Mobile screening unit successfully clears endoscopy patient backlog at County Hospital Stafford

Thousands of endoscopy patients at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) have benefitted from improved access to diagnostic services thanks to a mobile screening unit.

Since opening in August 2024, the mobile endoscopy unit at County Hospital, Stafford, has helped to successfully clear a backlog of 6,500 patients awaiting endoscopy procedures.

Funded by NHS England, the unit, which operated for six months, was introduced as a seven-day service to address overdue waiting lists for planned and surveillance procedures.

Kathryn Kelter, head of operations for planned care at UHNM, said: “This achievement marks a major milestone for UHNM, ensuring that all patients now have timely access to essential endoscopy services.

“Early detection and diagnosis are vital for improving patient outcomes. The mobile unit has allowed us to offer quicker screening access to thousands of patients, significantly reducing waiting times and enhancing their quality of life.

“Our teams at both Royal Stoke and County hospitals have worked tirelessly to expand capacity. The mobile unit has been instrumental in helping us deliver timely diagnostics while we prepare for the opening of the Community Diagnostic Centre in 2026.”

The unit’s success has also supported cancer pathways and Referral to Treatment (RTT) performance, ensuring that patients receive prompt investigations and necessary follow-up care.

A patient who attended screening, said: “I often get anxious about my health and was nervous about attending the appointment. But from the moment the nurses greeted me and took my blood pressure, I felt reassured. Throughout the procedure, I was well cared for- everything was clearly explained, and I felt comfortable, understood, and fully informed.”

The work of the unit has also received national recognition at the launch of partner provider EMS Healthcare’s 2025 Social Impact Report, citing the unit as “one of EMS’s most successful projects to date.”

Kathryn said: “The unit’s positive impact on patient care and service efficiency has been widely celebrated, marking a significant step forward in sustaining UHNM’s endoscopy services for the future.”