Kidderminster Hospital's Endoscopy unit has gained national accreditation for its outstanding patient care.

The accolade was awarded following a stringent assessment undertaken by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the Royal College of Physicians and the British Society of Gastroenterology, taking place at some point over the last twelve months.

JAG sets the benchmark for endoscopy units throughout the UK by ensuring the quality and safety of patient care.

To achieve the accreditation, the Kidderminster unit showcased superiority in several areas - including clinical quality, patient experience, and staff training.

The awarded unit saw nearly nine thousand patients over the past year and recently unveiled an extension to its top-of-the-range facilities.

They've added two additional endoscopy rooms, enabling thousands more patients to gain quicker access to tests each year.

The process of endoscopy involves examining the body's interior using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera for diagnosing or treating health issues.

Hence, the accreditation provides patients with confidence that the unit's nursing staff and other employees have their skills and capabilities regularly evaluated and updated.

In more good news, staff recently received a British Citizen Award certificate after a patient nominated them for their exemplary care.

Richard Lovegrove, consultant colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for Endoscopy at the Trust, said: "Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a very important tool in diagnosing cancers and pre-cancerous conditions within the bowels. We have an extremely busy endoscopy department and our team have been working tirelessly to meet the standards the JAG set out.

"I am delighted that we have been recognised as achieving these and are offering our patients the best possible care. This is extremely positive feedback for our staff and service."