Sheffield hospital unit awarded centre of excellence status by global body

The gastrointestinal unit at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has become the second centre in the UK, and one of only 21 in the world, to be awarded centre of excellence status by the World Endoscopy Organisation.

The clinic is the largest of its kind in the country, undertaking thousands of endoscopy procedures a year, and is the only UK centre to have won the national endoscopy prize on three occasions.

They were also one of the first clinics to adopt ‘double balloon endoscopy’, an advanced procedure which allows doctors to examine and treat parts of the small bowel which are usually impossible to reach without surgery.

Dr Kumar Basu, clinical director for gastroenterology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: “We are delighted that our gastrointestinal unit has been recognised through this international honour.

“This is the culmination of many years of hard work to provide patients with the best possible care and continue to be at the forefront of teaching, training and research.

“This cements our reputation as a world leading centre of gastroenterology and is a fantastic acknowledgement of the commitment and expertise of every member of our team.”

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves doctors and nurses attaching a long thin flexible tube to a video camera to visually inspect the digestive system.

This can be used to help diagnose precancerous abnormalities, ulcers, coeliac disease and blockages, as well as in certain types of surgery, including keyhole surgery, to help with treatment.

After the news was announced, patients and their families offered their congratulations to the team on Facebook.

Susan Hall said: “As the family of a patient recently discharged after a major operation for esophageal cancer, we cannot thank them enough. We have always been treated with respect, care and consideration. Well done to every staff member.

And Amanda Booth said: “Dr Basu and his team really are the best. I know this first hand as one of the many patients who has been treated over the years. Well done to you all. You deserve all the praise coming your way.”

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