
Congratulations to Dr Christopher Mountford; the new BSG Secretary
We are delighted to welcome and congratulate the new BSG Secretary, Doctor Christopher Mountford who will start in office from June 2025.
Chris is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he has been in post since March 2014. He has a particular interest in Clinical Nutrition and Intestinal Failure and is part of the multidisciplinary specialist Intestinal Failure team which serves the North East of England. He completed a Masters degree in Nutritional Medicine during his gastroenterology specialist training. Chris also maintains an active endoscopy practice, he is an accredited Bowel Cancer Screening Colonoscopist and was Clinical Director for the Newcastle Endoscopy Service between 2021 and 2024. He has an extensive background in Education and Training and has held posts as Royal College Tutor and Course Director for JAG accredited training courses. Chris has served on BAPEN Executive Committee member as Honorary Treasurer and Trustee from 2019 to 2022. He was honoured to receive a BAPEN 'roll of honour' award on two occasions for his work with that charity.
He is delighted and honoured to be taking up the role of Secretary within the BSG and looks forward to working with colleagues and for our membership during his time in post.

Gastroenterology SpRs - "Highlights from Gut" ambassador opportunity
The BSG is keen to strengthen its links with the journal, Gut. As part of this initiative, we hope to have a new section of our BSG newsletter every month dedicated to highlighting the best content in Gut that is relevant to all BSG members, be those interested in IBD, Hepatology, Endoscopy, HPB and Nutrition.

Call for nominations – 24th ECCO IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
The annual IBD Intensive Course is a 1-day course which takes place prior to the ECCO Congress. This is an excellent educational opportunity and a prestigious event, with those who have been in the past rating this very highly.

NHS Approve Initial National Roll Out of GPwER Gastroenterology Programme
A programme to train GPs with extended roles (GPwERs) in gastroenterology has recently been approved by the NHS for a national roll out.