Courses

Professional Development Courses for Post Fellowship Trainees

This programme is a joint venture between the three West Midlands Schools of Anaesthesia.  It has been specifically designed to meet the Royal College of Anaesthetists curriculum requirements for stage 3 training in Anaesthesia (Post Fellowship).  As this is part of the curriculum for Senior Trainees, all trainees are strongly encouraged to have covered all modules at some time during the last two years of their CCT training either by attending this course or by completing these modules elsewhere.  Evidence of development of stage 3 generic professional capabilities will be sought at the Exit ARCP.

We look forward to you joining us on our Professional Development Courses!


Novice Anaesthetist Courses

We offer two courses tailored to the needs of novice anaesthetists

Introduction to Anaesthesia Course

This course is hosted in September every year and covers Airway Skills, Pharmacology and Pre-operative Assessment over 3 separate days.

We suggest this course should be attended by all CT1 Anaesthetic Trainees as well as those ACCS Trainees who are starting their Anaesthesia placement between August and February. Individual Trusts will ensure a repeat of this course locally for those ACCS trainees undergoing their Anaesthesia placement after February.

Critical Incidents Simulation Course

This course has been designed to allow all trainees who require the Critical Incidents Unit of Training for their ARCP to be signed off.

To find out whether this is a requirement for you, refer to your Workbook and ARCP requirements. It is currently an Anaesthetic CT and ACCS (all streams) requirement.

Attending a Critical Incidents Simulation Course is mandatory for achieving the Completion of Unit Sign Off for this unit of training.

In rare circumstances, Anaesthetic CT1 trainees that cannot attend during their CT1 year can attend the course as a CT2 the following year.


FRCA Based Courses

Please be aware that examination crammer / revision / preparation courses are not supported by study leave or funds.

FRCA teaching resources can be accessed here. MCQs, Presentations, etc.(Login Required)

FRCA Based Teaching

The Stoke School runs educational courses regionally for the three stages of training.

Attendance at these courses is mandatory. Due to exceptions such as Annual/Study/Sick leave it is expected that attendance is at least 70%. If attendance falls below 70% then this will be considered when applying for extensions to training time, OOP’s etc.

Primary Level FRCA teaching (September to June)

Co-ordinated through the School office and Dr David Robinson (UHNM).

Final Level FRCA teaching (September to June)

Co-Ordinated through the School Office and Dr Amit Bhagwat (UHNM)

Final FRCA Exam Preparation Programme

An Exam Preparation programme for the Final FRCA, on behalf of the Stoke School includes:

MCQ/SAQ study day
Journal Club (relevent to Final FRCA)
SOE study day

For details contact:



Airway Course

This is a requirement at Basic & Intermediate Level to complete your Airway Unit of Training. To achieve this attending an external course is required. The best resource for finding a course is the Difficult Airway Society website. Click the COURSES tab on the DAS website for approved courses.

Difficult Airway Society

Courses are required to be DAS or RCoA approved (with CPD accreditation) and need to cover most or all of the following elements:

  • Effective management of airways
  • Appropriate use of airway technology
  • Emergency airway Strategies
  • Use and handling Fibre-Optic Intubation
  • Team training & risk management

NB. The Airway Management Day during the Introduction to Anaesthesia course within the IAC period of training, does not count as a valid course for the Basic Level Airway module. A further course is required.


 Clinical Leadership and Management Course

Higher Trainees are required to attend a Clinical Leadership and Management Course towards the end of their training. The most commonly attended course is run by Keele University, 4 times a year. A discount is offered to UHNM employees.

Two-day Clinical Leadership and Management Courses for Speciality Trainees

  • Specifically designed as single speciality
  • Interactive and participant focused
  • Provided by experts with experience in and knowledge of your particular challenges
  • Opportunity to convert your learning into an academic award

Full details and booking form available on the Keele Website.


Return to Work Courses:

Royal College of Anaesthetists – GASagain (Giving Anaesthesia Safely Again)