Wessex School of Anaesthesia is a highly regarded nationally as providing a top quality, dynamic and supportive training programme for Core and Specialty trainees in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. We oversee approximately 200 trainees across 6 Trust sites – Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire Hospitals (Winchester and Basingstoke), Salisbury, Dorset County (Dorchester) and East Dorset Hospitals (Poole and Bournemouth).
We are fortunate to have a large and enthusiastic faculty of College Tutors, Educational and Clinical Supervisors throughout the region. These individuals work closely with the School Board and trainee representatives to ensure the programme remains trainee focused, flexible and responsive. We currently have almost 30% of our specialty trainee working less-than-full-time and we actively encourage out-of-programme placements, especially abroad, where we have links in Australia, Canada and South Africa. There are opportunities to train in Intensive Care Medicine, alongside anaesthesia (Dual Training) and to attain PHEM (prehospital emergency medicine ) training.
The programmes are monitored externally and reviewed internally to ensure standards are maintained, and the Board liaises closely with individual hospitals in order to achieve this.
Wessex exam courses proved excellent preparation for the Primary and Final Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA), where our trainees consistently perform well. These are complemented by simulation experience and a Deanery Masterclass course portfolio.
Trainee quote:
‘Wessex has been a fantastic place to train; ……excellent teaching across a range of hospitals, great opportunities to expand on skills or activities and real sense of family and well-being. I have had significant periods off through illness and they have been extremely supportive throughout. It’s clear that, as a deanery, they value their trainees and their experiences. Wessex also happens to cover a stunning area of the country and whether you like hiking, watersports or lazy strolls through National Parks, it’s guaranteed to keep you busy.’