GP and Foundation training

As a GP / Foundation Trainee in Nottingham, you may be based at Highbury Hospital, the main general adult psychiatric hospital. However, there are also GP / Foundation trainees based at Hopewood Hospital, Blossomwood, and other community hubs throughout Nottinghamshire.

Teaching can be split in to groups and you will often be taught with your peers. There are weekly teaching sessions starting with a case presentation, where junior doctors will present an interesting case to the group. This is a great opportunity to learn about interesting cases and take part in discussions. Following this we have a journal club presentation, where an article is chosen and presented by junior doctors. Again, this is a great opportunity to discuss and keep up to date with the latest research and interesting findings. For Nottingham based doctors, these take place on a Wednesday morning. For Mansfield doctors, these sessions are held on Monday afternoons. 

There is also a teaching programme set up (for an hour on the third Wednesday of every month) to help GP and Foundation Trainees develop their understanding of general psychiatry. These are case based discussion sessions led by core trainees. Higher trainees also attend and will observe and complete an assessment of teaching for the core trainee. 

To aid with our child and adolescent experience we have teaching sessions run by a child and adolescent consultant. This is a great opportunity to discuss cases or questions which arise during on calls. Often cases are presented, which can be a useful opportunity to learn from real life examples and dsicuss specifics of child and adolescent psychiatry. 

As a Foundation doctor you will be timetabled to attend at least two consultation / clinical skills sessions. The aim of these sessions is to enable you hone the communication skills in a non-threatening safe learning environment through simulation. 

Your clinical supervisor and educational supervisor will be your main point of contact.

However, there are other members within the Trust with whom you can raise your concerns to. 

Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training (previously Flexible Training) is a great and available opportunity for many reasons including caring responsibilities, health needs and to explore non-clinical training. Any doctor in training can apply for LTFT training.

LTFT training should offer you the same opportunities as your full-time colleagues although there should be flexibility from all parties to ensure you meet your training needs and service/out of hours cover, whilst trying to maintain your preferred working days. 

You should be aware that your training will take longer to complete and if you choose to work 60%, for example, you will be paid approximately 60% and be expected to complete 60% out of hours commitments to that of your full-time colleagues.

It is recommended that the application and approval process is completed within three months from enquiry to completion of approval. In order to agree a preferred start date, all parties (including the Champion of Less than full time Working, Medical Workforce, Educational Supervisors, Programme Director, colleagues and the Trainee) should liaise to agree a mutually convenient start date.

The following resources are available to understand more about LTFT including application process, pay and rota queries.

 

Resources 

The following resources are available to understand more about LTFT including application process, pay and rota queries.

• BMA guidance on flexible training
• Less Than Full-Time Training (LTFT): This contains advice on eligibility for LTFT, how to apply, information on pay and rotas.
• Rota and rostering guidance for LTFT doctors
• BMA Good Rostering Guide
• Health Education England - Delivering Greater Flexibility
• Financial advice
• LTFT Trainees Facebook Forum