Background
The Postgraduate Medical Centre based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge runs the Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) course twice a year, in May and October, on behalf of The Royal College of Surgeons. It is a requirement that surgeons undertake the course and pass the examination to progress their career.
CCrISP is a two-day, interactive course covering mandatory e-learning on the practical skills and knowledge needed to look after surgical patients including those who are deteriorating or at risk of doing so. The Centre has held a number of different courses at Murray Edwards College in recent years but the CCrISP course in mid-October was the first to take place during COVID-19.
Event
Angela Gray, Course Administrator said: “I had used the Kaetsu Centre on a previous occasion and thought the space would work perfectly for the CCrISP course. The separate rooms, availability of catering, AV and easily accessible location were all important factors.
“In assessing the venue, we adhered to The Royal College of Surgeons’ policies and were confident that the space and ventilation facilities were all adequate to stay safe. In addition Murray Edwards College has achieved two COVID-secure accreditations to provide reassurance to event organisers.
“In advance of the course, we received comprehensive information about the venue and its procedures and were also able invited to visit to talk things through which was very helpful.
Feedback
“As a result all our delegates and the Faculty were very happy with the venue and what was offered under COVID restrictions. We were well looked after by Freya (Events Manager) who went through all the details of the event very precisely including the additional safety measures which were really good and very comprehensive. The catering staff were also excellent and the AV equipment was all in place with someone on hand throughout the two days.
“We were able to run our programme as scheduled without having to make any changes due to the current circumstances. In fact the whole event worked so well that we have booked the venue for this particular course up to May 2022 and we will be holding other courses there too.
“This is a practical medical course and examination where face to face participation is stipulated by The Royal College of Surgeons. Without being able to hold the courses, the surgeons would have been unable to qualify.”
Freya Vaughan added: “We were delighted to offer our COVID-secure environment to support the NHS and help surgeons achieve the qualifications they need to progress their careers. The fact that the venue has been booked for two years ahead is testament to the organiser’s confidence and willingness to partner with us during these challenging times.”
Date of event:14th-16th October 2020
Type of event: Course and Examination
Group size: 30 attendees
Facilities used: Kaetsu Conference Centre
