This year at the NHS Scotland Academy, we’ve delivered accelerated training that’s making a real difference.
Some of our highlights include:
- Over 750 clinicians were trained through our National Endoscopy Programme, helping avoid around 1,500 repeat appointments.
- Supported 32 learners in endoscopy pathways
- Trained 14 Surgical First Assistants
- Fast-tracked Anaesthetic Practitioner training to 24 weeks.
- Our National Ultrasound Training Programme supported 13,045 patients to access scans with 100% satisfaction
- Delivered 916 pharmacist clinical-skills training sessions
Next year, we will continue to make a positive impact for our learners and NHS staff across Scotland.
National Ultrasound Training Programme wins national award
In November our National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP) were named Scotland’s Radiography Team of the Year at the Society of Radiographers Awards 2025.
This programme is transforming how ultrasound professionals are trained. By embedding education directly into clinical practice, NUTP enables learners to gain experience while supporting patient care.
Since launching in 2022, over 140 healthcare professionals have been trained across 12 Health Boards and thousands of patient scans have been supported through this innovative approach
This award recognises the programme’s impact on improving patient access and supporting workforce development.
Find out more about the National Ultrasound Training Programme by clicking this link
Meeting demand for decontamination training
Our Central Decontamination Unit (CDU) Training Programme is full for the current intake. To meet growing demand from NHS Boards, we are pleased to share that from 2026–2027, we are increasing our intake to 3 cohorts per year.
This programme plays a vital role in building skills and confidence among staff working in central decontamination services. These are essential for ensuring safe and effective processes that protect patients from infection.
Learners cover key topics such as:
- Microbiology and infection prevention
- Health and safety
- Cleaning and sterilisation techniques
- Packaging, storage, and distribution
- Facility design and quality assurance
On completion, participants gain a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 6 qualification, recognised across Scotland. By expanding capacity, we are helping NHS Boards strengthen their workforce and maintain the highest standards of patient care.
For more information, visit https://www.nhsscotlandacademy.co.uk/programmes/national-perioperative-training-programme-decontamination-science/
Supporting Organ Donation Training
Our Skills and Simulation team recently supported the Scottish Organ Donation Simulation Course, delivered by NHS Blood and Transplant.
The course focused on withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD), a highly sensitive and specialised area of care. To make the training as realistic as possible, our simulation team worked closely with course faculty to develop a high-fidelity scenario that reflected real-life practice.
Dr Laura Barry, Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia, praised the team’s professionalism: “The team were fantastic. They took time to understand the organ donation process in detail, which allowed them to create a training environment of an exceptionally high standard.”
Our technicians played a key role in delivering the scenario and supporting the event logistics, helping the day run seamlessly.
“Communication with the simulation team was always timely and responsive, making the organising process much easier.”
The Academy’s flexible spaces also contributed to the course’s success: “The physical space at the Academy is amazing. We were able to use it creatively to simulate real-life communication scenarios.”
NHS Blood and Transplant are now exploring future training opportunities with the Academy team at NHS Golden Jubilee.
Find out more about our Skills and Simulation Centre by clicking this link
Inspiring the next generation
We recently welcomed schools from West Dunbartonshire to the Skills and Simulation Centre as part of the King’s Trust initiative.
These visits give pupils an immersive introduction to healthcare, including practical demonstrations and insights from our expert trainers.
Students enjoyed hands-on experience in a simulated theatre environment and took part in team building exercises around NHS value-based healthcare.
We look forward to welcoming more visits from the Kings Trust in the future, as part of our commitment to supporting the local community and beyond.
National Endoscopy Education Programme Scotland (NEEPS) Live
This month we welcomed over 100 endoscopists from across the UK to the NEEPs Live conference at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel.
The full day course focused on best practice in colorectal polypectomy, including lesion assessment, resection techniques, and improving patient outcomes.
Training opportunities like these are continuing to upskill the endoscopy workforce across NHS Scotland.
Find out more about the National Endoscopy Training Programme by clicking this link
Dates for courses in 2026 are available now.
New Ear Care Programme launching February 2026
Our National Ear Care (Microsuction) Train the Trainer Programme, will start on 2 February 2026. This innovative programme is designed to strengthen ear care services across NHS Scotland by training Registered Nurses to deliver safe and effective ear wax removal using microsuction, and to train others to do the same within their own teams.
By building local expertise, this programme will help increase capacity for routine ear care, reduce waiting times, and cut down on unnecessary referrals to specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) services. This means patients will get the care they need more quickly and closer to home.
The programme follows the British Society of Audiology Minimum Training Guidelines and offers successful candidates 20 SCQF credits at Level 10. Learners will benefit from an accelerated, quality-assured learning experience delivered in partnership with their own service area.
This is an important step towards improving ear care services nationally, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort in February.
Immersive Cataract Surgery Training Programme – Coming soon!
The Immersive Cataract Surgery Training Programme, a national initiative funded by the Scottish Government, will be launching next year. This programme is designed to accelerate training for ophthalmology resident doctors and specialty, associate specialists and specialist (SAS) doctors, helping tackle Scotland’s cataract surgery backlog and build a sustainable, highly skilled workforce for the future.
Training will take place at the NHS Golden Jubilee in Clydebank and the National Treatment Centre in Inverness, with an aim of starting in August 2026 then intakes in February and August each year.
Learners will be provided with intensive hands-on theatre experience, plus clinics and leadership training.
Faculty recruitment:
To make this programme possible, we’re looking for Consultant Ophthalmologists – passionate trainers to join our faculty and help shape the next generation of surgeons. Adverts for these roles (on a sessional basis) will be open in early 2026.
If you or someone you know could be interested, please email NHSScotlandAcademy@nhs.scot
Upcoming programmes:
We are recruiting learners for:
Assistant Perioperative Practitioner in June 2026. Find out more information by clicking this link
Surgical First Assistants starting in May 2026. Find out more information by clicking this link
National Endoscopy Training Programme Find out more information by clicking this link