THE colorectal unit at Prince Charles Hospital, in Merthyr Tydfil, has been awarded specialist status by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI).

It was given the ST-Specialist grade, which means it is recognised by the ACPGBI as a unit suitable for the training of coloproctology specialist registrars during the latter stages of their sub-specialist learning.

Professor P N Haray, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the unit and a leading specialist in laparoscopic bowel surgery, said: “The team is very proud of this accreditation – not only have we been accredited as a specialist coloproctology unit, but we have been successful in being granted the ST-Specialist level, which is the highest.

“This is gratifying recognition of all the hard work put in by various team members in providing training, which includes live operating master classes, not only for registrars but to all grades of staff, including nurses.”