As one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals, closely linked to the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England and other bodies worldwide, we are extraordinarily well placed to develop clinical skills and careers. We positively encourage postgraduate study and research, with an active programme of workshops and seminars keeping you up to date with the latest clinical developments.

Clinical Skills Education is available to enable staff to gain or update skills specific to their role. This includes the knowledge required to perform the skill, demonstration and practise using simulation. This is then followed up with supervised practise in the clinical area and completion of a competency.

Skills available include:

• Venepuncture
• Cannulation
• Urethral Catheterisation
• ECG Recording
• Aseptic Non-Touch Technique
• Administration of IV Additives
• Anaphylaxis
• Naso-Gastric Insertion and Management
• Immunisation and Vaccination
• Tracheostomy
• Central Venous Catheters 

The Medical Education Team at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust comprises both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate teams.

The South Bristol Academy team are responsible for Undergraduate Medical Students who are on placement with the Trust from the University of Bristol. The students range from Years 1-5 of Medical School, along with students from other Universities (both UK and overseas) who are on their Medical Elective placements in the summer.

The team manage many of the units of the medical curriculum within the Academy which includes timetabling tutorials, seminars, teaching sessions, booking students into clinics and providing pastoral support as required.

We employ 4 Clinical Teaching Fellows, who deliver a large proportion of our teaching, and work closely with the Academy Dean and Deputy Dean along with Consultant and Junior Doctor colleagues across the Trust.

The Academy has its own teaching facilities within Dolphin House in the King Edward Building, along with the Education and Research Centre.

The Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) service is available for all doctors and dentists within University Hospitals Bristol. PGME is responsible for the governance and quality of medical and dental training within the Trust. The team consists of Consultants, administration staff, SAS doctors and Education Fellows based in the Education and Research Centre.

As part of a wider network of senior educational leads we ensure you will have a rewarding and successful time at University Hospitals Bristol.

We are on hand at Corporate Induction to ensure you have everything you need for your first day and you will hear from us often as we regularly send out training and information bulletins. You are invited to attend any of our Grand Round meetings which take place weekly and we also run various teaching sessions for Foundation doctors, SAS, Core Medical Training and Paediatrics.

We have a great career and support team who are available for confidential 1-2-1 advice and bespoke support return to training programmes.

Bristol Medical Simulation Centre, based in the Education and Research Centre of University Hospital Bristol, is the base for a team delivering interactive simulation education across all staff groups, supporting high quality patient care. We run courses within the simulated ward and clinical environments in the centre, and have programmes of point-of-care simulation activities which take training to staff working in all areas of the Trust, across all hospitals and specialities. We welcome visitors from all groups of staff and also host events for young people to encourage future careers in healthcare. For more information please visit our web site: http://www.bmsc.co.uk/

At UHBW, all health care support workers (HCSW's) complete the Care Certificate providing them with the skills, knowledge and behaviors to enable them to provide high quality, safe patient care and support.

The Care Certificate begins at induction, and consists of classroom based learning, practical activities and a variety of blended learning opportunities to help new staff build their knowledge of their role and an understanding of the Care Certificate standards.

Existing staff are also supported to complete the Care Certificate as part of the appraisal process. A handbook is used to gather evidence of knowledge and competency in practice and once completed staff may progress to an apprenticeship or other individualised development pathway.

New staff will:

• Be supported to complete the handbook within the first three months.
• Have their competency sheet signed off by a  'Buddy' and Manager to provide evidence of competence in practice.
• Submit their completed handbook within three months to the Care Certificate Team

Existing staff will:

• Receive a self-assessment booklet as part of their appraisal.
• Need to complete the self-assessment form and bring it to their appraisal with any supporting evidence, e.g. completed Care Certificate handbook and certificate, qualification certificates such as vocational qualifications, e-learning records, records of study days attended, competency packages etc. This will help to identify any areas for development or gaps in knowledge.
• Review the self-assessment form with their Manager and agree a plan for any training or development to meet the standards. This may include completing part(s) or the entire Care Certificate handbook.
• Be signed off by a trained 'Buddy' on the ward, or their Manager.
• Submit a portfolio to the Care Certificate Team. This should include the self-assessment tool and supporting evidence such as e-learning records, copies of certificate, self-reflections etc.

Care Certificate 'Buddies'

Staff undertaking their Care Certificate will receive support from 'Buddies', who are experienced Health Care Support Workers who have previously completed the care certificate, and have experience in supporting others in learning and development.

'Buddies' will:

• Have completed the Care Certificate themselves and have worked in a healthcare support role for at least one year.
• Act as a mentor to support staff undertaking the certificate.
• Record workplace examples of how participants have met Care Certificate standards.