Endoscopy team achieves full JAG accreditation
We’re really proud of our endoscopy team at Torbay Hospital, whose commitment to providing safe, high-quality care was recently recognised when they achieved full JAG (Joint Advisory Group) accreditation. This is brilliant news that recognises the high‑quality care the team provides every day.
The JAG is an esteemed national organisation that evaluates and accredits endoscopy services in the UK and Ireland, and it aims to ensure patients who need endoscopy tests and treatment receive the highest quality of clinical care and experience. It also recognises the quality of a workforce and the training they receive.
During December’s assessment, the service showed it met all national standards for safety, patient experience, leadership, training and teamwork. The assessors highlighted the calm, well‑run environment, strong teamwork across clinical, nursing, admin and decontamination colleagues and the positive culture in the unit. They also praised the training programme and the way waiting times are managed.
Receiving a full JAG accreditation means that patients can have increased confidence in their endoscopy service and be assured of the same quality of care no matter where their endoscopy takes place, provided it is JAG accredited.
Our team delivers around 12,000 procedures a year and this achievement is a real credit to everyone involved.
Joe Teape, Chief Executive, said: “I’m really proud of our endoscopy team for achieving full JAG accreditation. This is a big moment for them, and it reflects the professionalism, skill and care they show every single day. What stood out to me in the assessment is exactly what we see all year round — a calm, well run service, great teamwork across all parts of the unit, and a real focus on giving people the best possible experience. This accreditation is well deserved.”
Find out how to kickstart your NHS career now
Looking to get your foot on the ladder in an NHS or care role, or looking for a career change but don’t know where to start? Our award-winning work experience and careers team will be talking to people about jobs in the NHS next month.
The team will be in the exhibition space on level 4 at Torbay Hospital from 1pm to 4pm on Monday 02 March and 9am to midday on Tuesday 03 March to answer questions about qualifications, how to gain experience, apprenticeships and what jobs entail.
They’ll be offering advice about a range of training and career opportunities in clinical and non-clinical roles, volunteering, and our virtual work experience platform, Springpod, which gives students up to 10 hours of free access to webinars, quizzes and videos with people working in our services, talking about what it’s like to work here and what qualifications or experience you might need for their role.
If you want to know more, please email tsdft.workexperience@nhs.net
Helping give children the best start in life
Emma O’Connell, Children and Family Health Devon Interim Director, shares her thoughts and advice on how to support children’s mental health.
“We know that being a parent of a carer of a child or a young person can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also not without its challenges as you navigate your way to make sure they’re safe, happy and healthy.
“At times, it might feel like an ongoing battle: when do you let your child have a mobile phone and if they do should they take it into school? How much screen time is okay, and when should you let them have access to social media and online gaming? Questions about whether it’s harmless fun and a way people can stay connected with their friends and family is high on the public agenda at the moment, and there’s been lots in the news recently about whether we should adopt a similar social media ban for young people like the one that’s been introduced in Australia?
“Charities such as the NSPCC and Childnet have some excellent resources if you need some help to keep your young person safe from harm.
“Protecting the mental health of children and young people and keeping them safe from harm is important to me and my colleagues at Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) and I’m proud of the support we provide to give our young people the best start in life. Prioritising mental health and wellbeing is a core focus of our work and we’re committed to doing all we can to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Our award-winning Children’s Mental Health in Schools Team is making a real difference to people’s outcomes through early identification, prevention and a whole-school approach to mental health, and we know that it’s really valued by the people we’ve supported. It’s a great example of personalised and integrated care, and we remain committed to having Mental Health Support Teams based in every school across Devon and Torbay by the end of 2029.
“Online gaming tools such as Lumi Nova are helping children with mild to moderate needs to learn to self-manage their fears, worries and anxiety and is being used where they may not meet thresholds for CAMHS, are on the waiting list, or alongside other therapeutic support.
“Reducing waiting times remains a priority and we’re taking action with our NHS and council partners to increase capacity and improve access to ensure families receive help when they need it.
“We’re making significant progress with the introduction of the Balanced System® for speech, language and communication support for under-fives. Just nine months ago, families were waiting more than two years for assessment. Today, open-access drop-in assessment sessions are available across Devon and Torbay, allowing families to attend without a referral. We hope that by the end of April 2026, there will be no waiting list for under-fives needing an assessment.
“I know that asking for help can be difficult, particularly when you’re stressed, worried or lonely. Please don’t suffer in silence – help is available from CFHD for your children, and there’s lots of help for you if life is becoming a challenge. Please talk to your GP or visit Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s website for details of how you can get support.”