To date, there have been 18 applications from Wessex which is very encouraging. A further full day event is to be held on 19th June in Basingstoke. These events focus on providing practical assistance, such as obtaining resuscitation certificates and development of audits, as well as peer group support and the establishment of local focus groups. The Faculty introduced an annual awards evening in 1997 and this has now been established as a very successful method for recognising quality in primary care. In addition, an award is given to a project that puts evidence of research into practice to the benefit of patient care.
New awards are currently under review.
Further information is available from the Faculty office. The Faculty organised a conference aimed at bridging the gap between medical education and education in general, with a particular focus on widening access to medical schools to embrace the state educational system as well as private schools. The Faculty has developed a Carers Protocol in conjunction with Carer organisations within Wessex, Carers National and Hampshire Social Services. The protocol is currently being piloted and further information on this can be obtained from the Faculty office. In addition, the Faculty has an annual Research grant of 1,000, which is advertised in May each year.