Endoscopists will benefit from enhanced training following the supply of two new fully-digital flexible endoscopy stacks to the skills training lab at University Hospital, Llandough.
Specialist equipment provider, Imotech Medical, has supplied Cardiff University's Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy (WIMAT) Endoscopy skills lab at University Hospital Llandough with the Fujifilm technology, worth £30,000, which will be used to train endoscopists using high-quality simulation models.
WIMAT is the regional administration centre for JAG-approved endoscopy training courses in Wales. As a Royal College of Surgeons Accredited Training Centre, it offers courses from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and hosts training courses provided by some of the world's-leading medical suppliers.
Imotech has supplied the endoscopy skills lab with two fully-digital endoscopy stacks including processor, light source, monitor, scopes and trolley.
Andrew Dawe, general manager of Imotech Medical, said: "Maintaining excellent standards of training is something we're extremely passionate about and so are delighted to be supporting WIMAT in supplying the best flexible endoscopy equipment to its students. In order to provide best practice for patients and staff, endoscopy professionals require training with high-quality equipment that mirrors the technology they'll be using in the future. Through our partnership with Fujifilm, we are proud to provide just that."
Arwen McCarthy, course co-ordinator of the Welsh Institute of Minimal Access Therapy (WIMAT), added: "The technology provided by Imotech Medical and Fujifilm is brilliant. They made such a marked improvement to the environment and the courses have benefitted from them hugely.
"We are just over the moon to have access to this technology. It has brought real procedures to life for our students using the equipment. With this technology our gastroenterological professionals will be able to perfect various endoscopic skills, before treating actual patients."
Dr Neil Hawkes, endoscopy clinical lead at WIMAT and consultant gastroenterologist at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, added: "It's sometimes very difficult for trainees to gain first-hand practical experience in dealing with endoscopic emergencies and being able to trial the kit used - training on models bridges the gap. Working with Imotech we have been able to provide a very realistic simulated experience, with modern endoscopic equipment not often available for use on models. It's this seamless transition from classroom into clinical practice using this state-of-the-art Fujifilm technology that we're aiming for.
"We've received fantastic feedback from those who have already used the equipment, and applaud the commitment that Imotech and Fujifilm have made to supporting clinical education. Improving the quality of the equipment available to the Welsh Endoscopy Training Network represents a very tangible and practical step forwards, enabling all GI surgical and gastroenterology professionals attending the WIMAT training courses from across the UK to enhance their endoscopic skills."
