News release: Breaking down barriers in the NHS

Abstract

Each year over 2000 qualified doctors come to the UK to gain clinical experience and
specialised training. New to the NHS, these doctors encounter problems relating to
communication and management skills, the structure and systems of the Service and the
general ethos of medical provision in the UK. This limits their ability to participate
effectively in the NHS and restricts opportunities for promotion and career development.
A new programme is now being offered through the University of Central Lancashire,
which will help doctors overcome those hurdles and enhance their clinical effectiveness.
This part-time course can be taken alongside work commitments and will equip doctors
with a greater understanding of the organisation and management of the NHS. It is
expected that the further confidence this gives to overseas doctors will lead to an increase
in the representation of minority ethnic clinicians within the health service and its
leadership. Building on the skills already acquired by these doctors will ultimately
improve patient care.
The University Advanced Certificate Health Service and Professional Practice
Programme has been developed by the Lancashire Postgraduate School of Medicine and
Health at the University, in partnership with the Overseas Doctors Association, the
Mersey Deanery and the Department of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, at
the University of Liverpool. The programme will be offered in the North West of
England from March 2002, in London from summer 2002 and at other UK centres from
2003.
28 January 2002
nr007pc
-ends-
Please note: Client contact - Prof Rornesh Gupta, Consultant Physician, Chorley and
South Ribble District General Hospital 01257 245287; Prof Peter Aggett, Lancashire
Postgraduate School of Medicine and Health, Faculty of Health, University of Central
Lancashire 01772 892790.