learndirect courses for NHS staff

7 April, 2004

NHS staff in west Suffolk can now benefit from learndirect courses delivered online via the Internet. The new initiative features a wide range of courses available to staff of all disciplines and levels.

Russell Simpson has recently been appointed as learndirect Administrator, based at West Suffolk Hospital.

“The courses are open to everybody and enable students to learn at their own pace, depending on what feels comfortable to them.  Courses are very flexible in that study can be structured around individual shift patterns and staff can access the courses within the workplace,” said Russell. “As well as our Skills for Life courses, which teach basic numeracy and literacy, we also offer business management and IT courses.  It would be the responsibility of the individual member of staff to discuss their learning needs with their workplace Manager”.

The IT courses available range from basic beginner’s level through to specialist skills such as programming and web design. The business management courses offer training in subjects such as presentation skills, developing staff, finance and effective business writing, and can lead to a diploma from the Chartered Management Institute.

“With a well-educated, well-motivated workforce this can only be of additional benefit to patient care,” said Russell. “It is important that we encourage all NHS staff to develop their skills and expertise throughout their career. We need to make the most of our staff, and help them to improve their knowledge base wherever possible. learndirect can assist this process by enabling people to learn at their own pace, whenever is convenient for them.”

Russell is available to discuss courses with staff and offers support at the Education Centre Monday to Friday from 9.30 until 15.30 except Wednesdays.

Skills for Life courses are free of charge, whereas other courses involve a small payment of between £5 to £15. Individual Learning Accounts can offset these charges for people without professional qualifications.

“The NHS accepts the need to invest in its staff, and learnDirect represents a unique educational opportunity to do so,” said Russell. “Any healthcare workers in west Suffolk who would like to find out more should e-mail or telephone me on 01284 713 112.”