NHS Scotland Academy, with funding from the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Earlier (DCE) Programme, has announced the development of a pioneering training programme that aims to significantly improve the speed of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer patients across Scotland.

The National Bronchoscopy Training Programme will develop state-of-the-art bronchoscopy training for 45 respiratory trainees in basic bronchoscopy, and approximately 40 senior trainee consultants in endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial needle aspiration, resulting in improved diagnosis of illnesses, including cancer, and accelerated treatment and care.

The programme aims to accomplish this by 2026, using high fidelity simulation technology, providing faster, improved, and more focused initial training for doctors.

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to look at the lungs and air passages, allowing practitioners to detect many lung diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer.

Traditionally, bronchoscopy training is carried out using an apprentice-style approach on patients. However, this new method provides faster, safe, hands-on experience and practice using state-of-the-art simulators, providing learners with more opportunities to develop their essential skills.

NHS Education for Scotland has funded the simulators, which will enable clinicians to gain experience and competently perform bronchoscopy procedures, reducing discomfort to patients.

The Academy have also begun delivering an advanced programme focusing on Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) to help upskill trainees, and eventually consultants, across NHS Scotland. This is a key step towards achieving better outcomes for lung cancer patients, advancing essential mediastinal staging and offering an improved standard of care.

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Health Secretary, Neil Gray said: “When it comes to lung cancer we know that faster diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for patients.

“This new training programme launched by the NHS Scotland Academy will make a significant difference by investing in our dedicated workforce and improving the quality of biopsies taken.

“Funded through our Detect Cancer Earlier Programme, this programme will help support the delivery of Scotland’s lung optimal cancer diagnostic pathway.”