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<p>In July 2023, Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System (ICS) delivered 1,997
more gastroscopy procedures in July 2023 than in July 2018. Alongside this increase
of almost 2,000 procedures, 70% of patients who require a gastroscopy are now seen
within six weeks.</p><p>Cheshire and Merseyside ICS has also secured funding to support
the delivery of more than 1,000 additional endoscopy procedures across Cheshire and
Merseyside by the end of December 2023. Cheshire and Merseyside’s Diagnostic Programme
is also progressing a number of workforce initiatives including a collaborative staff
bank for the endoscopy workforce and an endoscopy academy to provide training and
upskilling for the endoscopy workforce.</p><p>Cutting National Health Service waiting
lists, including for endoscopy services, is one of this Government’s top priorities.
This is a shared ambition amongst ICSs, including the Cheshire and Merseyside ICS.</p><p>£2.3
billion was awarded at the 2021 Spending Review to transform diagnostic services over
the next three years to increase diagnostic capacity, including for endoscopy services. This
funding will also increase the number of community diagnostic centres up to 160 by
March 2025, including a number delivering endoscopy services.</p>
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