20th June 2016

Busy week again, bit more tiring for some than for others perhaps ...

As we approach the end of the academic year, changes are taking place as part of our efforts to improve the learning environment @ASPHFT. 

We've known for some time that we have outgrown the resources available for the Trauma Meeting. After an 18/12 search for a new home we are still no further forward - our goal was to move nearer to Swan and have participation from nursing staff & physiotherapists but a venue cannot be found. We have temporarily set up shop in the Fracture Clinic and whilst this means we can't have a Trauma board & the projector needs to be set up & taken down every day, it does mean there is space, air conditioning and an improved environment 

Let's see if it works.

Core Trainees ARCP

This week I sat on the panel for the ARCPs (Annual Review of Competence Progression), held at St Peter's. We welcomed staff from @HEE_KSS as well as Consultant Panel members from other Trusts to review the 39 CSTs in the region. 

Face-to-face meetings are not required for everyone but all trainees do have their ISCPs reviewed closely by the panel. It was a bit disappointing to see just how many have incomplete evidence (Outcome 5): the goalposts are very clearly identified at the start of the year. It has prompted me to ensure that as part of the revamped Trust & Departmental Inductions there will be a (mandatory) CST session with me on Thursday 4th August making sure you can all drive ISCP and I can set up your Global Objectives.

ARCPs were followed by the Core STC Meeting. The timetable for the 2017 Interview process were released

The application window is from 9th November till 1st December 2016.

Another thing discussed was making sure our trainees knew what was desirable in terms of speciality experience to gain points towards HST: 

I think we've accommodated the needs of our new intake, as far as we know. It is easy to clock up the speciality months, esp if you're locumming and before you know it you're penalising yourself.

Forthcoming Attractions

MRCS B results came out on Friday. Congratulations those who were successful. If you weren't, don't lose heart. Talk to your AESs & Surgical Tutors, take stock and try again. And have a look at courses like this @RoySocMed which may help: https://www.rsm.ac.uk/events/events-listing/2015-2016/groups/rsm-professionals/rpg25-mrcs-part-b-revision-course.aspx