UK
Consultation for surgical care practitioners' national curriculum framework launched
By DH, UK
Mar 24, 2005, 17:20

A consultation document published today gives healthcare professionals a clear educational and training programme to become a surgical care practitioner (SCP), a role that allows them to perform simple surgical procedures as well as caring for patients before and after surgery.

More skilled healthcare professionals means that patients will benefit from shorter waiting times and improved access as SCPs take pressure off doctors. In particular, they can assist consultant surgeons in theatre in such a way that ensures that doctors in training can focus on the areas where they most need to gain expertise.

SCPs can, after additional training and under the supervision of a surgeon, perform minor surgery such as removal of skin lesions, and do out patient clinics for pre- and post-operative care.

The consultation document aims to discuss the most suitable way to establish a common assessment of the skills of SCPs whilst encouraging other health professionals to develop their skills.

Lord Warner said:

�The NHS is working hard to give patients faster access to care.

�By developing the roles of healthcare staff we are able to offer patients skilled practitioners who are able to carry out simple surgical procedures � freeing up doctors to deal with more difficult cases.

�The role of a surgical care practitioner is not a new one � some NHS staff have been performing this type of role since 1989.

�We hope that by creating a detailed educational curriculum framework it will encourage healthcare professionals to develop their skills and formalise the role of surgical care practitioners nationwide.�

Hugh Phillips, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England said:

�The Royal College of Surgeons of England recognises that safe patient care is founded on good team working. It welcomes surgical care practitioners as members of the extended surgical team. The College has enshrined in the curriculum framework for surgical care practitioners, the standards it will expect of those qualifying to practice in this role, and will continue to influence their development. The College would wish to approve those institutions that would offer programmes of education and training�.

Jill Biggins, National Chairman of The National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice said:

�We are pleased to participate in the creation of the first generic surgical care practitioner curriculum framework, and view the launch of this document as a key milestone in the evolution of the SCP role.

�Training for non-medically qualified practitioners within the surgical team has been diverse over the last decade; this document brings together assets from all of the existing training programmes.

�The proposed curriculum framework formalises training and education, setting clear national standards and values for all surgical care practitioners. The document clarifies levels of supervision and reaffirms the importance of working within the surgical team.

�NAASP encourages all practicing surgical care practitioners, educationalists, surgeons and managers to read this document carefully and comment during the consultation period. �

Professor Sir Ara Darzi, Surgical Advisor to the Department of Health said:

�I have worked closely with several surgical care practitioners throughout my career who have proved invaluable both in the high quality care that they offer patients and the support that they offer surgeons.

�I am pleased to support the development of a national curriculum framework for surgical care practitioners that recognises their skills and encourages career development in others.�

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