Collaborating with the consortium: the development of a foundation in critical care skills programme

This paper outlines the role and function of NHS education and training consortia and how one consortium is addressing the issues of supporting practitioner-led, practice-based training initiatives in critical care. In late 1997 the consortium sought to identify current problems with recruitment and retention of competent critical care nurses, access to training and development and to examine the quality and appropriateness of current pre- and postregistration training related to the critical care areas. A number of issues were identified, with the need for a Foundation in Critical Care Skills Programme' for junior nurses as the principle short term priority. A programme supported by the local consortium, in collaboration with seven NHS trusts' critical care areas (totalling 27 different departments/units), has been developed, incorporating skills workshops, completion of open learning materials, assessments of core competencies and the submission of a portfolio of evidence in support of a professional award (ENB Certificate). The importance and value of collaboration in the development of this practitioner-led consortium-supported venture is highlighted.