Information about weight management services and the availability of weight-related drug treatments in Suffolk and North East Essex:

We are aware of the recent news reports, however we are not able to prescribe this in General Practice locally, this varies by area – in this area there is a new NHS weight management service expected to launch later this summer. Full details aren’t available yet and we are not yet able to refer for this, but it’s likely to include weight management programmes, medications, or surgery depending on individual assessment once you have been referred on to them. Most patients will need a BMI over 35 and other conditions to be referred and the team will assess and decide on which will be suitable for each individual. Please get back in touch with us in late summer for more information. Read more

Please note AskmyGP is currently suffering an outage.

Training and education

At SPC, we are passionate about developing the next generation of healthcare professionals and supporting our teams to reach their full potential. Education and learning are central to who we are and how we work.

GP Training

We host GP registrars from both Ipswich and West Suffolk GP training programmes. Our GP trainees take part in a wide-ranging series of tutorials that combine clinical learning with practical, real-world topics such as:

  • Practice finances – understanding how general practice operates as a business.
  • Wellbeing – maintaining balance and resilience in a demanding profession.
  • Prescribing safety – ensuring safe and effective use of medicines.
  • Research and evidence-based medicine – encouraging critical thinking and innovation in everyday care.

We use a variety of engaging teaching methods, including virtual reality headsets provided by the SNEE Training Hub, to enhance experiential learning and clinical skills. Tutorials are delivered by a mix of educators and experienced trainers, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Our programme also includes exam-focused tutorials, delivered both face-to-face across our sites and virtually, giving trainees the chance to experience different practices and meet a wide range of trainers and colleagues.

Leadership and development

SPC’s training and education programme is led by our Education Lead GP Dr Lena Farruggio and Education and Training Manager, Sarah Ellis, who work together to ensure high quality learning opportunities across the organisation. 

We are currently developing an exciting new partnership and leadership programme, which is designed to: 

  • Support clinicians and managers who are interested in leadership or partnership roles. 
  • Build confidence and skills in business, communication and collaborative leadership. 
  • Strengthen succession planning and sustainability across SPC practices. 
Training for all

We proudly train and provide learning opportunities for all of our staff, including: 

  • medical students 
  • foundation year two (FT2) doctors 
  • nursing associates 
  • paramedics and 
  • administrative and managerial teams 

We are expanding our in-house training offer to support continuous professional development for every member of our workforce and ensure SPC remains a great place to learn, work and grow.