NHS Scotland Academy team shortlisted for top award
The NHS Scotland Academy Biomedical Science Training Programme stakeholder group has been recognised in the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Awards 2025.
The team have been shortlisted in the ‘Training and Development’ category, highlighting their dedication to developing and delivering this vital programme.
Launched in October 2024, the programme is Scotland's first national (non-applied) Biomedical Scientist training initiative, endorsed by the IBMS.
It supports biomedical science graduates from non-applied IBMS-accredited degree programmes in completing the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio (RTP).
Many graduates in Scotland complete IBMS accredited degrees that are non-applied, this means they are unable to complete the portfolios required to become qualified Biomedical Scientists.
This programme offers a new training pathway, in partnership with NHS Scotland’s IBMS-approved laboratories, to provide trainees with a positive, quality-assured learning experience.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 4 July 2025 at The Brewery in London.
Click here to read the full story
Three Years of the National Endoscopy Training Programme
The National Endoscopy Training Programme (NETP) is celebrating 3 years of delivering high quality education and training to more than 370 members of the NHS Scotland endoscopy workforce.
Launched in 2021, the programme was developed to meet the increased demand of endoscopy services, such as colonoscopies, by providing NHS staff with the skills and confidence needed to deliver the highest standard of care to patients.
Thanks to the NETP, endoscopy practice in Scotland is improving, providing better care, improved diagnosis and inevitably better outcomes.
Overall, the NETP has also provided a new joined-up approach to training and delivery. By combining the latest techniques, modern equipment and structured, in depth learning, the programme has helped to create a consistent and reliable approach to endoscopy training across Scotland.
The NETP team at NHS Scotland Academy would also like to congratulate Raigmore Hospital who have now received Training Centre Accreditation with Joint Advisory Group (JAG) and will be delivering NETP training soon.
For more information visit https://www.nhsscotlandacademy.co.uk/programmes/national-endoscopy-training-programme-netp/
National Ultrasound Training Programme
The National Ultrasound Training Programme continues to benefit patients across Scotland with more than 13,500 patients receiving ultrasound examinations during training sessions.
Sonographers, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Specialist Trainees from across NHS Scotland Boards have been provided with dedicated mentorship and practical support outside of their current roles, facilitating additional training opportunities without impacting staffing levels.
The Programme has also now facilitated a number of ‘Masterclass’ experiences, including Masterclasses for Gynaecology and upper and lower Deep Vein Thrombosis.
The NUTP recently received recurring funding from the Scottish Government to continue playing a vital role in supporting the NHS Scotland Radiology Recovery Plan.
Find out more about the National Ultrasound Training Programme
Foundations of Perioperative Practice programme
Cohort 11 of the Foundations of Perioperative Practice will be launching in June 2025, with 11 learners signed up to take part in this accelerated training.
The success of the programme has been noted throughout NHS Scotland Boards, with NHS Grampian expressing interest in aligning their new theatre competencies with the programme, further supporting the ‘Once for Scotland’ approach that underpins the ethos of NHS Scotland Academy programmes.
Learners have benefited from use of the state-of-the-art Skills and Simulation Centre located at NHS Golden Jubilee, which provides an immersive learning experience, covering pre-surgical and post-surgical scenarios.
The Centre features a cutting-edge theatre simulation suite equipped with high-fidelity manikins representing adults, children and infants.
Providing learners with this environment allows them to train in a patient setting where they can develop their skills and application, setting them up with the confidence and ability to contribute effectively to their surgical teams.
Click here to find out more about the Foundations of Perioperative Practice
Assistant Perioperative Practitioner Programme
The Assistant Perioperative Practitioner Programme is delivered alongside the Foundations of Perioperative Practice as an interprofessional programme.
Several learners are now nearing the end of this 12-month programme, where they will then go on to work as assistant perioperative practitioners who can support the surgical team.
The programme continues to be popular with Healthcare Support Workers looking to develop their skills, with spaces filling up fast and a waiting list for Cohort 7 which will start in January 2026.
Click here to find out more about the Assistant Perioperative Practitioner Programme
Learner feedback:
Both programmes have received positive feedback from learners:
“I have developed my confidence and skills in carrying out everyday tasks performed within the perioperative setting. I have found great benefit in having time to practice these skills within the Academy environment.”
“I have developed my knowledge and learned lots of new skills and relevant information after attending the first workshop. I will be using these in my everyday practice to consolidate my learning.”
"The simulation environment provides excellent examples of how teams can either work or not work correctly."
"This programme has made me feel confident which will have many benefits, including being more knowledgeable in my workplace setting and will help me to progress."
Upcoming Programmes
National Perioperative Training Programme
- Accelerated Surgical First Assistant - Cohort 5 will begin on Thursday 1 May 2025 - NHS Boards can submit applications here
- National Decontamination Science (CDU) Workforce Training Programme – Cohort 2 will begin on Monday 7 July 2024 - NHS Boards can submit applications here
National Endoscopy Training Programme
- National Assistant Practitioner - Registration for this programme is now open! The next cohort will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025. To register your place, email nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot
- National Foundations of Endoscopy Practice Programme - This interprofessional learning programme for Registered Nurses new to endoscopy practice is integrated with the Assistant Practitioner Programme, building on teamwork, collaboration and non-technical skills development within endoscopy. This educational programme aligns with the JAG Endoscopy Training Scheme (JETS) Endo 1 competencies that are mandated by JAG for all nursing staff working in accredited endoscopy units. Registration for this programme is now open! The next cohort will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025. To register your place, email nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot
Biomedical Science Registration Training Portfolio Programme
- The next cohort for this programme will begin on Tuesday 8 October. To apply, email nhsscotlandacademy@nhs.scot