Please note that Sandyford are currently unable to offer Letters of Competence in Sub Dermal Implants due to limited capacity. We're working to re-open these opportunities as soon as possible.

If you’re a medical professional looking to train in IUD and Sub Dermal Implants, we’d recommend the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health’s Letter of Competence.

A Letter of Competence from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health allows doctors and nurses to train and gain experience in sub dermal implants (LoC SDI) and intra uterine techniques (LoC IUT) without first holding the Diploma of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare.

They must demonstrate the evidence based knowledge, attitude and skills required to consult with a woman requesting contraception, to appropriately provide intrauterine and sub-dermal implant insertion and removal methods, and manage complications and side effects.

Letters of Competence in IUD / IUS & Sub Dermal Implant training are available to doctors and nurses. To start training you must have either a current Diploma of Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare or have passed the  FSRH online theory assessment (OTA) . More information regarding the OTA can be found on the Faculty’s website.

Available to: doctors and nurses

Cost: £75 per session 

Prerequisites: Candidates must have passed the Faculty’s online theory assessment (OTA) and online modules for IUD/IUS and/or Sub Dermal implant (these modules are found on the e-Learning for Healthcare website which you must register on). Once the candidate has successfully passed the OTA and completed the above modules, dates can be arranged to attend Sandyford IUD / Implant training clinics with a Faculty Registered Trainer to complete the practical clinical training.

If you're working in a general practice environment, the FSRH have released videos to assist in the upskilling of primary care staff around SRH presentations. 

They have recently released videos regarding coil (IUD) removals which may be of interest. These can be accessed by clicking this link.

If you’re a medical professional looking to gain a wider experience of sexual and reproductive health, we’d recommend the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health’s Diploma.

The FSRH Diploma is aimed at doctors (DFSRH) and nurses (NDFSRH) already working in general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology or community and integrated sexual health services. The Diploma demonstrates the candidate can provide safe and effective sexual and reproductive health care in community, primary and secondary care settings.

Please note that Sandyford no longer offers the old Course of 5 and the old Diploma is no longer offered at our centre. Candidates pursuing the old Diploma should contact the FRSH directly. 

Available to: doctors and nurses

Cost: £75 per practical session plus further fees payable to the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health (approx £325 in total) and the health board who host the Assessment Half Day (approx £150.)

Prerequisites: Candidates must be registered with a UK or Irish medical professional regulatory body and have a license to practice if that is required by your regulator, able to give intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, and be able to perform a speculum examination. In addition to this, they must complete the OTA as part of their Diploma and must have valid BLS/Anaphylaxis certificates before commencing practical sessions.

Please note that Sandyford are currently unable to offer shadowing or taster sessions due to limited capacity. We're working to re-open these opportunities as soon as possible.

Due to our more formal training commitments to institutions such as the University of Glasgow and the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health, our capability to accept shadow or placement requests from both trainee and senior medical staff is limited. We may, on occasion, be able to accommodate FY taster weeks and specialist requests. If you are interested in shadowing one of our team, please contact the training department who will be able to advise if we are able to accommodate your request.