Fellowship to mould future NHS leaders

In a move designed to develop high quality clinical managers of the future for the NHS in Wales, Cardiff University has launched the Welsh Clinical Leadership Training (WCLT) Fellowship scheme.

As the first of its kind in Wales, those enrolled on the scheme will benefit from working closely with medical directors in the NHS. Graduates will therefore be ideally placed to lead developments and improvements in the delivery of healthcare.

The scheme, delivered by the university's School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (Wales Deanery), is designed to provide training and experience in clinical leadership and management.

Trainees will be equipped with the range of knowledge and skills required to compete as medical and dental leaders in the modern NHS. A structured educational programme provided by the NHS Wales leadership team will be delivered at Academi Wales.

Professor Derek Gallen, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (Wales Deanery), said:

"It has never been more important for the profession to demonstrate real leadership to deliver the highest possible patient care in the most cost effective way. These new posts will develop these skills for the clinical leaders of Wales in the future. They are the first of an on-going commitment by the Wales Deanery to produce real systems of change in an on-going cohort of doctors for the future of patient care in wales."

Four successful trainees* have already been offered Fellowships and were able to select from a pool of nine leadership projects based in the following health boards: Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Cardiff and Vale, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda and Powys, Velindre NHS Trust and the Welsh Government.