A programme to train GPs with extended roles (GPwERs) in gastroenterology has recently been approved by the NHS for a national roll out. The programme has been awarded over £500,000 of funding to initially train 16 GPs across the country.

The 2-year programme, including both clinical and educational components has been running in the Southwest of England since 2023.  The training closely follows the 2024 GPwER in gastroenterology framework which was co-authored and endorsed by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology (PCSG).  This framework provides a curriculum and sets out training and CPD requirements for the role and outlines the ‘gold standard’ for what BSG and PCSG feel is appropriate in training a GP to this role. A view endorsed by Dr Charlie Andrews, a GPwER from Bath, PCSG committee member and training lead for the gastroenterology GPwER training programme.

According to Dr Andrews “This is great news and recognises the role of the GPwER and the potential benefits of developing the primary/secondary care interface and community roles further. I hope that it will enable us not only to expand the number of GPwER in gastroenterology but will also allow us to explore community-based GPwER roles further’. 

The BSG have been instrumental in the development of the framework and supportive of the initiative. Prof Colin Rees, BSG President said “We are pleased our joint efforts have resulted in approval for the next phase of the programme. Enhancing the interface between primary and secondary care is a key part of meeting the increased demands of gastroenterology services across the country. The programme dovetails with our joint work on Advice and Guidance and our support for the Getting It Right First Time initiative.”

For further information please contact Jerry Budden from the PCSG Secretariat.