For healthcare professionals and support staff at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHT), staying up to date with training and clinical education is essential. Accessing the correct learning portal allows you to complete mandatory modules, track your professional development, and stay informed about the latest clinical guidelines. This guide provides a straightforward path to finding and using the digital tools available for staff learning.
Understanding the PHT Learning Environment
The learning environment for Portsmouth Hospitals staff is designed to be a comprehensive hub for education. It serves everyone from foundation doctors and nurses to administrative staff and assistant practitioners. The primary goal of these digital resources is to ensure that all employees meet the required standards for patient safety and professional excellence.
Historically, these resources were managed through a dedicated learning zone. Today, most of this functionality has been integrated into broader NHS systems, but the core objective remains the same: providing a central location for e-learning, clinical audits, and medical education documents. Knowing where to look for these materials can save you significant time during your busy shifts.
How to Access the Primary Training Portals
Most staff training is now handled through a few key platforms. Depending on whether you are completing mandatory “STAT” training or pursuing specialized clinical education, you will likely use one of the following systems.
The Electronic Staff Record (ESR)
The Electronic Staff Record, or ESR, is the most important tool for any NHS employee. This is where your official training record lives. To access your e-learning modules via ESR, follow these steps:
- Log in to the ESR portal using your unique username and password or your NHS Smartcard.
- Navigate to the “My Learner Homepage” or the “Portal” tab.
- Look for the “E-Learning” section to find enrolled courses or search the catalogue for new ones.
- Ensure your pop-up blocker is disabled, as many modules open in a new window.
Using Moodle for Clinical Training
For more specific clinical skills and localized department training, many trusts utilize the Moodle platform. Moodle is often used for interactive courses that require more flexibility than the standard ESR modules. If your department has directed you to a specific “Learning Zone” or e-learning site, it is frequently a Moodle-based system where you can download resources like the “Syndromes Pack” or evidence-based practice guides.
Resources for Medical Education
Portsmouth has a strong reputation for postgraduate medical education. If you are a trainee doctor or a medical student, your learning resources may be managed through the Postgraduate Medical Centre (PGMC). These resources focus on the Foundation Programme and specialized registrar training.
Postgraduate Medical Centre (PGMC)
The PGMC provides a directory of medical education leaders, including the Director of Medical Education and Foundation Programme Directors. Staff can access schedules for grand rounds, teaching sessions, and simulation training through the trust’s internal network. If you are looking for the latest GAZETTEER or directory of medical centres, these are typically updated annually and hosted within the medical education section of the staff intranet.
Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Audit
Continuous improvement is a hallmark of high-quality healthcare. Staff are encouraged to engage with clinical audits and evidence-based practice. Digital libraries often provide links to the Map of Medicine and other evidence-based tools that help clinicians make informed decisions at the point of care. These tools are often linked directly from the learning portal to ensure they are easily accessible during clinical hours.
Support for Different Staff Roles
The learning resources are not one-size-fits-all. Different roles have different requirements and access levels. For example, a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner will have a specific KSF (Knowledge and Skills Framework) outline that guides their learning path. This outline helps identify which modules are necessary for career progression and competency maintenance.
New staff members will usually receive their login credentials during their induction week. If you are returning from a long-term absence, such as maternity leave or a career break, you may need to have your accounts reactivated by the Learning and Development (L&D) team to ensure you can catch up on any lapsed mandatory training.
Troubleshooting Access Issues
It is common to encounter technical hurdles when trying to access training materials, especially from home. If you are having trouble logging in, consider the following solutions:
- Check Your Connection: Some internal learning resources are only accessible via the Trust’s N3/HSCN network. If you are at home, you may need to use a VPN or a specific remote access gateway.
- Browser Compatibility: Many older e-learning modules work best in Microsoft Edge (with Internet Explorer mode) or Google Chrome. If a module fails to load, try switching browsers.
- Password Resets: If you have forgotten your ESR or Moodle password, look for the “Forgotten Password” link on the login page. Note that these are often separate from your standard Windows login.
- Contact IT Support: For persistent issues, contact the IT helpdesk or the Learning and Development department directly. They can verify if your account is active and correctly mapped to your current role.
Finding Help and Further Guidance
If you cannot find a specific document, such as a training manual or a policy update, the staff intranet is usually the best place to start. The Learning and Development team often maintains a presence there with links to the latest e-learning portals and contact details for subject matter experts.
Staying proactive about your education ensures that you remain compliant with national standards and provides you with the best opportunities for professional growth within the trust. By using the tools outlined in this guide, you can efficiently manage your learning requirements and focus on what matters most: providing excellent patient care.
For more information on navigating professional life and finding the right digital tools for your career, explore our other articles on workplace productivity and online service guides.