Bolton and Wigan GP VTS

• Introduction
  to GPSTP
• Bolton
  GPSTP
• Wigan
  GPSTP
• Day
  Release
• Training
  Practices
• Course
  Information

Mission Statement

To work with training practices, trainers, the registrar's group and individual registrar's to produce GPs proficient in the delivery of high quality primary health care, both now and in the future.

We see the focus of medical care is on teamwork, and the role of the GP is vital in nurturing this team to its full effectiveness.

Structure

The Day Release Course (DRC) is run by Julian Page, Mike Pollard, Malcolm Brown, Gill Fellows and Tim Dalton, with support from trainers and expert speakers. The year begins with a preliminary meeting in mid September, with a 3-day residential course in the Lake District, two weeks later. For the rest of the year we hold weekly Wednesday meetings at the Education Centre, Royal Bolton Hospital from 9.30am to 4.00pm. No meetings are held over Christmas or Easter and we usually break for half term. We encourage the group to break into smaller groups to prepare for the nMRCGP exam components.

Administration

This course has been approved under section 63. This means that participants can reclaim travel and subsistence costs paid. Claim forms will be given out at the end of each term. Participants are requested to sign the register for each session attended. Please note that attendance at the course is mandatory for GP registrars to successfully complete their training period. Please be punctual.

GP registrars are requested to avoid taking holidays during term time if possible. Please notify all holidays in advance, and all sick leave on the day, to the course organiser.

Trainers are most welcome to attend. Please ring the course organiser beforehand.

Content

During the year we aim to sample as many parts of the broad curriculum of primary care as possible, but still cover the important areas in depth. The DRC needs to supplement, not duplicate the function of the training practices. For this reason the DRC will concentrate on those areas that may not be able to be covered in the training practices (e.g. child abuse) and on those areas where group learning is most useful (e.g. ethical issues). We will spend less time covering clinical knowledge as this is best learned in practice or by reading. A typical programme is provided on this web site.

Process

The majority of learning will be based on small group work. The group itself functions as a resource for learning, because by sharing experience with others we can learn far more than by studying in isolation. To help this learning you will be asked to prepare work in advance for some of the sessions.

It follows that non-attendance, late attendance or failure to prepare work disrupts the group function and effectiveness and thus reduces the educational experience for your colleagues. This is an ethic that will be with you throughout your life in general practice.

Assessment forms an important part of the course. It is intended to help individuals and the group improve. But when you become principals, self and peer group assessment become most important and we aim to foster these qualities on the course. We also welcome assessment of the course by you so we can continue to improve it for future GP registrars.

We have a commitment to make the Day Release Course useful, supportive and enjoyable. We are looking forward to working with you this next year, making new and perhaps life long friendships.

Finally, on offer, is individual help to any GP registrar who approaches us - if we cannot help then we know a man (or woman) who can!

Typical Terms

Term 1: 2003-2004

Term 2: 2004

Credits

This page was last updated on 7th January 2008. Website designed and maintained by Steve Bradburn © 2003-2009