Date published: 15 October 2023
A clinical skills conference took place recently in North Cumbria as part of PLT (Protected Learning Time) for all GP practice staff.
Protected Learning Time (PLT) is a very important element of training for both clinical and support teams to ensure that they are continuing to deliver the highest standards of care to patients in North Cumbria.
Dr Helen Horton, GP and Clinical Lead in the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Practices close and Cumbria Health on Call (CHoC), our out of hours provider cover for us and we dedicate the whole afternoon to training, development and education.”
Dr Robert Westgate, GP and Chair of North Cumbria General Practice Leadership Team said: “PLT allows the practitioners to look at their learning needs, network, keep abreast of best practice.
"There are refreshers, updates, opportunities to look at local medical pathways, as well as how best to serve people and how best to manage access and the demands of modern day general practice.”
The successful conference was organised by the Primary Care team from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) who are based in North Cumbria and was attended by around 190 delegates with a range of professions including GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, trainees and allied professionals – such as paramedics, the event providing an opportunity to work on collaborative system pathways.
Various other organisations and providers were also represented at the event to provide staff with more information and answer any questions. This included North East & Cumbria Learning Disability Network, The Great North Care Record, Information Technology Support, the PRIMIS team (special systems used in General Practice), Eden Valley Hospice, The Sound Doctor, North Cumbria Training Hub, GP and Nurse Fellowships, the University of Cumbria, as well as representatives from projects in Pain Management and Primary Care Services North Cumbria.
Sam Gargett, Project Manager for Primary Care Services North Cumbria said: “We’re here today specifically to talk to colleagues about the collaborative approach we’re taking in primary care across North Cumbria, in terms of at scale working, centralising and scoping any work which can be taken out of practices and centralised, to enable the practices to really concentrate on patient care and delivering greater patient outcomes.”
The training consisted of 18 workshop topics and each attendee was able to attend five over the course of the afternoon. Simultaneously there was online training sessions also being provided for nurses, health care assistants and non-clinical staff.
GP Richard Massey from Caldbeck Surgery in Wigton attended the day and said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to step out of surgery, meet up with colleagues for some peer support and learn from the specialists that we’ve had presenting.
"We can take what we’ve learnt back to practice, share it with colleagues but most importantly improve the care that we offer to patients.”
Dr Helen Horton added: “It was a brilliant afternoon. We sent a huge thank you to everyone who attended as well as the speakers and services who gave their time to support.”
The next protected learning time afternoon is scheduled for Wednesday 15 November 2023.
