BSG are sad to announce the death of Edwin Swarbrick. Edwin was Endoscopy Vice President of the BSG and a pivotal figure in UK endoscopy. He played a major role in the national modernisation of endoscopy including training, research and the establishment of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Edwin was appointed as the first Consultant in Gastroenterology in Wolverhampton, initially at The Royal Hospital then subsequently moving to New Cross in the 1990s. Edwin pioneered the developing field of GI endoscopy and set up one of the first endoscopy training schools in the country, laying the foundations for RWT now hosting the Midlands Endoscopy Training Academy. He also had an interest in inflammatory bowel disease publishing many papers in both fields. At RWT Edwin was the Clinical Director for R&D for many years and established RWT as one of the leading research Trusts in the Midlands.

Edwin was an inspirational figure to many of us , inspiring many colleagues and trainees within the field of endoscopy.  He enjoyed fishing and horse riding and was an avid art lover, having enrolled to undertake a degree in the history of art following his retirement. He is survived by Corinne his wife and two sons.

BSG send our thoughts and prayers to his family and colleagues.

Professor Colin Rees