Postgraduate Medical Education
Introduction
The aim of the Postgraduate Department of the Liverpool Women’s Hospital is to provide and facilitate high quality education and training for doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Neonatal Paediatrics and Obstetric Anaesthesia while in addition providing appropriate resource for Nursing, Midwifery and para medical personnel.

The present Postgraduate facilities include a conference and lecture facility to accommodate approximately 100 delegates. A skills laboratory opened in 1998 which provides a venue to teach theoretical and bench skills away from the patient environment. There are facilities to teach neonatal catheterisation, insertion of chest drains and intravenous access using artificial models. Also facilities for laparoscopic/minimal access training in obstetrics and gynaecology and appropriate mannequins for testing obstetric emergency skills for all medical and clinical staff. There is a range of video facilities and computer links to medicine and the internet, and CD Rom software for all specialities. A new purchase in 1998 was a virtual Reality laparoscopic skills trainer developed by Manchester University.

We have a reference library with a broad range of journals and an excellent stock of standard undergraduate and postgraduate textbooks. Branch libraries are located on the Neonatal Unit and the Anaesthetics department. These house smaller collections of more specialised texts. The postgraduate manager has a selection of postgraduate examination textbooks which can be borrowed on a short-term basis.
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To enhance existing facilities new hardware is currently being installed throughout the hospital to provide internal access for research purposes. The installation of video conferencing is currently under review. We would hope to have this facility later in the year. In addition to the above we have well equipped tutorials rooms situated in the PG department and within each directorate for small group teaching.

There are 2 clinical tutors who manager a significant study leave budget. All study leave applications in 1998 were granted. Nationally recognised courses foe MRCOG Part II and The Diploma in Family Planning are organised in house while other courses including MRCP ALS and Laparoscopic surgery are arranged locally within the Region.
Educational Teaching Programmes
The Neonatal junior doctors have a full programme of teaching on Wednesday afternoons. SHOs in Obstetrics and Gynaecology have 4 hours protected teaching time on Friday afternoons when a varied programme of teaching is provided in house. SpRs in Obstetrics and Gynaecology are split into 2 levels. Their teaching is organised on a regional basis and rotated around the region fortnightly
In addition the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology organise a monthly guest lecture. There are monthly CTG meetings, twice monthly pathology meetings and a Research meeting held on alternate Friday mornings with breakfast provided.

All junior doctors are allocated an identified educational supervisor (usually the Consultant they commence working for. Review of training consultations take place regularly.
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Continuing Professional Development for Consultants
LWH provides an annual budget, approximately £40,000 for continuing medical education. There have been no restrictions on study leave applications. In addition the Trust has agreed to fund full remuneration every 5 years for any consultant wishing to attend an overseas venue.
Induction Programmes

There is an induction programme in August and February for the new intake of Senior House Officers. This has proved a popular development over the last 5 years with gradual refinement each year to accommodate the changing emphasis of SHO life and responsibility.
Conferences and Symposia and Courses
Throughout the year conferences and symposia are organised both by departments from within the hospital, and by local and national organisations involved in the healthcare provision of women and babies.
Future aims and development plans
While we consider the facilities we currently provide to be of a high quality plans are under review to develop the postgraduate centre and submission will be made to the Board for inclusion in next years business plan.
Clinical Tutors: Mr D H Richmond MD, FRCOG

Medical Director Professor A M Weindling MD, FRCP

Postgraduate Manager: Mrs J Charing
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