Background The junior otolaryngologist is responsible for recognition and drainage of the peritonsillar abscess. Although other simulators have been proposed, there is still a need for an accessible, educationally useful, low-cost peritonsillar abscess simulator to build skills and confidence in the novice. Methods The peritonsillar abscess simulator was constructed from basic disposable healthcare equipment and a party balloon. Evaluation of this Newport Quinsy Simulator was performed by expert and novice clinicians, who provided feedback in the form of Likert scales and free-text qualitative responses. Results Overall, 24 clinicians evaluated the simulator. All felt the simulator was useful for the novice otolaryngologist, and represented the key anatomy and motor skills needed to drain a peritonsillar abscess. Qualitative evaluation highlighted the educational usefulness of the simulator as a peritonsillar abscess training device. Conclusion The Newport Quinsy Simulator is affordable, accessible, easy to use and educationally valuable to the novice otolaryngologist.

Assessing a dizzy patient in primary care can be challenging. The richness of human vocabulary and use of terms such as ‘wobbly’, ‘woozy’ or ‘lightheaded’ often present the first challenge of identifying true vertigo. This can make eliciting which of a wide variety of disease processes may be causing symptoms a confusing process. True vertigo is considered a perception of movement in the absence of said movement – this is often, but not exclusively a rotating or swaying sensation. In this article we will cover how to approach a patient with suspected vertigo, including key discriminators in the history and examination that can help make a diagnosis. We will also cover treatment of the conditions causing vertigo, while considering other conditions that may cause other forms of dizziness.