National Ear Care Programme
We are delighted to have recently launched a new National Ear Care Microsuction Train the Trainer Programme for registered nurses working across NHS Scotland.
This Once for Scotland programme supports the delivery of safe, effective ear wax removal services by increasing national capacity in microsuction ear care and training.
The programme is open to registered adult nurses working in Ear Nose and Throat, community nursing and community treatment and care services.
The 13‑week blended learning programme develops advanced microsuction skills and prepares participants to train and assess others locally, helping NHS Boards deliver sustainable and consistent ear care services.
On completion, participants achieve SCQF Level 10 with 20 academic credits. The programme is delivered nationally with 6 intakes each year, including face‑to‑face learning at either NHS Golden Jubilee or the Suttie Centre, University of Aberdeen.
Upcoming cohort:
The next cohorts start on Monday 18 May 2026 at NHS Golden Jubilee and Monday 15 June 2026 at the Suttie Centre in Aberdeen.
Enrolment is free for staff from NHS Scotland Boards and boards are paid an allowance of £600 per learner to facilitate educational supervision.
To find out more, visit National Ear Care Programme
National Ultrasound Training Programme delivering real impact
More than 19,000 patients have already benefited from the National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP).
Launched in 2022, the programme improves access to timely diagnostic scans while training staff offsite at NHS Golden Jubilee. This approach helps reduce pressure on local NHS services by allowing learners to develop skills and confidence before returning to their home Boards.
Patient experience has been consistently positive, with high satisfaction levels and feedback highlighting the professionalism of staff and the quality of care provided.
Click here to find out more about the National Ultrasound Training Programme
Inspiring our future workforce through partnership working
At NHS Scotland Academy, we are continuing to work closely with The King’s Trust to inspire young people and support the development of our future NHS workforce.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, a group of young adults visited NHS Golden Jubilee to learn more about the wide range of careers available within the NHS.
During the visit, they toured several services, including the Eye Centre, Surgical Centre and Endoscopy, Surgical Ward, Cardiology Ward, and the NHS Scotland Academy’s Skills and Simulation Centre.
The visit focused on raising awareness of career opportunities and the different routes into health and care roles. Colleagues from across the hospital and the Academy shared their own career journeys, helping to show that there are many pathways into the NHS.
By continuing to work in partnership with stakeholders such as The King’s Trust, NHS Scotland Academy is supporting young people to consider careers in health and care, while helping to build a skilled, motivated and inclusive workforce for the future.
Planning our priorities for the months head
Recently, colleagues from our Skills and Simulation Centre and Administration teams came together for a planning workshop to review current priorities and look ahead to future projects across the NHS Scotland Academy.
The session gave the team time to reflect on recent progress and agree where the focus should be in the months ahead. It also helped to align plans to ensure the continued support of high‑quality education, training and development for Scotland’s health and social care workforce.
Click here to read more about out Skills and Simulation Centre