SPONSORING HOSPITALS/ORGANISATIONS

Delivery of the M Clin Med (L & M) program is based on local learning experiences situated in the candidate's workplace. The program aims to facilitate development of personal interaction and networks across hospitals and other facilities with both clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as developing integral knowledge and understanding of organisational culture.

Applicants require employer support in order to undertake the program as candidacy of the Masters entails a level of commitment and support from the workplace. Applicants cannot be considered for entry unless their application is accompanied by a Letter of Support from their Departmental or Organisational Sponsor confirming that they have organisational commitment to undertake the program.

NSW Health sponsored candidates

In relation to NSW Health-Sponsored candidates, a small grant will be payable to the facility or department employing the candidate for use in a range of educational activities or equipment purchase.

Nature of workplace commitment and support

In order to complete the M Clin Med candidates require the following contributions from their workplace for the duration of their candidacy (minimum two (2) years part-time study):

1. Departmental or Organisational Sponsor
   A local Departmental or Organisational Sponsor who:
   • has direct or delegated authority to commit the health facility to supporting the candidate throughout the duration of the program
   • will provide a Letter of Support confirming that the candidate has organisational commitment to undertake the program
   • will participate in a discussion with the candidate and the M Clin Med Selection Committee as part of the selection process, if required
   • is responsible for ensuring that the requirements for workplace support outlined in 2) and 3) below are provided as needed
   • is available to the candidate to discuss issues of concern relating to such matters as:
     • logistics of course requirements
     • options for workplace 'projects' that may be required for course assessment tasks

2. Access to workplace staff and infrastructure
   Health facilities that support candidates will be required to make in-kind contributions of staff time to support the program. Assurances have been received from a number of Local Health Districts that this is accepted as a mutually beneficial activity and within reasonable limits - where it does not significantly impact on staff productivity - will be accepted as a reasonable contribution.

   Workplace support is required in:

   • acknowledging the role of, and need for inputs from, staff who contribute to 'teaching' of the candidate. Examples of courses within the program that will involve other staff include:
     • Anatomy of the Hospital - which requires the candidate to 'shadow' a range of hospital staff who may work in (senior) management, catering, laundry, mortuary etc
     • Clinical Practice Audit, Safety and Quality Improvement - which requires the candidate to undertake their own clinical audit and other quality and safety activities
   • accessing infrastructure such as laboratories, other clinical facilities and IT (video- and tele-conference)

3. Support to undertake fixed-time activities within the program, particularly residential workshop components
   Enrolment in the M Clin Med is not intended to affect the candidate's available total work-hours. However, workplace support will be required in relation to:

   • possible constraints around rostering of the candidate to enable:
     • participation in any required training (e.g. use of Blackboard)
     • participation in Candidate - Academic Supervisor and other support sessions
     • occasional Course Coordinator - Candidate - Academic Supervisor catch-ups
   • granting the candidate leave or rostered time away from the workplace to attend residential program components and assessments.
     Notes: Candidates will be required to participate in four (4) residential weekend workshops over the duration of the program (Sydney, Newcastle, Regional/Rural centre).
     The Residential workshops are regarded as a mandatory part of the program and candidates are required to commit to fully participating in these weekends.