Cadaveric Surgical Skills Training Contract

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has contracted Doctors Academy to provide cadaveric teaching and surgical skills training services for surgical trainees in Wales. The contract encompasses the supply of cadavers, anatomy facilities, mortuary services, consumables, equipment, and administrative support necessary to deliver specialist cadaver-based surgical education. This programme addresses gaps in clinical exposure created by changes to surgical training pathways and COVID-19 pandemic impacts. Cadaveric training is recognised as essential for developing surgical competencies and meeting curriculum requirements. The contract was awarded via Single Tender Action due to the highly specialised and regulated nature of cadaveric services, including licensing, storage, and facility standards, which are uniquely available through Doctors Academy in Wales. The arrangement ensures continuity of training, provides value for money, and eliminates the need for trainees to access equivalent services outside Wales, reducing associated financial and logistical barriers.