NHS Trusts that are tackling waiting times and driving the standard of their endoscopy facilities by turning to modern solutions such as the commissioning of mobile facilities.”
