Training

The resources we have here in the West Country for treating colorectal cancer are outstanding. We are in regular contact with GPs, supply them with information and train nurses in some of the more specialised techniques required in the treatment regime. BCW is a provider of training to medical professionals, doctors, nurses and other researchers.

The training is such an important factor to increase the survivability rates of bowel cancer, and the work can be as simple as briefing them about updates surrounding specialist topics. Knowledge is everything and we need your help to make sure the message is communicated far and wide.

Briefing Doctors (GPs and nurses)

Working with medical professionals has proven to be a very popular method over the last few years. Bowel Cancer West’s team has even developed a “speed dating” approach to these update sessions. During these quick-fire meetings, the attendees can meet and talk to leading bowel cancer surgeons and oncologists in an informal setting, where the specialists circulate among our guests.

The sessions last a couple of hours and we usually hold them after work to ease the demands on GP's time. We’ve held them across the region and we expect to complete about four of these a year, subject to the availability of guest speakers.

We cover topics from recognising the symptoms to the importance of family history in the diagnosis of bowel cancer, to discussions about surgery, chemotherapy and patient assessment programs for bowel cancer surgery.

Training Grants

We offer a certain number of training grants for south west health professionals to attend courses to improve their skill-set and knowledge relevant to colorectal cancer to help improve support for patients. Please contact: jeanine@bowelcancerwest.com for more information on how you can apply.   

Our ambition

In the longer term you can help us achieve a major goal; BCW aims to support a local initiative to build a state of the art, world-leading institute for medical research and surgical skills training in the South West. This will include educational facilities such, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, skills training rooms and a surgery training room. It will have cutting-edge audiovisual facilities and high speed digital links. It will ultimately house a research facility and will be where doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will be able to focus on the condition.