RCSI and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) announced today the launch of standardised endoscopy training programme for specialist registrars at a press briefing which took place this morning in RCPI, No. 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Educational experts in RCSI and RCPI, together with physicians and surgeons working and teaching in the relevant specialties, have developed a joint endoscopy training programme for specialist registrars (SpRs).

Under the new programme SpRs will receive competence-based training, ensuring a high-quality endoscopy service to patients. A detailed curriculum, aimed at trainers as well as trainees, highlights the importance of cognitive and interpretive skills, in addition to technical skills. Trainees will be regularly assessed throughout the programme and will be required to satisfactorily perform a wide range of technical procedures. New trainees will develop their technical skills using simulators in RCSI.

The programme will commence in July 2011 and is aimed at SpRs in gastroenterology and gastrointestinal/general surgery, although SpRs in other specialties may also attend.

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Society of Gastroenterology (ISG), the president Professor John Hyland, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, stated, "The launch of the new standardised, integrated gastrointestinal endoscopic programme emphasises the commitment of RCSI, RCPI and the ISG to improve services for all patients. This programme allows for strict training guidelines, underpinned by good governance and quality assurance."