THE first group of candidates to complete a customised course in healthcare management have graduated.

Nineteen managers and team leaders of the Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust undertook the five-week course to earn their introductory certificates, with more than half then signing up to take the next step of their training.

Portman College course lecturer Keith Atkinson said: "The course covers an introduction to a wide variety of skills the candidates will need to progress in their careers, including leadership, problem solving, team building, motivation techniques and finance. All the candidates are either managers or team leaders in both the medical and administration support departments.

"Because the course is aimed specifically at their own needs, they've been able to make practical use of the skills taught, as well as gaining an insight into skills needed for career progression."