Training Practice

In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, Westongrove Partnership is an accredited PCN Learning Environment which allows us to support the education and development of healthcare professionals in primary care.

Key Features of a PCN Learning Environment

• Multi-professional Learning: Encourages education and shared learning across different roles such as GPs, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
• Supervision and Mentorship: Clinical and educational supervision, enabling learners (e.g. medical students, GP trainees, nursing associates) to be supported by trained educators or clinical supervisors within Westongrove.
• Workforce Development: Provides structured opportunities for professional development and career progression of staff.
• Placement Site: Westongrove serves as a clinical placement site for undergraduate and postgraduate trainees (medical, nursing, AHPs), offering exposure to primary care at scale.
• Educational Governance: Align with NHS England (NHSE) ensuring high standards in teaching and supervision.
• Learning Culture: Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, reflective practice, and innovation in care delivery—benefiting learners, educators, and ultimately, patients.

Benefits of a PCN Learning Environment

• Improves recruitment and retention by investing in staff development.
• Fosters teamworking and integration across roles.
• Enhances patient care by promoting evidence-based and reflective practice.
• Builds future workforce capacity in general practice.

Westongrove is an accredited training practice. This status is awarded only to practices that meet high standards in areas such as patient safety, the range of patient services, training quality, management processes, equality and diversity, and the assessment and development of doctors in training.

We have five GP trainers within Westongrove who undergo regular inspections by Thames Valley School of General Practice – part of NHS Health Education England. Our trainers have completed the necessary qualifications to be accredited, including postgraduate certificates in Medical Education.

All training doctors are supervised daily by a senior GP with their training overseen by one of the experienced GP trainers. As a patient, you have the right to decline an appointment with a training doctor if you prefer. Occasionally, you may be asked for your consent to have a consultation recorded for educational and assessment purposes. This is entirely voluntary, and you are welcome to decline.