Foundation Trainees
Information Pack 2011
The Academy
The Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 6BB
Reception: 01793 604416
Fax: 01793 604444
Table of Contents
Welcome .......................................................................................................... 1
Hospital Information ......................................................................................... 2
The Great Western Hospital ......................................................................... 2
The Brunel Treatment Centre ....................................................................... 2
Shalbourne Suite .......................................................................................... 3
Marlborough House ...................................................................................... 3
Savernake Hospital ...................................................................................... 3
How to Find ‘The Great Western Hospital’ Site ................................................ 4
Accommodation ............................................................................................... 5
The Facilities ................................................................................................ 5
Junior Doctor’s Mess ....................................................................................... 6
What to expect ............................................................................................. 7
Teaching Programmes for Foundation Trainees .............................................. 9
SWIFT1 (Swindon Foundation Training Year 1) ........................................... 9
SWIFT2 (Swindon Foundation Training Year 2) ......................................... 10
Departmental Teaching .............................................................................. 10
Teaching Experience Opportunities ........................................................... 10
The Academy ................................................................................................. 12
Useful Contacts .......................................................................................... 12
Academy Library: ....................................................................................... 12
Librarians ................................................................................................... 12
The GWH Annual Audit Prize ........................................................................ 13
Things to do in Swindon ................................................................................. 14
Sport and Leisure ....................................................................................... 14
Shopping & Grocery Shopping ................................................................... 18
i
Welcome
Hello to all of you and welcome to the Information Pack for prospective Foundation
programme applicants to the Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
You are fast approaching the end of your journey as medical students and are about to
embark on your first steps as qualified doctors. The theoretical knowledge and practical
skills you have gained in your student years will be consolidated in your first 2 years – the
Foundation programme – preparing you for specialty training.
The move from student to doctor brings many challenges that your medical course will have
prepared you for. The experience of taking responsibility, being asked your opinion,
discovering your limitations and managing patients first hand is both exhilarating and
frightening.
The Great Western Hospital is an excellent place to train in your Foundation programme. It
is a new, purpose built hospital with state of the art facilities for patients and staff. There is
an active Academy providing a formal setting for learning and teaching. There is a
dedicated teaching programme for F1 and F2 trainees and a wealth of clinical experience in
all departments. The senior medical and nursing staffs are acknowledged as excellent,
supportive teachers.
We look forward to welcoming bright and inquisitive new doctors who will use the
opportunities provided to develop their own knowledge and skills, provide excellence in
patient care as well as enriching the teaching and learning that is a feature of life at the
Great Western Hospital.
Yours sincerely,
Dr D Mukherjee
Miss S Chalstrey
Foundation Programme Director
Foundation Programme Director
1
Deputy
Hospital Information
The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
(formerly the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust) consists
of these hospitals and services.
 The Great Western Hospital – a modern district
general hospital providing emergency care, surgery,
diagnostics, outpatient and day case services.
 The Brunel Treatment Centre – a 128 bed unit
attached to the Great Western Hospital, designed to
provide high quality elective (planned) care and
diagnostics.
 The Shalbourne Suite – a 20 bed private unit within
the Brunel Treatment Centre.
There are also other hospitals, clinics and services provided by the trust including Marlborough
House, Savernake Hospital and Fairford Hospital. Other community health services are provided by
the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, such as the hospitals in Devizes, Trowbridge
and Chippenham.
The Great Western Hospital
The Great Western Hospital is a modern district general hospital providing
emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, paediatrics, maternity, outpatients
and day case services. The hospital opened in December 2002, replacing
the Princess Margaret Hospital in Old Town Swindon. The new buildings
are superbly designed and equipped, and they offer a first class
environment for patients, visitors and staff, with over 30% of our beds
provided in single rooms with en-suite facilities.
With more than 600 beds the Great Western offers a range of services and
facilities from a busy Emergency Department boasting one of the best
helipads in the country to a dynamic radiology department to a birthing pool. The trust has one of
the lowest MRSA infection rates in the country.
The Trust works closely with private sector partner Carillion who maintain the building and provide
important services such as portering, security and catering. The food in particular has received
consistently high ratings in our ongoing surveys.
The Brunel Treatment Centre
The Brunel Treatment Centre is a 128 bed state-of-the-art facility attached
to the Great Western Hospital. It has been specifically designed to treat
patients who need elective (planned) surgery and where patients are
offered a pre-assessment health check to ensure they are fit and informed
for that surgery.
The centre offers a bright, airy environment for patients and staff with a
high level of equipment and facilities in every ward and room, all of which
have their own en-suite toilets and showers. A third of the beds are in
single rooms.
The Treatment Centre has five operating theatres and can share all the diagnostic, medical and
surgical facilities available in the Great Western Hospital. The Brunel Treatment Centre has its own
refreshment area called Café Blue, and ample car parking facilities.
2
Shalbourne Suite
The Shalbourne suite is a 20 bed private patient unit within the Brunel
Treatment Centre. All beds are in private rooms with en-suite facilities and
with bedside entertainment and communication centre.
The suite has its own entrance and offers a top quality environment for
patients who wish to be treated privately.
The Shalbourne Suite benefits from having
access to outpatient and consulting rooms
and all the diagnostic, surgical and medical facilities available to the
Great Western Hospital and the Brunel Treatment Centre.
Money raised by the Shalbourne Suite is re-invested in Trust
Services and is therefore supporting the NHS whilst providing first
class private health care.
Marlborough House
Marlborough House is home to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Service.
In our therapy, we work with young people and their families, encouraging
open, honest and meaningful communication. We aim to encourage
flexibility and creativity.
The unit is self contained on the hospital site and offers both inpatient and
day patient facilities. The inpatient unit has 12 beds, all single rooms, and
this includes a dependancy area. We also have up to six places for young
people to attend on a daily basis.
Savernake Hospital
Savernake Hospital is a modern, purpose-built community hospital with 24
general medical in-patient beds.
There is a thriving Outpatient Clinic where patients can choose to see
Great Western Hospital consultants from departments such as
orthopaedics, paediatrics, gynaecology, rheumatology, dermatology,
neurology, urology, ophthalmology, ENT, audiology and general medicine
or surgery.
The Radiology Department is digitally linked to the Great Western Hospital
radiology department and offers this x-ray service to patients from GPs, Outpatients, Day Therapy
services and the ward.
“GWH is a nice place to work (it is a nice shiny new hospital!), and is small enough to get
to know most/all of the other juniors. I feel well supported. There is always a lot going on
(medical wise) so there is lots of opportunity to learn. GWH is definitely close enough to
commute from Bath or Bristol on a daily basis.”
Rory Sharvill, F2 (2011)
3
How to Find ‘The Great Western Hospital’ Site
By Rail:
The nearest main line station is Swindon, located in the town centre.
By Bus:
Services run frequently both from the town centre (Fleming way and the bus station) and
surrounding areas. The following Thamesdown Services run to the hospital:
16, 18, 20, 24, 30, 46, 46A, 47, 48, 48A, 70A
By Cycle:
The hospital is linked to the Swindon Cycle path network. Cycle parking is available outside the
main entrance and various points around the hospital.
By Road:
The Great Western Hospital is located to the southeast of Swindon Town Centre, close to junction
15 of the M4 motorway.

From the M4:
Exit at Junction 15 and head north on the A419 towards Swindon. Following signs to the
hospital, turn off the A419 onto the slip road before the Commonhead flyover and turn left
into Marlborough Road, A4259. The entrance to the Hospital is 300 metres on the left.

From the town centre:
Leave the town centre via Fleming way to the magic roundabout and travel straight across
onto Queens Drive A4259. At the next roundabout take the third exit to remain on Queens
Drive. Travel straight ahead at the next roundabout into Marlborough Road. The entrance to
the Hospital is 1500 metres on the right.

On arrival:
Most of the visitor parking is located at the front of the hospital, with staff parking to the rear
of the hospital. Visitor car parking works on a pay-on-exit scheme. Drop off areas are
provided at some of the hospital entrances.
“F2 teaching is amazing here – you get teaching
every week on really good topics. From an F2
teaching point of view, this has got to be the best
teaching programme that I’ve heard of. Also, here is
awesome support in the job. Consultants always
available & I feel really well supported.”
Farook Sarfraz, F2 (2011)
4
Accommodation
Downsview House is the residences block on the Great
Western Hospital site built and managed by UNITE.
There are 143 units comprising a range of shared flats
for single occupancy, all with en-suite shower rooms
and a spacious shared kitchen lounge area, as well as 1
bedroomed flats for couples (no children or pets are
allowed). A number of these rooms are fully adapted for
wheelchair use.
The Facilities
Each en-suite room is fully furnished with a single bed, wardrobe, drawers,
desk, bookcase, desk and easy chair, lamp, radio alarm clock, mini kettle
and mugs, pin board, waste bin and telephone. The room is also provided
with bedding and towels that will be changed
regularly.
Each cluster flat has a communal area for
cooking, dining and socialising. These are fully
furnished and equipped with kitchen units,
cooker, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, coffee maker, TV, video, iron &
ironing board, vacuum cleaner, mop & bucket, dining table & chairs, easy
chairs and coffee table and all kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and
saucepans.
The one bedroomed flats are comprised of a large kitchen/lounge/dining room, a double bedroom, a
shower room/pod and a cleaning/storage cupboard. These flats contain all the same elements that
are in each of the en-suite rooms and cluster flats communal areas.
Other Facilities
Telephone & Internet Access – all telephones are connected to the internal telephone network and
external dialling facilities can be requested through the Accommodation Department. Internet access
is provided to all rooms free of charge.
Common Room– there is a large common room on the ground floor of Downsview house which has
a kitchenette, pool table, vending machines and a television with freeview.
Laundry Room – there is a communal laundry room on the ground floor which is competitively priced
and available 24 hours a day.
Bicycle Stores – a secure and undercover cycle store is located within the grounds.
Car Parking – there is a large car park for residents only and spaces are allocated on a first come,
first served basis
Security – a state of the art security system offers 24 hour CCTV surveillance in addition to the 24
hour concierge, an emergency call point and a door access system.
5
Junior Doctor’s Mess
In October 2010 the Great Western Hospital’s Junior
Doctor’s Mess moved to brand new accommodation
on the Ground Floor between the Main Hospital and
the Brunel Treatment Centre.
Facilities in the Mess include a pool table, 50” plasma
screen TV, games console, two PCs, main dining
table & chairs, and lots of comfy seating.
The brand new kitchen area includes a bistro-style
sitting area, fridge freezer, microwave, instant water
boiler, sink area, and a dishwasher.
Curry is provided at weekends for those on call
and there is a constant supply of tea, coffee, milk,
bread, cuppa soups, cereal, biscuits and sweets in
the mess for members.
The Mess is a hive of activity with sports clubs
(football, netball, running), and regular events –
the Payday Parties are particularly popular!
“GWH is a brilliant hospital to start life as a proper doctor! It’s big enough to provide
excitement and variety, but small enough that you feel part of a team. The staff are all
wonderful and eager to teach. The medicine rotations are mixed with AAU so it’s a
great choice if you wanted to do A&E but have too many other choices for F2, and
provides a steep learning curve! If I could make my choices again I would definitely still
place GWH at the top of the list!”
Nicola Cook, F1 (2011)
6
Induction
What to expect
At the GWH Foundation Trust we supported an early start for F1s in July/August 2009, 2010 and
2011 by providing a week-long induction programme. The feedback from these induction
programmes was excellent.
The programme was underpinned and driven by the Trusts existing Foundation Trainees and
incorporated a number of taught and drop-in sessions, workshops, and a hugely successful social
event towards the end of the week which brought-together the new F1s, existing F1s, consultants
from across the Trust, the Medical Education Team and Trust Management.
This enabled early familiarisation with wards and patients, and ensured effective induction to
address risks including safe prescribing and fluid prescription.
Following the success of the July/August 2009, 2010 and 2011 Induction Programme, we will again
be supporting an early start for F1s in 2012. An example copy of the Induction Programme from
August 2011 can be found on the next page.
New F1 Trainees Practical Clinical Scenarios Training Day
25th July 2011
Prior to the formal induction programme, a SIM day was held for our incoming new F1s. This course
was designed and facilitated by two Core Medical Trainees at the Trust and involved current F1s
assisting the new F1s at various stations. The purpose of the day was to prepare the new F1s for
acute situations they may find themselves in during their first few weeks of being a doctor.
The new F1s also enjoyed a welcome meal at Le Rendezvous which was sponsored by Severn
Foundation School. The evening proved to be a great success, as it allowed the new F1s to develop
a relationship with more senior peers in a relatively informal setting.
Time
0830
0900
0910
0945
1000
1100
Group One
Group Two
Registration - The Academy
Introduction - Lecture Hall 2
Emergency: Upper GI Bleed
Lecture Hall 2
Practical Clinical Scenario: Asthma
Seminar Room 1
Coffee
ABG Interpretation
Lecture Hall 2
ECG Interpretation
Seminar Room 1
ECG Interpretation
Seminar Room 1
ABG Interpretation
Lecture Hall 2
1200
1300
1345
1415
1430
1545
1630
1715
1735
Lunch
Practical Clinical Scenario: Chest Pain
Lecture Hall 2
Practical Clinical Scenario: Asthma
Seminar Room 1
Practical Clinical Scenario: Low Urine Output
Seminar Room 1
Emergency: Upper GI Bleed
Lecture Hall 2
Coffee
On-call scenarios “What to do if….”
Seminar Room 1
Practical Clinical Scenario: Low Urine Output
Practical Clinical Scenario: Chest Pain
Seminar Room 1
Lecture Hall 2
Coffee / Q&A
Lecture Hall 2
Fun Quiz - Lecture Hall 2
Certificates and finish
7
FOUNDATION YEAR ONE INDUCTION PROGRAMME
26th July – 2nd August 2011
Date
Time
th
Tue 26 July
0800 - 0830
0830 - 0930
0930 - 1015
1030 - 1130
1130 - 1230
1300 – 1330
1330 – 1410
1410 - 1430
1500 – 1615
Wed 27th July
Session
Speaker
Venue
Arrive, tea/coffee. Registration, photos & assigned to groups
Trust Induction, inc. Fire Safety & ABLS Theory
Lecture 2
IP&C, Blood Transfusion & Venepuncture Theory
ABLS Practical
IT Training
Child Protection Level 1
Mental Capacity and DoLS
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Health & Safety (in Major Incidents & IR1)
Manual Handling Theory
ICU Outreach Team
Equality & Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Information
Governance & Bereavement Services
Collect Name Badges
IP&C Team
Janice Cumpsty / Tina Symons
Lesley Hartnell
Sue Thompson
Lecture 2
Mark Hemphill / Stephen Higgins
Dawn Oddie
Lecture 2
0900
Eportfolio and WBAs
Amy Cook
Lecture 2
1000
E-prescribing, Safe prescribing, Antibiotics & Pharmacy Services
Antibiotic Pharmacist
Lecture 2
1115
1230
1430
1600
Nutrition / Fluid Management / Sepsis
SWIFT1 – Things I wish I had known (current F1s)
The AMU
Clinical Audit
Reuben Cooper / Sekina Bakare
Debesh Mukherjee & Sue Chalstrey
Charlotte Cannon
Ranju Gopal
Lecture 2
Seminar 1
Lecture 2
Lecture 2
Thu 28th July
Working with current F1 on ward
1645
1700
Review of first day on the wards
Patient Scenarios
Amy Cook
Current F1s
Welcome Meal @ Le Rendezvous in Swindon town centre – 7pm - £14.50pp
th
Fri 29
July
Working with current F1 on ward
Mon 1st Aug
Working with current F1 on ward
nd
Tue 2
Aug
Seminar 1
Lecture 2
Final clinical handover on wards
8
Academy
Sim Room
Teaching Programmes for Foundation Trainees
SWIFT1 (Swindon Foundation Training Year 1)
Audience: Foundation Y1 Trainees
Structure: 1½ hour interactive workshops on a weekly basis
This programme aims to provide knowledge, skills and competencies in a number of areas including
communication and consultation skills, patient safety and team work as well as the more traditional
elements of medical training.
Below is an example of what is covered in the SWIFT1 programme:
SWIFT1 August 2011 – July 2012
Date
Session
10th August 2011
17th August 2011
24th August 2011
31st August 2011
7th September 2011
14th September 2011
28th September 2011
5th October 2011
12th October 2011
19th October 2011
26th October 2011
2nd November 2011
9th November 2011
16th November 2011
23rd November 2011
30th November 2011
7th December 2011
14th December 2011
21st December 2011
4th January 2012
11th January 2012
18th January 2012
25th January 2012
1st February 2012
8th February 2012
15th February 2012
22nd February 2012
29th February 2012
7th March 2012
14th March 2012
21st March 2012
28th March 2012
4th April 2012
11th April 2012
18th April 2012
25th April 2012
2nd May 2012
9th May 2012
16th May 2012
23rd May 2012
30th May 2012
6th June 2012
13th June 2012
20th June 2012
27th June 2012
4th July 2012
Radiology I
Cardiology I
Haematology – Transfusion
Post-op Complications & Fluid Balance
Death Certification
Prescribing
Mortuary/Bereavement Services
Gastroenterology I – Emergencies
Surgical Abdominal Emergencies
Trauma and Orthopaedic Emergencies
Diabetes and Endocrine Emergencies
Respiratory I – The Breathless Patient
Management of Hypertension
Stroke
Sepsis and P.U.O
Neurology – Meningitis, Seizures, Coma
Acute Renal Failure
Chest Drain
Clinical Audit
Mortuary/Bereavement Services
Mental Health Act, Consent and Mental Capacity
Oncology Service
Feedback Session
Haematology II
Financial Planning
Poisoning
Genito-Urinary Medicine
Radiology II
Palliative Care
Anaesthetics and ICU
Cardiology II
Organ Donation & Consent
Management of the Arteriopaths
Gastroenterology II – Acute Gastro Problems
Respiratory II
Care of the Elderly
Clinical Audit Presentations
Health Promotion & Public Health (GP session)
Taster session – Rheumatology
Taster session – ENT
Taster session – Eyes
Taster session – Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Taster session – Dermatology
Taster session – Urology
Taster session – Paediatrics
Assessment of the Sick Patient
9
SWIFT2 (Swindon Foundation Training Year 2)
Audience: Foundation Y2 Trainees
Structure: 1½ hour interactive workshops on a weekly basis
This programme aims to provide knowledge, skills and competencies in a number of areas to
complement the Regional F2 Teaching Programme.
Below is an example of what is covered in the SWIFT2 programme:
SWIFT2 August 2011 – July 2012
Date
9th August 2011
16th August 2011
23rd August 2011
30th August 2011
6th September 2011
13th September 2011
27th September 2011
18th October 2011
25th October 2011
1st November 2011
8th November 2011
15th November 2011
22nd November 2011
29th November 2011
6th December 2011
13th December 2011
10th January 2012
17th January 2012
24th January 2012
31st January 2012
7th February 2012
14th February 2012
21st February 2012
28th February 2012
6th March 2012
13th March 2012
20th March 2012
27th March 2012
3rd April 2012
10th April 2012
17th April 2012
24th April 2012
1st May 2012
8th May 2012
15th May 2012
22nd May 2012
29th May 2012
5th June 2012
12th June 2012
19th June 2012
Session
Introductions and year planning
Careers
Nephrology
Chest Drain SIM Session
Audit
Consent & Mental Capacity
Transfusion
Organ Donation & Consent
Management of Hypertension
MORTUARY
Cardiology; ECGs – are you confident?
Neurology – Meningitis, Seizure, Coma
Dermatology
Trauma & Orthopaedic Emergencies
Diabetes & Endocrine emergencies
Radiology
NHS Structure
GU Medicine
Oncology Service
Respiratory
Financial Planning
Cardiology
Confessions Session
Jehovah’s Witness
Bereavement Services
Gastroenterology
ENT
Palliative Care
Management of Arteriopaths
Stroke
Something Surgical
Clinical Audit Presentations
Poisoning
Liver Biopsy
Anaesthetics & ICU
How to read an ECHO (practical Skills)
Care of the Elderly
Acid base balance and intubation
Genito-Urinary Medicine
Learning disabilities
Departmental Teaching
In addition to the formal teaching programmes, Foundation Trainees at GWH have access to a wide
range of Learning and Education Opportunities across all specialties. These range from Bedside
Teaching to Case Based Discussion Groups to formal Seminar/Lecture sessions.
Teaching Experience Opportunities
Our undergraduate Teaching Programme is very popular as it provides Foundation Trainees with
the opportunity to run tutorials for groups of up to five medical Students. These teaching sessions
typically cover clinical skills, examination, history taking and acute scenarios.
10
Testimonials from GWH Foundation Trainees
“Becoming an F1 doctor is a pretty daunting task but the
people around you can make the transition so much
easier. Here at GWH I have been so lucky to work with
some fantastic senior members of staff who not only
provide support but some great teaching. Most
departments will give additional teaching to the
scheduled weekly F1 teaching. They regularly
encourage feedback to improve the system and actually
care about what the junior members of staff have to say!
I have also been fortunate enough to carry out a number
of practical procedures. I think we are very lucky in this
trust to have the opportunity to work in the acute
assessment unit – this develops your clinical and
practical skills as an F1 – a great experience! I have enjoyed my time at GWH so far and I
would thoroughly recommend this hospital.”
Selina Bismohun, F1 (2011)
“Swindon Hospital provides an excellent foundation for the beginning of life as a Doctor.
With the incorporation of acute assessment unit rotations into the medical rota you get
valuable exposure, in a safe environment, to a wide range of acute medical scenarios which
equips you better to handle situations you routinely face on the wards. The support from
SHOs to Consultants, admin and nursing staff is excellent and you never feel up a creek
without a paddle. The commute from Bristol is very do-able too!”
Mark Gillam, F1 (2011)
“The Great Western Hospital in Swindon has been
a fantastic place to start as an FY1. My first
rotation has been medicine. In any medicine job,
you alternate between a specialist medical ward
for 7 weeks and the Acute Assessment Unit
(AAU) for 7 weeks etc. I was starting on AAU and
was petrified. However daunting this was,
plunging in at the deep end, I was so lucky to
have the opportunity to work in acute medicine. It
is so rewarding, often being the first doctor to see
the patient. You get loads of practical experience
and can really put all that finals knowledge into
practice for yourself, with a feeling of responsibility
I think we all crave at the end of medical school.
Yet you are never alone, there are always seniors
to ask advice from if you have any worries and I feel really well supported in the department.
Although quite hard work with long hours (I don’t know what I was expecting!) above all, I
found AAU great fun, with loads of junior doctors and other members of staff it has been a
good laugh along the way.
I do not know any other trusts that offer this great general medicine experience, with all
FY1s working in AAU at some point. I would thoroughly recommend Swindon as a top
choice for foundation years."
Tessa Whitehead, F1 (2011)
11
The Academy
The Academy is a highly successful multi-professional education
centre, situated within on the Lower Ground Floor of the Great
Western Hospital. The Academy boasts state of the art education
facilities including telemedicine, video conferencing, extensive IT, an
excellent multi profession Library as well as a full range of education
rooms, clinical skills lab and lecture theatres.
Our aim is to increase the quality of care to our patients and meet the present and future Education,
Training & Development needs of all Trust staff and students. We strive to ensure that individuals
are supported in obtaining the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours; to provide an evolving
and continually improving high quality standard of health care to patients and service users and to
meet these needs within a multi-disciplinary and supportive environment providing a first class
service at all times.
Useful Contacts
Postgraduate Medical Education
Manager
Amy Cook
(01793) 604165
Senior GP Education Co-ordinator
Siobhan Timms
(01793) 604424
Academy Reception
Amanda Bell
(01793) 604416
The Academy offices are usually open between 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Academy Library:
All GWH staff are entitled to membership of the Library. The Library is staffed from 08:30 – 17:30
Mondays to Thursdays, 08:30 - 17:00 Fridays; however, your Trust ID badge will give you access to
the library at all times.
There are over 50 study spaces, including 24 computers with access to the internet as well as the
library catalogue (www.swims.nhs.uk), reference databases (www.swice.nhs.uk) or NHS electronic
journals (journals.library.nhs.uk).
Librarians
Head Librarian
Sam Burgess
UWE Link Librarian
Nicola Ranger
Ext 4596
Senior Library Assistants
Ann Vellender
Trish McLean
Ext 4593
Ext 4593
Library Assistants
Bridget Romans
Judith Wingfield
Ext 4596
Ext 4596
12
sam.burgess@gwh.nhs.uk
The GWH Annual Audit Prize
Participation in Research and Audit Projects is actively encouraged among trainee doctors at the
GWH.
2011 Results
Gold Award - Introduction of patient-controlled epidural analgesia to the
delivery suite at GWH. Dr Matthew Drake & Dr Juan Graterol (Anaesthetics Registrar)
Silver Award - Standardising routine neonatal checks, their documentation
and adherence to NICE guidelines. Dr Abigail Gee & Dr Gemma Gough (F1 & F2)
Bronze Award - Ward troponin audit & re-audit. Dr Rachel Jones (F1)
Runners Up:
 Dr Lucy Parker & Dr Sarah Bates (F1 & Rheumatology Registrar)
 Ms Angie Smith (Senior Orthoptist)
 Dr Aidi Halim Lim (F1)
13
Things to do in Swindon
Sport and Leisure
GWH Netball
“Tuesday netball is great!”
Jenny Millard, F2 (2011)
Dorcan Sports Centre (The Dome)
Every Tuesday 6.00 – 7.00pm
£2.00 per game
Contacts: Susan Webb – Ext. 5141 or Bleep 1419 or Denise Cholod – Ext.
4616
5 A Side Football
Faringdon Leisure Centre, Faringdon
Every Monday night, 9-10 pm
Contact Dr Nick Ridley for more info ext 5069 or
nicholas.ridley@gwh.nhs.uk
Broome Manor Gym & Golf Complex
Facilities available include:









18-hole golf course
9-hole golf course
34-bay driving range
Putting green
Practice area
PGA professional golf coaching
PGA professional shop
Disabled golfer's buggy
Gym
Oasis Leisure Centre
Facilities available include:








Lagoon Swimming Pool, with 3 giant water slides
('Domebusters'), wave machine, water cannon,
hydroslide and waterslide
Gym
Multi-purpose sports hall (eight courts)
Fitness classes
Indoor bowling
4 outdoor pitches
Squash courts
Recreation sessions
14
Health Hydro
Housed in a Victorian building, The Health Hydro has two separate pools to meet the needs of many
groups of swimmers. The 33m conventional pool is purpose made for those wishing to swim lengths
to build up fitness or to improve their competition skills. The 18m pool
is perfect for those learning to swim and provides a comfortable
swimming environment for those who enjoy warm water.
Facilities available include:





Two swimming pools
Gym
Turkish baths
Natural health clinic
Fitness classes
Link Centre
Facilities available include:













Ice rink
25m deck level swimming pool
Climbing wall
Gym
Health suite
Fitness classes
Multi-purpose sports hall (eight-court)
3G Outdoor Pitches
Squash courts
Snooker hall
Recreation sessions
Kitstopshop (Ice and sports goods)
Library
Swindon Tenpin Bowling
Facilities available include:



32 Bowling Lanes & Cosmic Bowling
6 American Pool Tables
2 English Pool Tables
Swindon Speedway & Dog Racing Stadium
Swindon Robins Speedway is situated at Abbey Stadium, racing take place Thursday evenings
March – October. The stadium is also home to greyhound racing.
Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park is a beautiful
historic parkland on the
western edge of Swindon.
The Palladian house,
walled garden, parkland
and children's play area
offer something for
everyone, all year round.
Lydiard Park was once the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke, so there's a wealth of
history in the beautifully-restored State Rooms of Lydiard House, with its original furnishings, ornate
plasterwork and family portraits. Next door, St Mary's Church is packed with intriguing monuments
to the St John family, including the unique triptych and Golden Cavalier statue.
15
Cotswold Water Park Leisure Guide
The Cotswold Water Park is an area of 140 lakes, set in 40 square
miles of countryside.
From country parks, angling lakes, sailing clubs, picturesque villages
to campsites, hotels, country inns and much more there is plenty for
everyone to explore!
On land:
Aerial Adventure
Cycle Hire
Horse riding
Angling
Farm Visits
Nature Reserves
Bird watching
Golf
Playgrounds
Camping
Guided Walks
On water:
Bathing Beach
Ringo Rides
Wakeboarding
Canoeing
Sailing
Waterskiing
Kayaking
Swimming
Windsurfing
Paddling
Avebury
Avebury lies in the heart of the Wiltshire Downs just west
of Marlborough, the most ancient borough in England.
Avebury stone circles are thought to have been
constructed in Neolithic times between 2500 to 2000 BC.
The Beaker people, so called after their pottery, are
thought to have played a major role in their formation.
Avebury is more than just a stone circle – although this
is its main feature. There is also a rampart, a ditch, and
two mysterious avenues. Avebury also hosts a museum
which houses one of the most important prehistoric
archaeological collections in Britain.
Barbury Castle
The ancient earthworks known as Barbury Castle are on the northern
edge of the Marlborough Downs. The site
lies within the Wessex Downs Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has
been designated as a country park since
1971. The principal focal points of the
park are the Iron Age hill fort, covering
about twelve acres, the adjacent round
barrows, Celtic field systems and 18th-19th Century flint workings.
The park location provides visitors with a convenient gateway to the
neighbouring chalk downs, and an opportunity to venture into the unspoiled surrounding
countryside, rich in history and archaeology.
16
Coate Water Country Park
Whatever the season, Coate Water offers visitors a great day
out, With energy to burn you could try your hand at the pitch
and putt or one of the orienteering courses, or if you just want
to relax, there are areas to fish, bird watch, play, picnic,
barbecue and even tranquil places to unwind on busy days. If
you want to venture further a field, there are a number of walks
to local villages and a longer seven-mile (11km) walk to
Barbury Castle. The park is situated to the left of the hospital,
just a short walk away.
Wyvern Theatre
The Wyvern Theatre opened in September 1971 by Her Majesty the
Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip. The auditorium has 635
seats and every seat is designed to be no further than 70ft from the stage.
Wyvern Theatre is named after a mythical beast, similar to a dragon,
which was once the emblem of the Kings of Wessex.
For information about performances and ticket bookings visit
www.wyverntheatre.org.uk or contact the box office on: (01793) 524481.
Cinema
There are 2 cinemas in Swindon; a Cineworld at Shaw Ridge, West Swindon and an Empire cinema
at the Greenbridge Retail Park.
“Paediatrics is very good for training – you
get a lot of teaching and a lot of support.
There are a lot of procedures; I’ve been
exposed to lumbar puncture, and as well
blood-taking and doing basics is very
different in children compared to in adults
but it’s all very interesting! It is very difficult
to attend the F2 teaching programme whilst
working on Paediatrics because of the rota
system, but we do a lot of in-house training.
There are 2 formal teaching sessions a
week which makes up for it!”
Charlie Kenward, F2 (2011)
17
Shopping & Grocery Shopping
Shopping in the Town Centre
The town centre offers a fabulous mixture of shops. Many of these are
located within the Brunel Shopping Centre. Here you will find big names
such as Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser Outlet as well as the more
specialist stores that include Just Add Water, John Anthony and Forum.
There are many café bars, pubs and restaurants for you to take a break in.
The town centre also turns into a buzzing and lively night attraction.
Great Western Designer Outlet Village
Europe’s largest covered designer outlet village has over 100 designer label
shops there are discounts of between 30% and 50% off top brands. The
amazing selection of stores includes Polo Jeans Company, Burberry, Olsen,
Thomas Pink and Ted Baker. There is also a great selection of top high street
brands that include Gap, Next, Marks & Spencer and many more. The
dedicated ‘At Home ‘section offers everything from china and crystal to
furnishings and kitchenware shops. The Outlet Village is unique due to its
setting in the splendidly restored Victorian buildings of the Great Western Railway. There is also a
food court, which is dominated by a locomotive – currently Hagley Hall, whose sister locomotive
starred in Harry Potter.
The Old Town Shopping Experience
A visit to Swindon’s Old Town area is a pleasant and
enjoyable experience. Set in the old heart of Swindon you will
be surrounded by the splendour of Swindon’s past. There are
also other attractions in Old Town such as the Town Gardens,
Lawn Parks and the Old Town Bowl, which is the venue for
Swindon’s unique annual World Music Festival. There is a
farmers market every month which is located in the area
behind Wood Street. You will also find the Swindon Museum
and Art Gallery which houses one of the finest collections of
modern art in the country. There are also many cafes, pubs
and restaurants to relax in.
Orbital Shopping Park
Orbital Shopping Park can be found in North Swindon, just up
the A419 from the hospital. There are many different retailers
including Next, New Look, Comet, Homebase, Marks &
Spencer, Boots, JJB Sports & Gym, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and
Asda Walmart. There is also a walk in fountain water feature
and kids play area.
Greenbridge Retail Park
Greenbridge Retail Park is situated on the outskirts of the town centre and houses approximately 20
different retailers, restaurants and leisure facilities. It is open 7 days a week and most units are
open from 8.00am – 8.00pm on weekdays.
Grocery Shopping
There are a number of different supermarkets dotted around Swindon, including a Tesco Extra, 2
Sainsbury’s, Asda and Asda Walmart as well as Morrison’s, Lidl & Aldi.
18