NURSES are now carrying out work usually earmarked for consultants in a pioneering project at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Experienced nurses at the hospital have been trained to carry out camera-investigations called endoscopies in a bid to cut down on long waiting lists.

And now the hospital has been chosen as one of only two sites in the country for a groundbreaking project for patients with bowel problems.

The scheme, part of the National Endoscopy Project, has been awarded to Bolton in recognition of the good results that the hospital has already achieved in similar work on stomach services. This new approach has reduced waiting times in Bolton "considerably".

GPs in Bolton are also now able book patients for an endoscopy.

Waiting times for stomach endoscopy has reduced from almost 12 months in 1999 to an average wait of about 4 weeks today.

Sister Martina Mannion, a specialist nurse endoscopist will now be working on the new project.

She said: "We can provide a quick and convenient service for people who are often in a lot of discomfort". Work has already started to improve the service for people with colorectal problems.

GPs can also refer directly to a one-stop rectal clinic at the hospital.

The hospital already has two specialist nurses who undertake some investigations of the bowel. It is planning to send Sister Mannion on a training course to learn how to do colonoscopies, a more complex procedure.

There are currently only two other nurses in the country who are trained to do this.

Hamish Michie, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "Sister Mannion will able to put her intensive training, skills and experience to good use in ensuring problems are diagnosed or people's minds are put at ease."

A hospital spokesman said: "The project is also aimed at improving services for patients suffering from bowel cancer and other bowel problems by working with other departments and organisations to ensure that the patient has a smooth journey through different services."

NHS Direct are also getting involved in reducing waiting times by telephoning patients before they come to hospital to advise them about preparing for their visit to the hospital.

Shona Brown, National Endoscopy Project Manager, praised the hospital for the work that had been done so far and its efforts to improve waiting times.