South West Surgical Training Network

Using state of the art facilities, in partnership with regional experts, the SWSTN aims to facilitate high quality surgical education and research, ensuring the best surgical outcomes and patient care.  We develop, deliver and monitor high quality educational opportunities for surgeons across South West England.  In addition, we facilitate collaborative research projects in the field of surgical training and technique.

Steering Board

·  Mr Nader Francis, FRCS PhD (SWSTN Chair, lapco National Trainer, LoReC Steering Board Member)
·  Mr Mark Coleman, FRCS (lapco National Clinical Lead, LoReC Steering Board Member)
·  Mr Robert Longman, FRCS PhD (lapco National Trainer, LoReC Mentor)
·  Mr Tony Dixon, FRCS (lapco National Trainer, LoReC Mentor)
·  Mr Richard Welbourn, FRCS (SWSTN Bariatric course lead)
·  Dr Fiona Carter, PhD (SWSTN Manager/ Course Development Lead)
·  Sister Win Gillard (Laparoscopic Theatre Practitioner)
·  Mrs Elaine Cox (SWSTN Project Manager/ Administrator)
 
NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

LAPCO ( http://www.lapco.nhs.uk)
The National Training Programme (NTP) in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery (LCS) is funded by the Cancer Action Team at the Department of Health to provide laparoscopic colorectal surgery training to colorectal consultants in England.  In January 2008, 10 groups encompassing 16 Trusts in England were allocated training centre status by the National Cancer Action Team at the Department of Health.  The programme is co-ordinated from Plymouth and Educational assessment is carried out under the leadership of Professor George Hanna at Imperial College, London.

LoReC ( http://www.lorec.nhs.uk)
This is a pilot programme, funded through the National Cancer Action Team.  28 colorecal multi-disciplinary cancer teams (MDTs) have been invited to participate in the programme, to develop understanding and skills for treating low rectal cancer.  The programme is administered through the Pelican Cancer Foundation ( http://www.pelicancancer.org).

Contact the SWSTN:
Project Manager: Dr Fiona Carter, 01935 384787 / 07500 259366 / Fiona.carter@ydh.nhs.uk
Project Administrator: Mrs Elaine Cox, 01935 384529 / Elaine.cox@ydh.nhs.uk
By post: SWSTN Admin Office, Yeovil Academy, Level 4 Yeovil District Hospital NHSFT, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
Website: www.surgicaltrainingnetwork.org (http://www.surgicaltrainingnetwork.org)