Other initiatives
PLT
The Powys Protected Learning Time Programme has been developed as an initiative of the CPD Coordinator, following discussions with the Welsh Rural Postgraduate Unit (WRPU), Powys LHB and local medical practitioners. The Protected Learning Time (PLT) programme provides individuals and practices with the time and resources to address their continuing professional development (CPD) needs and follow their practice development plans (PDPs). The PLT events are included in the current programme and there are resources available to support PLT link as is now.
Sixth formers and the future work force
In rural areas health care is provided by teams of professionals based in surgeries and, in some areas, in community hospitals. The specialist services and, often, emergency services are based a distance away in District General Hospitals. Evidence suggests that rural students have difficulty gaining suitable work experience and are disadvantaged as a result when they apply to universities in comparison with their urban counterparts. To try and address this problem we offer:
Sixth Form Day — Year 11, 12 students
During autumn half term week a sixth formers day is held annually to promote careers in rural practice to rural students. The aims of the day are to explore the different roles involved in the management of a patient and to highlight what is needed to get into medical school.
"In rural areas health care is an exciting and rewarding career"
The day looks at the roles of the GP, dentist, community nurse, radiographer, physiotherapist and speech therapist.
Year 12/13 students — Work Experience Scheme
A work experience scheme in rural practice for sixth formers has been developed. The scheme has been set up to act as a third party between students and the primary care sector in order to provide students with the best possible work experience.
The "Work experience in rural practice" scheme is designed primarily to give local sixth form students the opportunity to experience rural practice. Students must be 17 and be aware that they will not be placed with the practice that they are registered with.
Placements are normally for 2-3 days and take approximately six weeks to organise.
Although most placements are for prospective medical or nursing students, it is planned to expand the scheme and look at offering work experience for other health care professionals.
For more information on these initiatives please contact:
