On the 20th May the first in a series of training days for our Emergency department Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) took place. The ENP service is a dedicated team dealing with patients with minor injuries such as Fractures, sprains, wounds, burns, eye and ear problems etc.

This service has expanded over the last 10 years or so to become a staffed service from 08.30 to midnight every day in both Huddersfield and Calderdale Emergency departments.

In-house training/refresher days have been planned by Sister/ENP Helen Shiell, Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Paramjit Singh and Sister/ENP/education facilitator Juliet Hendrick. The first day’s programme incorporated lectures on hand injuries, paediatric fractures, “The limping child”, head injuries and chest injuries by Dr Singh. Dr Vicky Cox Paediatric Emergency Medicine Consultant began the day with an update on Safeguarding paediatric patients.

Practical skills of suturing, Local anaesthesia administration via “ring blocking” and the removal of nails and splinters were available. Juliet made bespoke simulation fingers from a set of flexible hair rollers with false nails glued onto them – she will be patenting them!

Thanks go out to the speakers for their time and enthusiasm, the training department for use of their suture pads and to Emergency Medical director Mark Davies for arranging departmental cover while the staff were at the day.

We are all looking forward to the next session in July which will incorporate back, neck, eye, ENT & knee problems.