In February 2010, the Day Case Unit at Queen Mary’s Hospital became the first community hospital in the UK to be officially certified by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on Endoscopy.

This prominent award is only presented to units who are able to guarantee the quality and safety of patient care by defining and maintaining the highest standards of endoscopy practice.

An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined internally using a specially designed camera, known as an endoscope. Endoscopies are used mainly to help diagnose health conditions, such as bowel cancers and stomach ulcers.

In order to receive the certification, the Unit had to demonstrate to the JAG Committee that they are providing an excellent quality service, while also keeping waiting times low and ensuring value for money. The Day Case Unit is able to maintain these high standards through continuous review of their service and workforce.

Gillian Bailey- Day Case Unit Manager said:

‘We are delighted to have received the JAG certificate - it is great to be recognised for all the hard work and effort we have put in. We hope the award will act as a catalyst for even further improvement, so that we will be able to maintain these standards and continue to offer our patients the best possible level of service’