More than 80 healthcare professionals from Operose Health have taken part in the annual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCEs), a key programme designed to strengthen clinical skills, build confidence and support high-quality patient care.
Delivered across four days at Operose Health sites in London, the programme included a multiple-choice examination alongside consultation stations designed to reflect real-life primary care scenarios.
As one of England's leading primary care providers, Operose Health's annual OSCEs have become a key part of how the organisation supports the development of its almost 2,000-strong workforce, helping to care for more than 700,000 patients in England.
The programme has evolved over the years to support a range of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, paramedics, advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs), and advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs).
During the event, participants typically work through a range of scenarios covering areas such as safeguarding, women's health and prescribing, with each station observed by a senior clinician who provides immediate verbal feedback. Participants also receive a detailed feedback report highlighting strengths, identifying areas for improvement and offering practical recommendations to support their future practice.
The final day of this year's event - at Falmouth Road Surgery in South London - was attended by Professor Nick Harding, Operose Health Chief Medical Officer, and Rich Withnall, Chief Executive of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM), who oversaw sessions and met colleagues taking part.
Dr Lucy Goodeve-Docker, GP and Senior Regional Medical Director, said:
''The OSCEs are a significant part of our clinicians' learning every year. They help colleagues build new skills, continue their development and ensure they are up to date with the latest clinical guidance."
''Having someone sit and observe a consultation, and then provide immediate feedback, can be invaluable. Being able to do that in a supportive environment is really important for professional development in primary care.''
Among the participants was Pharmacist Henna Begum, from Operose Health's E16 Health - Albert Road site in London. Henna said:
''I was a bit nervous going into the session, but the feedback, support and guidance from staff throughout were really helpful. The experience is something I can take back into my day-to-day consultations and gives me confidence in knowing how to escalate issues, which helps us provide better care for patients."
The programme is also used to identify wider learning needs and help guide future training opportunities.
Saima Qureshi, one of the lead facilitators, said:
"The OSCEs help us identify learning gaps, not just in clinical knowledge but in consultation skills, decision-making and communication. We use the results to shape future training and development opportunities for our colleagues across the organisation."
Professor Nick Harding, Chief Medical Officer at Operose Health, added:
"We are so proud to offer a unique programme like this that invests in the development of our teams. Giving people the opportunity to learn, grow and receive meaningful feedback helps ensure we continue to deliver high-quality care for patients."