Surgery on the web

A new cyber medical college has been set up in the UK to educate doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

From Monday, health workers anywhere in the world will be able to log-on to the internet to learn how to carry out surgical operations or the latest medical procedure.

The service is free and anyone can access it, including patients.

It has been set up by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Alan McKay, Director of Education, said the online education portal was different from existing sites because it was driven by educational interests.

'Quality education'

"It is not a commercially driven site," Mr McKay told the British Association science festival in Glasgow. "It is driven by the desire to deliver quality education."

The cyber medical college provides access to postgraduate training and continuing education for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

All content is vetted by specialised editors, who will regularly add to the site.

It includes video clips of how to carry out common surgical procedures, such as the two-handed or one-handed surgical knot.