Surgical Skills Courses & Articles for UK Doctors

Basic surgical skills courses cover suturing, wound management, and sterile technique — useful for ED doctors, GPs, and anyone who handles minor procedures. You don't need to be on a surgical training pathway. For surgical trainees, there are more advanced options including laparoscopic skills, cadaveric workshops, and robotic surgery courses.

Yes — surgical skills courses provide evidence of commitment to surgery for your portfolio. CST now uses letter grades (A–E) rather than numerical points, and course certificates still contribute to your assessed evidence. The RCS-accredited Basic Surgical Skills course is widely recognised. Check the current CST portfolio guidance for exact requirements.

The RCS Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course costs £849 at the Bjorn Saven Centre (RCS England), with a 20% discount for members, fellows, and affiliates (bringing it to £679.20). Prices at regional and international centres vary, typically ranging from £550 to £850. The 7th edition of the BSS course is now being delivered at the Bjorn Saven Centre, with other centres rolling it out from early 2026.

If you just need to improve your wound closure technique, a focused suturing course is quicker and cheaper. A full surgical skills course covers broader skills including anatomy, instrument handling, and multiple procedure types — better if you're preparing for surgical training applications or want a comprehensive foundation.