NHS Scotland Academy's National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP) celebrates its first anniversary with over 6,000 successful ultrasound exams carried out for patients from across Scotland.
The NUTP plays a vital role in supporting the NHS Scotland Radiology Recovery Plan and has been hugely successful in supporting accelerated training for more than 20 trainee sonographers and 24 specialist registrar radiologists and doctors across 8 health boards.
The pioneering programme has been instrumental in providing innovative, accelerated diagnostic training to sonographers and radiology registrars, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to confidently carry out essential ultrasound procedures.
Learners participating in the programme receive dedicated mentorship and practical support outside their current roles, as NUTP facilitates additional training without impacting health boards' staffing levels.
Delivered within dedicated state-of-the-art facilities at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, in collaboration with NHS Education for Scotland, learners have exclusive access to the latest technology and resources for an immersive and comprehensive training experience.
National Ultrasound Training Programme Learner, Micheala Thomson from NHS Forth Valley said: “This programme has been hugely beneficial to me. Without it, I’m unsure if I would have been able to complete my course.
“It has provided me with dedicated and protected learning time that I didn’t have in my normal working environment.
“It’s also beneficial to patients, as although we are using training lists, we work with real people, with real referrals.”
Clair Graham, Head of Programmes (Education) at the NHS Scotland Academy, said: "The National Ultrasound Training Programme's one-year anniversary marks a remarkable journey of innovation and excellence.
“Ultrasound examinations help us to determine what treatment is most appropriate for patients, ensuring they get the care they need.
“As a national programme, this is providing improved access for patients whilst providing excellent development opportunities for our learners.
“The hands-on, immersive experience learners have also plays a huge role in the treatment of our patients.
“Feedback has also been fantastic, with 100% patient satisfaction reported.”
To find out more about the programme, visit https://www.nhsscotlandacademy.co.uk/education-and-training/national-ultrasound-training-programme/