Great Western Hospital's Academy marks 20 years of training

The Academy at Great Western Hospital, the trust's centre for education and training, has turned 20. Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said on Thursday 15 October 2026 that it had marked the anniversary with a special open day for community representatives, healthcare leaders and colleagues. The Mayor of Swindon, members of the trust's board, staff and partners attended.

The Academy was officially named in October 2006. It supports the development of the healthcare workforce across Swindon and Wiltshire.

The last five years in numbers

The trust presented these figures:

• about 1,300 resident doctors took up rotational training posts at the trust
• more than 6,000 clinical skills and training courses were delivered
• 2,500 staff completed Oliver McGowan training
• more than 420 students did work experience placements
• specialist teams involved in training and education responded to more than 4,700 medical emergency calls

The trust added that its Clinical Teaching Fellows have shared their expertise internationally and that teams have travelled overseas to deliver medical training.

Angus Waddell, Academy Dean and Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, said: "For 20 years, the Academy has been at the heart of learning and development at Great Western Hospital".

More from Swindo: Great Western Hospital.

Source: Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.