Following a successful pilot in 2021-22, NHS England (NHSE) has announced the extension of its national Handling Difficult Situations training programme.

The three-hour training session is being offered to all frontline, patient-facing NHS staff, aiming to teach them the skills and techniques required to handle difficult situations with compassion. This includes using appropriate communication techniques and active listening skills, while focusing on how to stay safe and seek support if affected by a situation.

The training is open to those working across primary care in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

The skills learnt in the training are considered transferable and can be used in a wide range of difficult situations (e.g. where patients may present in a challenging or distressed manner), during instances of incivil behaviour, or when speaking about difficult topics of conversation.

The training course also offers insight into models of self-awareness, self-compassion and emotional intelligence; all of which are important in looking after personal wellbeing, as well as that of others.

Sessions are available daily, for the advertised period. Further details can be found on NHSE's website.