Wessex Insight

Do you have learning or development needs but you aren't sure how to address them?
Are you finding the demands of modern general practice, your patients and working in the NHS overwhelming?

Most GPs would recognise that the pressure put on clinicians is far greater today than it has been in previous years. Many thrive under such circumstances. However some GPs need help to navigate their way through the conflicting demands placed upon them. Without support some GPs could fall into the group who come under increased scrutiny at revalidation or may even face the risk of a revalidation failure.

Wessex Insight is a new, confidential educational support service set up by the Wessex LMCs and Deanery to support the needs of GP's across Wessex.

Wessex Insight is targeted at the common issues that many of us face, which the Wessex LMCs and the Deanery feel can be helped by access to the right intervention, at the right time and at a reasonable cost (subsidised by the learning bursary).

A problem may be recognised through a complaint, from the patient survey, from colleagues' multi-source feedback, or because as an individual, you are aware you have a persistent problem e.g. always running very late. Alternatively your annual appraisal may highlight something difficult to resolve.

Day to day GP education is readily available through the normal GP/CPD Tutor programme, WGPET, the RCGP and numerous other providers.

However, occasionally the right course or programme to meet your personal and professional needs is not there or available to you.

What areas are covered by Wessex Insight?

Time management
Communication and language skills
Coaching in particular skills
Mentoring
Careers advice
Opportunities to see how others practice i.e. visiting GPs and observing different practice contexts
Consultation skills
Specific support for certain groups of GPs i.e. locums, early years post-CCT, mid-career GPs
Signposting to and providing information about specific agencies and learning opportunities

How Do I Access Wesex Insight?

GP's can self-refer to Wessex Insight directly or you may wish to discuss in confidence your development needs with your Appraiser or a member of the local GP Educational team * for advice on resources and help already available before approaching Wessex Insight.

Phone the office 023 8025 3874 or use the Wessex Insight contact form

(*NB GMC guidelines and responsibilities will apply to all discussions and information disclosed)

Who Will I See?

All initial requests for support from Wessex Insight will be made through the Wessex LMCs office. A Medical Director will meet you and provide advice on education, partnership and health matters. If targeted educational support is required for key professional competencies, a confidential meeting will be arranged with a Senior GP Educator from the Wessex Deanery to discuss your learning needs and formulate a personalised learning plan to address them.

How Much Will It Cost?

Initial discussion with the Wessex LMCs and the Deanery Education Team is free. If Wessex Insight support is needed, we can guide you and develop a specific learning plan with you. Wessex Insight will also offer, where appropriate, a learning bursary to cover up to 50% of the costs for GPs registered with the Wessex LMCs.

The maximum learning bursary available through the Wessex Insight scheme will be £2,000. An individual GP would be expected to match the Bursary granted, up to the £2000 maximum figure, allowing up to £4000 in total to meet your needs.

Who Is Not Suitable for Referral To Wessex Insight?

those already involved in "poor performance procedures
those whose needs can be met through existing education provision

This innovative scheme is aimed at bridging the gap between educational provision for doctors who already receive formal educational support and existing educational provision which is not tailored to meet individualised learning needs.