Unique training for the specialists of the future
Clifton Park NHS Treatment Centre provides fast access to
elective surgery, in a clean, purpose-built environment. As well as
distinct benefits for NHS patients, the facility is making a
difference to a growing range of trainee clinicians – who will
become the NHS specialists of the future.
The treatment centre opened in January 2006, as part of a
national contract run by Ramsay Health Care. The facility was
commissioned to increase choice and reduce waiting times, mainly in
the field of orthopaedics. Clifton Park has exceeded expectations,
treating even more NHS patients than anticipated, and achieving a
consistently high level of patient satisfaction.
Clifton Park always intended to become an integral part of the
NHS community, and started taking on junior doctor trainees in
April 2006.
Ian Whitaker, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Clifton Park and
the neighbouring York District Hospital, explains: “The Consultants
at York were involved in the development of the new treatment
centre from the start. We were insistent that Clifton Park would be
able to offer new opportunities for junior practitioners, as well
as for patients.”
The benefits for the junior doctors, who are all specialist
registrar grade or above, is clear, as Ian describes: “Because of
the defined case mix of the treatment centre, our trainees have
found that they are involved in 30 to 40 per cent more cases than
they were at the district hospital, providing valuable hands-on
training for the clinicians of the future.”
Debbie Craven, General Manager for Clifton Park, has found the
training agreement beneficial for the treatment centre staff as
well as the trainees. Debbie explains: “Having trainees at a
hospital helps to facilitate a learning environment. The team
really enjoys working with the junior doctors, student nurses and
student physios and we are hoping to commence with student
radiographers soon. Importantly, the agreement enables NHS trainees
to experience working within the independent sector, which is
becoming an increasingly significant provider of NHS care.”