Maidstone

Maidstone Hospital Postgraduate Centre

The Robert Hardwick Postgraduate Centre was built in the locality of the Maidstone Hospital site during 1987/88 by private subscription and under the direction of Dr Robert Hardwick and his consultant colleagues.

The Centre provides and develops focused educational opportunities for all doctors in training, their Educational Supervisors, Consultants and General Practitioners within the Trust catchment area.  Regular weekly teaching sessions are displayed on the Postgraduate Centre’s own website and on notice-boards throughout the Centre.  All trainees are encouraged to come and make use of the Centre’s facilities and to discuss with the staff any queries regarding their rota, study leave, travel/accommodation expenses etc.  The Clinical Tutor, Dr Chris Thom is always available to discuss any concerns should a junior doctor wish to have a private meeting with him.

Regional Study Days for most specialities take place on a regular basis throughout the year as well as numerous evening meetings.

Although specifically responsible for the provision of postgraduate education, we aim to create a welcoming and positive environment for all disciplines of the Trust to participate in developmental and learning events.

Building work to expand the Postgraduate Centre was completed in June 2010.  The two storey extension now includes an Auditorium with seating for 180 attendees, an additional teaching room, a Clinical Skills room, a Cyber Café with 5 computer terminals and an enlarged library and dining area.  The project was developed in conjunction with the Trust and included the building of a Laporascopic Lecture Theatre, Wet Lab and associated facilities.  The Postgraduate Centre, IMACS and the Library are based within the newly named Academic Centre.

This year a Simulation Suite has been set up in the Postgraduate Centre with the aim to provide simulation training to medics in all specialties within the Trust.

A Film Society has also recently been  established  and members of the Trust are invited to attend free of charge regular evening film showings which  take place in the Auditorium.