October Newsletter
Welcome from the Training Hub
Welcome back to the Training Hub Newsletter! Each month we bring together the latest from across Coventry and Warwickshire – training dates, team news, wellbeing resources, and anything else worth knowing. Have a read, share with colleagues who might find it useful, and get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to see more of.
In this issue:
- Gill Schweigert Innovation Award: meet our shortlisted teams
- Upcoming Training Dates
- Events for October
- GP Staff Survey has launched!
Please forward this newsletter to any colleagues who may find the content useful.
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Training Hub Headlines
The Gill Schweigert Innovation Award: Meet Our Shortlisted Teams
Five teams from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been shortlisted for this year’s Gill Schweigert Innovation Award, celebrating creativity, collaboration and positive change in primary care.
Innovation does not have to mean a major project or new technology. Often it is simply seeing a better way to do something and making it happen. Our shortlisted teams have done exactly that, for their patients, communities and colleagues.
This year’s shortlisted teams:
- From Reactive to Proactive Care – Victoria Foster, Apollo PCN. Replaced reactive GP call-outs to care homes with a structured weekly ward round, catching deterioration earlier across the network’s frailest residents.
- The Forgotten Patients – Dr Karen Clarke/Chantelle Walker, Meon Medical Centre. Built a register and home-visiting service for the practice’s housebound patients, halving GP contacts among its highest users and bringing overdue reviews and vaccinations up to date.
- Bringing Specialist Diabetes Care into General Practice – Katie Browning, Castle Medical Centre. Brought specialist-level diabetes management, including GLP-1, insulin and CGM, into the practice for around 750 patients, care that would normally sit in secondary care.
- Grow Your Own: Develop and Retaining – Melissa Evans, Broomfield. Created internal career pathways from receptionist through to practice nurse/ANP, growing and retaining nursing staff from within rather than relying on external recruitment
- Structured Teaching Programme for Student Nurses and Newly Qualified in General Practice – Kay Lines & Helena Paolozzi, Rugby Road Surgery Bulkington / Central Surgery Rugby. Delivered an 8-week structured teaching programme for student and newly qualified nurses, achieving 100% attendance and building confidence in general practice nursing careers.
The overall winner will be announced at our award ceremony on 12th November at The Warwickshire
Congratulations to Nuneaton Bedworth PCN
Every practice across Nuneaton Bedworth PCN has now successfully completed the NHSE Quality Assurance process.
We visited Weston Hall Hotel to recognise the achievement with the practice managers, presenting a certificate to each practice.
Quality Assurance helps practices demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for students and future members of the general practice workforce.
Congratulations to Market Quarter Medical Practice
Market Quarter Medical Practice has completed the NHSE Quality Assurance process.
Quality Assured status formally recognises a practice as having the environment, governance and culture to support learners.
Our team can guide you through every step, from the initial conversation right through to getting your first set of students.
Bitesize Headlines
Bite-sized headlines from around General Practice.
GP Staff Survey – Now Open!
We each have a voice that counts, and the NHS General Practice Staff Survey will give you an opportunity to have your voice heard about your job, your organisation and the NHS.
Please look out for an email in your inbox to access your unique survey link.
GPeWR – Gastroenterology Training Programme
Expressions of interest are now open for the GP with Extended Role (GPwER) in Gastroenterology training programme. NHS England is funding a further 28 places nationally, with the 2-year programme starting in January 2027.
Palliative Care and End of Life Study Day
Delivered by Myton Hospice, this study day aims to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to deliver safe, compassionate and person-centred palliative and end-of-life care.
Open to Paramedics, ANPs, Nurses, PA’s and Pharmacists.
This Month’s Training Dates For Your Calendar
Professional development opportunities across Coventry and Warwickshire. View all our sessions here.
Monday
October
5
BBO 2 Day Introduction to Diabetes
A two-day virtual course (5th and 12th October, 9.15am to 4.30pm) for healthcare professionals who are new or fairly new to diabetes care. It covers diabetes physiology, diagnosis, medications, managing complications and structuring diabetes care in practice. Attendance is needed on both days.
Wednesday
October
7
BBO 2 Day Introduction to Menopause
A two-day virtual course (7th and 14th October, 9.15am to 4.30pm) for practice nurses and healthcare practitioners who see patients experiencing menopause, whether occasionally or regularly, without formal training. It builds confidence in discussing all treatment options and referring appropriately.
Wednesday
October
14
BBO Minor Illness Update
A virtual update day (9.00am to 4.30pm) for nurses and healthcare professionals with existing minor illness experience, covering the latest developments in management and current prescribing guidelines.
Tuesday
October
20
Basic Life Support
A practical, face-to-face session (9.30am to 12.00pm) at Leamington Cricket Club, covering chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation and paediatric basic life support. Designed for healthcare and care staff, particularly care coordinators.
Thursday
October
22
BBO Diabetes Update
A virtual one-day update (9.15am to 4.30pm) for healthcare professionals actively involved in diabetes management, covering the latest trends and pharmacological developments in diabetes care.
Have You Used Your CPD Funding?
Nurses, nursing associates and allied health professionals working in primary care across Coventry and Warwickshire can access £235 of CPD funding each, with the same allocation for part-time colleagues.
Book through our training calendar, arrange your own training, or reclaim eligible learning you have already completed.
Please use your funding, or tell us you plan to, by 15 January 2027.
Primary Care Education Team
Upcoming PLT Dates
The Education Team are back with a full schedule of events to update your knowledge and connect with colleagues across general practice.
- Coventry Weds 7 October – Dermatology | Virtual
- South Warwickshire Thurs 15 October – Adult & Child Safeguarding Level 3 | Virtual
- Warwickshire North Weds 21 October – Local GP updates | Virtual
- Coventry & Warwickshire North 18 November – Children and Young People’s Asthma | In-person
- Rugby & South Warwickshire 26 November – Children and Young People’s Asthma | In-person
Health and Wellbeing
October Updates – Health and Wellbeing
Here are the latest updates from our Health and Wellbeing team for October, including upcoming wellbeing sessions, this month’s spotlight on transitions, World Menopause Day and seasonal self-care ideas.
To read our full October newsletter, please click here.
This month the newsletter looks at:
- Spotlight on: transitions
- World Menopause Day
- Winter preparation and planning
- And more!
Wellbeing Sessions for your team
Our Health and Wellbeing team can provide bespoke sessions for PCNs and practice teams, supporting team health, stronger working relationships and open conversations about wellbeing at work. Dedicated support is also available for managers and leaders as well as 1:1 support if needed.
To explore support for your team, get in touch with us today.
Upcoming Drop-In Sessions
October
nOVEMBER
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
October is Black History Month
What Black History Month Means to Me
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn about the history, achievements, culture and experiences of Black people. It is also a time to reflect on the stories and contributions that have not always received the recognition they deserve.
As the EDI Lead for Coventry and Warwickshire Training Hub, and as a Black woman from Nigeria, an IMG and a GP, Black History Month has a particular meaning for me.
My experiences of working in healthcare have sometimes meant being one of the few Black people in the room. That experience has made me appreciate the importance of representation – not simply seeing people who look like us, but knowing that our experiences, perspectives and voices are valued and heard.
For me, Black History Month is both a celebration and an opportunity to reflect. It is a chance to recognise the achievements and contributions of those who came before us, acknowledge how far we have come, and think about how we can continue to create more inclusive environments for those who come after us.
It is also a reminder that Black history is not separate from our shared history. It is an important part of it – and one that deserves to be recognised and celebrated, not just in October, but throughout the year.
Ejemen Ejele
EDI Lead and IMG Champion, Coventry and Warwickshire Training Hub
Upcoming EDIB Sessions
November
- Wednesday November 4th – 1pm – 2pm – Lunch & Learn, Listen, Understand, Include: Disability Through Lived Experience (Registration opens soon)
Non-Clinical
Could an apprenticeship help grow your workforce?
We’re working with the PMA to help practices and primary care employers across Coventry and Warwickshire explore how apprenticeships could support their workforce.
Apprenticeships can be used to upskill existing members of staff as well as recruit and develop new talent, helping you to address skills gaps, support career progression and improve retention.
Funding may also be available. Employers recruiting apprentices aged 16-24 may be eligible for 100% training funding, while some employers unable to access full government funding may be able to receive additional bursary support. Eligibility and availability apply.
Complete our short Training Needs Analysis to explore what apprenticeship and funding opportunities could be available to your team.
GP Team News
First 5 GP – Hot Topics in Gynaecology
This informative session has been specifically designed to provide an update for early career GPs working across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Attendees are invited to submit clinically relevant questions during the registration process for consideration by our guest speaker. Questions should be submitted no later than one week before the event.
The event will be held via Zoom, and registration will remain open until the start of the session.
Parental Leave Support Network (Revised Dates)
Connect with other GPs, share experiences, and build your support network.
The network will be designed to bring together Coventry and Warwickshire GPs who are approaching, having or have recently completed time away from practice due to the arrival of their baby (or babies), with the aim to provide networking opportunities and support for soon-to-be and new GP parents within Coventry and Warwickshire.
GPN Team
Nursing Preceptorships – Resources Coming Soon
Nurse Preceptorships are a 12 month programme for those new to general practice providing support, guidance and development to build confidence and further develop competence as nurses transition to an autonomous professional.
One of our Training Hub nurses can talk through the process of preceptorships with you. Email cw.traininghub@nhs.net with “Preceptorship” and your practice name in the subject line.
Congratulations to Our Newly Qualified Nurses!
A huge congratulations to our newly qualified Registered General Nurses working in general practice:
Jessica Floyd
Padraig Harris-Scanlon
Hayley Percival
Georgia Halliday
Starting out in general practice takes commitment, curiosity and courage, and you have shown all three. We are so proud of you and wish you every success in your careers.
A big thank you to the practices and PCNs who have supported them through their journey. Your time, guidance and encouragement mean a great deal.
More Wonderful News!
Congratulations also to our newly registered Nursing Associates working in general practice:
Iwona Nowak
Magdalena Adasko
Thank you to the practices and PCNs who have supported them on their journey.
And a very warm welcome back to general practice to Irene Mubiru, who has also recently qualified as a Registered Nurse. It’s brilliant to have you back with us, Irene!
Wider Workforce
Introduction to Project Management
Following the success of our recent Introduction to Project Management session, delivered in partnership with Ararna, we were delighted to welcome both clinical and non-clinical colleagues from across Coventry and Warwickshire.
This interactive three-hour workshop provided a practical introduction to the core principles of project management, exploring how these skills can be applied to support successful projects and improvements across the NHS.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% positive feedback from attendees and 75% expressing interest in further learning opportunities. Due to the popularity of the session, we are pleased to offer another introductory workshop for colleagues who were unable to attend the first event.
Join us for the next free, face-to-face introductory session on 1 December 2025 and discover how project management techniques can help you plan, deliver and sustain meaningful change in your role and organisation. Places are expected to fill quickly, so visit the Training Hub calendar to find out more and secure your place.
L.E.A.D – Open for applications
The LEAD programme offers local, established leaders a two-day, face-to-face opportunity to strengthen their capabilities, reflect on their approach and deepen their impact.
Delivered by Moonraker Innovation, this course draws on British Army leadership experience, focusing on tools, behaviours and frameworks that leaders can use immediately.
Apply by the 19th November.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Learners in General Practice
An interactive session on creating psychologically safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ learners in general practice, held in person at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa. Thursday 12 November 2026, 2pm to 4pm (free).
Introduction to Project Management
An interactive session introducing key project management principles to help you plan, organise and deliver change in primary care, held in person at Coventry Rugby Club. Tuesday 1 December 2026, 9.30am to 12.30pm (free).
Basic Life Support
A practical session covering chest compressions, rescue breathing and defibrillation, held face to face at Coventry Rugby Club. Tuesday 10 November 2026, 1.30pm to 4pm (£42).