 | Wales has a long tradition of urological training which is reflected in the current training opportunities available and in the excellent pass rates in the FRCS (Urol) examination. Training in Wales is administered through the Wales Deanery with centres located along the M4 corridor. Training in North Wales is administered through the Mersey Deanery. All units on the South Wales rotation provide core urology training with subspecialty training in selected centres. The region has a strong portfolio in uro-oncology, laparoscopic surgery, endourology, female/reconstructive surgery and paediatric urology. There are joint oncology clinics and multidisciplinary team meetings for cancer patients. |
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (North Wales)
Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl
For training purposes, Glan Clwyd Hospital forms part of the Merseyside & Cheshire Deanery (North West region) although it lies, administratively, in Wales. To see more detailed information about Glan Clwyd Hospital, click here to go to the North West Region (Merseyside & Cheshire Deanery).
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
For training purposes, Wrexham Maelor Hospital forms part of the Merseyside & Cheshire Deanery (North West region) although it lies, administratively, in Wales.
To see more detailed information about Wrexham Maelor Hospital, click here to go to the North West Region (Merseyside & Cheshire Deanery)
South Wales (Wales Deanery)
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) Local University Health Board, Swansea
Swansea is Wales' second-largest city and sits on the 5-mile sweep of Swansea Bay. ABM University Local Health Board provides tertiary services to a population of 700,000 and is the largest in Wales.
The Urology Directorate comprises inpatient, outpatient, general and local lists at Swansea, Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot where 10 Consultants, 3 Associate Specialists and 4 Specialist Registrars serve a total population of 800,000. Swansea provides holistic tertiary services which include all pelvic exenterative & reconstructive uro-oncology including laparoscopic prostatectomy, cryotherapy and penectomy. Complex female urology, paediatric urology, complex stone management (including anterior PCNLs, lithotripsy & metabolic clinics), LUTS, vido-urodynamics & TRUS biopsy are all catered for and there are weekly uro-oncology and uroradiology meetings.
The unit ensures that our trainees are placed on subspecialist firms where they can gain specific, high-volume experience within a chosen area of expertise. We are a friendly, proactive department with an excellent research record and we provide lectures on the FRCS (Urol) revision course for exam preparation and practice, within the unit, for all our trainees.
For those with a family, Swansea has much to offer; the city has evolved rapidly in recent years. The city centre has extended seaward into the award-winning Marina & Maritime Quarter where you will find attractions including the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum, The Dylan Thomas Centre and the LC Leisure Complex and water-park. Swansea is well-known for its vibrant nightlife with a wide range of clubs, bars and restaurants to suit every age and taste. It also boasts excellent sporting facilities including the Wales National Pool (the only 50m pool in Wales) and the LIberty Stadium, a 20,000-seat venue shared by Swansea City FC and the Ospreys RUFC.
The 19 mile-long Gower peninsula starts at Mumbles and extends westwards. It is famous for its beautiful coastline and beaches (home to around 50 unspoilt coves and bays, from vast Rhossili to tiny, secluded Pwll Du) and is a favourite destination for walkers as well as surfers. The Gower beaches are amongst Wales' cleanest; The Independent describes Rhossili as "the supermodel of British beaches" while Llangennith is one of The Guardian's "Top 10 UK Surf Spots". Inland, you will find sheltered woodland and rolling grassland with country pubs and fine food.
Click here to see recent publications from the Swansea unit.
Cwm Taf Local Heath Board
The Urology department is based primarily at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant but also serves Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr as a second acute site.
Llantrisant is centrally-located with Cardiff close by and has easy access to the vibrant shopping district & Cardiff Bay area. The Welsh Valleys are on the doorstep and the Brecon Beacons are just a short drive from Merthyr. Award-winning beaches on the Gower Peninsula, Southern Down & at Porthcawl make the region very attractive for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Royal Glamorgan Hospital is a new build (1999) with modern technology (e.g. mobile phone bleeps, computerised radiology & pathology). The Urology Department comprises four Consultant Urologists with interests in uro-oncology, percutaneous & laparoscopic surgery, functional urology, andrology (tertiary referrals) as well as core urology.
As the only StR in our busy unit, the trainee will gain a large amount of experience and has access to all our Consultants' operating lists. We are backed up by possibly the best uro-radiology department in South Wales which, coupled with the pathology and visiting oncology services, allows for an excellent setup. Trainees have their own desks and computers, as well as superb postgraduate facilities.
Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend
The Princess of Wales Hospital is a district general hospital located on the outskirts of Bridgend, just off the M4, with excellent access to a fantastic coastline and to other amenities, including the famous Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (pictured).
The hospital, which opened in 1985, provides modern, purpose-built accommodation for the provision of acute health services to a local population of approximately 160,000 people; it is now part of ABM University Local Health Board, the largest Health Board in Wales.
The urology directorate comprises a purpose-built wireless diagnostic unit. The urology team includes three Consultants, one Associate Specialist, one specialty doctor, one Specialist Registrar, one FP1 and one FP2 doctor who, with two specialist nurses and dedicated outpatient staff, provide a high-quality urology service. The unit performs laparoscopic and open renal surgery, female urology, complex stone surgery and endoscopic prostate surgery (including "green light" and TURIS). We are a tertiary centre for urethroplasties and are currently the only centre in Wales to provide "blue light" cystoscopy. In January 2011, we will be the European lead centre for a randomised trial of green light laser XPS PVP v TURP.
We have modern diagnostic equipment for video-urodynamics, TRUS biopsy and video flexible cystoscopy. We provide one-stop haematuria clinics, a LUTS clinic, incontinence clinics and a weekly MDT.
The unit ensures that our trainee gains high-volume, core urology experience with the additional benefit of surgical techniques not seen elsewhere in the training programme. Each year we score highly on the trainee survey for quality of training. We are a friendly, proactive, consultant-led department, keen on teaching and providing hands-on training. Trainees are well catered for and, in addition to office space, they have access to the superb postgraduate facilities which opened in 2010.
Click here to see recent publications from the Bridgend unit.
Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport
Gwent is bordered by England to the East, Cardiff and the Welsh valleys to the West and the Brecon Beacons to the North, combining many of the attributes of neighbouring regions. The city of Newport is just 12 miles from Cardiff and a 30 minute drive from Bristol. For information about the area, visit the Wye Valley website.
The Urology Directorate provides a modern comprehensive service for a population of approximately 570,000. The dedicated urological operating suite is fully equipped with modern endoscopic equipment including semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes and percutaneous renal/laparoscopic equipment. Ultrasound, a lithoclast and a 100W holmium laser are available. Each operating theatre has a Stortz HD camera system with recording equipment and laparoscopic insufflator. A fixed-site lithotripter is installed in one of the three theatres at the Royal Gwent Hospital and treats patients 5 days a week.
The Urology Directorate has the benefit of a dedicated Outpatient Department within the hospital. This consists of consulting rooms, treatment rooms, waiting area, videourodynamic room, ultrasound and biopsy room, urology research, continence research, library and rest room.
University Hospital of South Wales
Cardiff is the cosmopolitan capital city of Wales and has developed in recent years with the vibrant Bay Development including Millennium Centre, a focus for performing arts, as well as The Sports Village comprising an international athletics stadium, 50m swimming pool complex, ice-skating arena, climbing centre and white water rafting course. The world famous rugby stadium as well as a Test cricket ground enhances Cardiff’s reputation as a world sporting venue. Within easy reach are the Brecon Beacons National Park and the beautiful coastlines of South and West Wales. Cardiff has an international airport with excellent road, rail and air links with the rest of the U.K..
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is the third largest in the UK.. The University Hospital of Wales has almost 1000 beds and is the regional centre for many tertiary services. The urology department provides a wide range of general and specialist services. Outpatient expansion has allowed consultation and investigations including TRUSP, urodynamics and ESWL to be undertaken in a diagnostic unit. The dedicated urology inpatient and day-case theatres have a 100W holmium laser, full laparoscopic equipment and live link systems with the on-site Welsh Institute of Minimal Access Therapy (WIMAT), which also provides laparoscopic training facilities.
The department has close links with Cardiff University and a strong basic science research programme in molecular biology, prostate cancer and stem cells. It also has a broad oncology trials portfolio and has been a leading recruiter to MRC / NCRI and EORTC oncology trials.
Click here to see recent publications from the Cardiff unit.
