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Using state of the art facilities, in partnership with regional experts, the SWSTN aims to facilitate high quality surgical education and research, ensuring the best surgical outcomes and patient care.

Directors:Mr Nader Francis, FRCS PhD (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, YDHNHSFT)Dr Fiona Francis (Carter) BSc, PhD, CertTHE (SWSTN Manager)

Members: Mr Tony Dixon, FRCS (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, NBT)Mr Richard Welbourn, FRCS (Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, ESNHSFT)Mr Derek Telling (CEO, Vesalius Clinical Training Centre, Bristol)Mrs Margot Cooper (CEO, Limbs n Things, Bristol)Professor Gordon Bannister MB, ChB(Birm), MCh(Orth)(Liv), MD(Bristol), FRCS, FRCSEd, FRCSEdOrth (MSK Research Unit, University of Bristol)Mr Nick Markham MRCS, MB BS, LRCP (Director of Informatics, ASGBI)Mrs Allison Slipszenko (SWSTN Project Co-ordinator)

PARTNERSHIPS

Vesalius Surgical Training Centre
Since 2009 we have run several highly rated specialist surgical training courses at the Vesalius Clinical Training Centre. Our common goals result in a highly collaborative relationship which we look forward to developing in the future.

Severn Deanery School of Surgery
We are currently in the first year for providing logistical support for School of Surgery Courses, which are led by local trainees in the Severn Deanery. SWSTN is able to assist in the initial planning phase, ensuring that courses are financial viable and sourcing sponsorship where necessary. In addition, we can prepare promotional materials and help to spread the word to ensure that every course place is filled. If necessary, we can liaise with training venues and sponsors to clarify any resources needed. Finally, we provide course materials such as certificates and evaluations sheets, together with production of a final report on each event.

NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

LAPCO 
The National Training Programme (NTP) in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery (LCS) is funded by the Cancer Action Team at the Department of Health to provide laparoscopic colorectal surgery training to colorectal consultants in England.  In January 2008, 10 groups encompassing 16 Trusts in England were allocated training centre status by the National Cancer Action Team at the Department of Health.  The programme is co-ordinated from Plymouth and Educational assessment is carried out under the leadership of Professor George Hanna at Imperial College, London.

LOREC 
This is a pilot programme, funded through the National Cancer Action Team.  28 colorectal multi-disciplinary cancer teams (MDTs) have been invited to participate in the programme, to develop understanding and skills for treating low rectal cancer.  The programme is administered through the Pelican Cancer Foundation.