Mobile Skills Unit on tour around the Western Isles observed by the GMC

August and September saw the Mobile Skills Unit return to the stunning Western Isles for its annual tour around the islands supporting clinical skills training and education. First stop was Vatersay a small island just off the coast of the Isle of Barra. Local healthcare staff from St Brendan’s Hospital in Castlebay attended the packed week of training. The Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) team utilised the MSU for their 2 day Liaison visit which included talks and scenario on “Silver Trauma” and the management of the critically unwell patient and child. Further ILS and paediatric deteriorating patient training was delivered by Dr Jeremy Morse, Senior Lecturer and Simulation Lead, and Alison Moggach, ANP and ANP Fellow NHS Grampian. 

Next stop was Balivanich Hall on Benbecula, medics and nursing staff from the Uist and Barra Hospital attended a comprehensive training programme including; the EMRS Liaison visit, Obstetric and Neonatal training, Effective Communication for Healthcare (EC4H) workshops, venepuncture and cannulation and diabetes interactive sessions. 

The final stop was the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway where we welcomed the GMC onto the MSU to observe a full day of acute medical emergencies training delivered by Michael Moneypenny, Consultant Anaesthetist and Clinical Lead for CSMEN. The multi professional groups being observed consisted of healthcare support workers, GP trainees, FY2s, medical students and an A&E doctor. Further training that week consisted of Scottish Ambulance Service training and the Dundee Institute of Healthcare Simulation Surgical Skills training. 

We were delighted to receive a very positive report from the GMC. Overall, they felt the MSU is a good demonstration of how NES are meeting a number of their standards. They reported not only that the MSU is an excellent resource but also that NES is committed to providing technology enhanced and simulation-based learning opportunities for all learners, particularly those in remote and rural areas. They believe the MSU is an example of good practice which will be reflected in the 2022/23 Annual Quality Assurance Summary and will be available on the GMC dashboard. 

IO cannulation on paediatric leg demonstrated by Julie Cathcart from the EMRS Team

ILS training delivered by Dr Jerry Morse & Alison Moggach

Acute Medical Emergencies Training delivered by Michael Moneypenny