Enhanced Surgical Skills for the Surgical First Assistant

Program Overview

This module provides surgical trainees with the skills to manage simple wound closure, inject local anesthesia, suture wound drains, and perform superficial hemostasis, including diathermy application. It combines classroom instruction with practical training, supervised by experienced clinicians. Trainees will maintain a portfolio and critically reflect on their experiences to demonstrate progress towards competence.

Program Outline

• simple wound closure of the layers of the skin
• the injection of prescribed local anaesthetic into post-surgical wounds
• The suture fixation of wound drains
• Superficial haemostasis – including the application of diathermy
• This theory/practice module will ensure you’ll learn both in the classroom and the practice area.
• You’ll be taught using a variety of methods including lectures, group work, case based scenarios, basic surgical skills workshops and simulation based learning.
• Learning and teaching in clinical practice will be under the supervision of a Consultant Surgeon or other established clinician within your own area of clinical practice.
• The practice component will consist of a portfolio of clinical activities, supported by a logbook.