THURSDAY, 24, SEPTEMBER, 2026

Photograph attached: Specialist CT radiographer Claire Nisbet pictured with members of the Radiology team alongside representatives from NCTCA

Scotland's first CT Colonography Centre of Excellence recognised at Stracathro

Stracathro Regional Treatment Centre has become Scotland's first CT Colonography Centre of Excellence, marking a significant milestone in the detection and diagnosis of bowel conditions.

The accreditation follows a project delivered in partnership between NHS Tayside and the National CT Colonography Academy (NCTCA), with funding provided by the 40tude Curing Colon Cancer charity, which campaigns for the earlier detection of colon cancer.

As a recognised Centre of Excellence, Stracathro will provide opportunities for NHS colleagues and independent healthcare practitioners from across the UK who are undertaking postgraduate training with the NCTCA to observe best practice and learn from experienced practitioners delivering the service.

To mark the achievement, a celebration event was held at Stracathro, bringing together members of the NHS Tayside radiology team, representatives from NCTCA, the Society of Radiographers and supporters from 40tude.

CT colonography is an examination that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the large bowel. The procedure involves gently inflating the colon with carbon dioxide through a small tube and can be used as an alternative or complementary investigation alongside conventional colonoscopy.

Claire Nisbet, specialist CT radiographer, said, “The radiology staff at Stracathro Regional Treatment Centre are both proud and excited to be awarded this accreditation. We are thankful to 40tude for funding the opportunity and the expertise and guidance of the NCTCA programme. We look forward to building relationships with healthcare practitioners across Scotland and sharing our improved techniques and governance to provide high quality, patient specific CT colonography examinations."

The Centre of Excellence designation reflects the high standards of clinical practice, training and patient care delivered by the team and supports the continued development of CT colonography services in Scotland.

Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “This is a significant achievement for NHS Tayside and recognises the dedication, expertise and teamwork of radiographers, radiologists, imaging managers and support staff across Angus, Perth & Kinross and Dundee. Their collective commitment has helped establish the first Centre of Excellence of this kind in Scotland, creating opportunities to share best practice, support professional development and further improve diagnostic services for patients.

“The accreditation reflects NHS Tayside's commitment to innovation, clinical excellence and workforce development, while helping to improve access to high-quality diagnostic services and supporting earlier diagnosis for patients across Scotland.”

A recent NHS Tayside patient to undergo the procedure, said, “The team was fantastic and demonstrates the very best of the values and traditions of the NHS. The procedure was made so much more bearable by them. First class.”

Support from 40tude has been instrumental in establishing the service, funding the specialised training and development required to create Scotland's first CT Colonography Centre of Excellence.

40tude’s former ambassador, Scotland international rugby player Tom Smith died of colon cancer in 2022, age just 50. He and his successor, former Scotland teammate Andy Nicol, forged their early rugby careers together at Dundee High School.

Gordon Moore, 40tude Chair of Trustees, said “We’re proud that 40tude’s funding has enabled this first for Scotland. 40tude champions the earlier detection of colon cancer, and the expansion of this proven CT colonography (CTC) programme, which we have supported from its inception, into Scotland is hugely exciting.

“We’re especially delighted that Scotland’s first CT Colonography Centre for Excellence has been established at Stracathro, given Tom and Andy’s Tayside connection. Tom wanted everything possible to be done to prevent other families from being adversely affected by colon cancer. Increasing access to high-quality CTC examinations will enable earlier diagnosis, helping to save lives, as this type of cancer can be treated successfully, particularly, if it is detected at an early stage.”

Contact:

Lisa Campbell

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138