1)     has been much less in Wales than in England.  This partly reflects differences in funding streams, with money not following patients in Wales.    Finally there is a serious shortage of academic gastroenterology opportunities in Wales.  With the new curriculums about to be rolled out in 2013 many challenges lie ahead for the devolved nations. These concerns were put to a BSG Strategy meeting last month, which was chaired by Sir Ian Gilmore.  The BSG now has access to professional public relations staff who can help in raising the political profile of gastroenterology in the devolved nations.  The BSG Executive is preparing a strategy paper on this.

Best wishes

DR MILES ALLISON