Training courses

Basic Surgical Skills Course (BSS)

Course overview – This two-day course, aimed at FY1 and above, is designed to instil core surgical skills at the very start of a surgeon's training by teaching the correct basic techniques. You will be taught instrument handling, knot tying, suturing techniques, fine tissue handling, wound management and diathermy.

These courses are delivered by experienced surgeons with a wide range of knowledge and experience in teaching. 

Audience – FY1 (BSS is strongly recommended for all trainees who are about to embark on their first surgical position), FY2, ST1/CT1 and ST2/CT2 and SCPs.

Cost – £775

Venue – Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

Dates 29th & 30th September 2025

Too book contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net for an application form

Basic Practical Skills in Obs & Gynae Course (BPS)

Course overview – The Basic Practical Skills in Obstetrics and Gynaecology course has been designed to introduce trainees to safe surgical techniques and obstetric clinical skills in a structured workshop environment. The course is standardised to ensure that common objectives, content structure and assessment methods are followed. The course consists of 3 modules and covers basic surgical skills and basic skills in obstetrics.. 

Audience – The course is intended for trainees ST1-2 and is a mandatory requirement for entry into ST3. Foundation Years 1 and 2 with an interest in obstetrics and gynaecology may also apply.

Cost £775

Venue Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

Dates – to be advised

Too book contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net for an application form

Mobile Skills Training

Through the appointment of two additional trainers the Clinical Skills and Competency Centre at Nottingham City Hospital is now able to offer more flexible and specific training to a wider group of professionals.

To book onto any mobile skills training session contact Sarah Hutton, Business & Operations Development Manager, on 01159 627758 (internal ext 54905 or email sarah.hutton11@nhs.net.)

Sessions/courses available include:

  • Cannulation and venepuncture
  • Male and female catheterisation
  • Wound care and basic suturing
  • Nasogastric tube insertion (Ryles and fine bore)
  • Ultrasound central line insertion
  • Ultrasound cannulation
  • Chest drain insertion (covering needle decompression, seldinger and surgical chest drain)
  • Cardioversion and transcutaneous cardiac pacing
  • Intraosseous access
  • Inhouse Basic Surgical Skills 1 day course

The following training equipment is available for use within within the Postgraduate Medical Education Centre only  (we are unable to loan out our equipment for use outside of the centre):

  • Full body adult resuscitation and trauma manikins
  • Full body paediatric resuscitation manikins
  • Cannulation and venepuncture arms
  • Inovus laparoscopic trainers
  • Joint Injection models (knee, wrist, shoulder, foot and ankle)
  • Lumbar puncture manikin
  • Chest drain manikin
  • Knot tying and tying at depth jigs
  • Catheterisation manikins
  • Eye examination trainerEar examination trainer
  • Male and female pelvic trainers
  • Prompt flex birthing simulator
  • Blue phantom ultrasound cannulation arm
  • Blue phantom femoral manikin
  • Ultrasound compatible central line manikin
  • Arterial blood gas manikin
  • Abdominal paracentesis manikin
  • Rectal examination manikin
  • Pericardiocentesis manikin
  • EZ-IO intraosseous kits

Are you looking to create a bespoke course or training session? Our team can support the development of bespoke courses to meet the needs of individuals and groups. Please get in touch to discuss the opportunities available sarah.hutton11@nhs.net

ATLS Course

Course overview ATLS® is a global course, teaching a systematic process of trauma care for patients with life-threatening injuries.

Throughout this two-day interactive course, you will learn a range of comprehensive and adaptable trauma management skills relevant to all specialities.

The RCS is the only provider of ATLS® in the UK, teaching a safe and reliable method of immediate management of severely injured patients. The ATLS® programme has been adopted in over 80 countries around the world.

The format of this hybrid course includes a state-of-the-art and interactive e-learning tool which will enhance your learning experience and reduce the number of days attending the practical sessions from three to two. The pre-course e-learning is a mandatory requirement for this course and must be completed by 7am the day before the face-to-face course. It will take approximately 20-30 hrs to complete.

Audience – This course is only suitable for doctors at FY2 grade and above, equivalent staff grades, eligible and advanced clinical practitioners (ACP) 

Cost – £850

Venue – Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

Dates – To be advised

To book contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net for an application form

IMPACT Course

Course Overview  The IMPACT course is a two-day course introducing the principles and practice of acute medical care and related knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes. It enables trainee doctors to assess and treat acutely unwell patients and where appropriate gives guidance on when to ask for help. The course provides key point presentations, workshops, “hands on” skills stations and critically ill patient teaching is given by experienced instructors in a supportive environment.

Audience  IMPACT is aimed at IMT 1/2/3 level trainees in Acute Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) programmes. Foundation doctors intending to embark on a career in any of the aforementioned specialties can undertake the course after completion of 8 months of acute medical specialties in their FY2 year but must bear in mind that the standard of teaching is pitched at IMT 1/2/3 level. You should have successfully completed an Advanced Life Support (ALS) course before you attend an IMPACT Course.

Cost  £695

Dates – 10th & 11th November 2025

Venue Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

To book please contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net

Training the Trainer Course

Course overview Elevate your skills as a clinical educator with this comprehensive learning course, designed to enhance your confidence in developing and delivering educational activities. This course combines online learning with hands-on, personalised support to help you succeed in your teaching and surgical career. 

Audience This course is suitable for all career grades, speciality and specialist surgeons (SAS), locally employed doctors (LED), dental surgeons and the extended surgical and allied health team. It has been designed for anyone involved in the delivery of surgical and dental training, either locally or as a member of faculty.

Cost £500

Dates 17th October 2025

Venue – Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

To book please contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net

Definitive Surgical Trauma Skills (DSTS)

Course overview Taught over two days by skilled and knowledgeable faculty, you will learn how to make life-saving surgical decisions and perform damage control under pressure in a trauma and emergency environment. 

Through practical workshops on unembalmed cadavers, you will learn surgical procedures to manage a broad range of trauma situations, as well as covering decision-making, epidemiology and emerging technologies.

Audience - Participants should have a good understanding of ATLS and critical care principles and experience of managing trauma both frequently and infrequently

This course is suitable for ST5-8, consultants and SAS grades

Cost – £1935

Venue – Postgraduate Education Centre, City Hospital, Nottingham

Dates – 3rd & 4th November 2025

To book contact sarah.hutton11@nhs.net for an application form