NNUH Audiology department receives national accreditation
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science to provide the Scientific Training Programme (STP) in Audiology.
NNUH joins only a handful of accredited Trusts across the country offering the three year work-based training programme. The programme is supported by Health Education England and whilst on the scheme, trainees are offered full-time training and will be employed by the hospital for the duration. Trainees also complete a part-time Master’s degree as part of the programme.
James Leaf is in his second year of the STP in Audiology and is currently undertaking his clinical placement within the audiology department at NNUH. James will study for his MSc in Neurosensory Science at Manchester University. Having completed his BSc in Physiology in Liverpool, James is looking forward to building on his existing skills in a clinical, patient-facing setting.
James said: “I’m excited to develop my skills across a range of specialties. The programme is great because you are required to complete a range of placements in rotation, in areas as diverse as ophthalmology, pathology and audiology. NNUH is a dynamic and exciting hospital and I’m enjoying working in different areas, and meeting staff and patients as part of my training.”
During his placement, James will be supervised by Leah Cooper, Senior Clinical Scientist and training lead for the Audiology department. Leah has also benefitted from the supportive learning environment of the NNUH audiology department, having started her career by undertaking the Higher Education Diploma in Audiology, a work-based learning programme previously offered at the hospital. Having also completed a postgraduate certificate in Clinical Education at UEA, she now specialises in paediatric audiology, providing hearing assessment and appropriate support for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Leah says: “NNUH provides a fantastic learning environment which helps our students to thrive. Due to its scope and links across the hospital, this programme helps to foster collaboration which benefits existing teams. Students are encouraged to share ideas from other placements which help us to develop and drive forward our services. I’m thrilled that we’ve been accredited to provide this innovative training scheme and look forward to welcoming future students.”
Dr John Fitzgerald, Consultant Clinical Scientist and NNUH Head of Audiology, said: “I’m delighted that we have been accredited as an STP training centre and can continue to provide excellent training for scientists into the future. Leah has worked tirelessly to set up our local programme and I would like to congratulate her and the rest of the team involved in this fantastic outcome.”
Places for the 2017 STP intake opened on 16th January 2017 and will remain open until 13th February 2017. There are 20 places available across 16 sites, with one position available in Audiology at NNUH. Those interested in finding out more or applying can visit http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/