GESA and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in relation to RACS’ involvement in the GESA Recertification in Colonoscopy Program (RCP).

The recertification program was established by GESA in 2016 and provides a formal mechanism for practitioners to acquire nationally-recognised certification in colonoscopy.

Practitioners are required to record their procedures in an online logbook and submit them for review every three years to meet the criteria for the Colonoscopy Clinical Care Standard.

According to GESA, the MoU “outlines a commitment from both parties to formalise the representation of RACS on the RCP Committee and to contribute to the determination of standards for colonoscopy recertification.”

In a joint statement, GESA Vice-President Professor Benedict Devereaux and RACS Councillor Professor Andrew Hill said the MoU was an important development in ensuring all Australians have access to colonoscopy services that are performed to the highest standard.

“The RCP is an important program that sets critical benchmarks for the delivery of colonoscopy services. The MoU indicates a commitment to ways in which we can work together for endoscopists to improve the delivery of high-quality colonoscopy services across Australia,” they said.

“GESA and RACS have a shared interest in ensuring that we deliver the best possible outcomes to our patients, and that is what is at the heart of this agreement. Our focus is on providing Australians with the certainty that they are undergoing colonoscopies performed by high quality, certified endoscopists whether they reside in metropolitan or regional centres.”