This practice has been accredited as being suitable for the training of junior doctors. This means that the practice and doctors have had to achieve a number of standards which have been assessed by the GP Deanery for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, acting on behalf of two national organisations: The Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Dr Galbraith, Dr Tunnicliffe and Dr Bhatt are approved trainers but doctors in training always have access to a senior clinician for supervision . We are proud to be involved in training the next generation of doctors to look after you and your family.

The terms used to describe junior doctors differing levels of experience can be a little confusing. Hopefully the following information will make it easier to understand;

Foundation year 2 (FY2) Doctors

These are doctors who have been qualified as a doctor for at least one year and are spending 4 months in general practice gaining some experience before deciding on which area they would like to specialise in. It is hoped that they will enjoy their placement in general practice although not all Foundation Doctors will become GPs.

Speciality Trainee year 1 & 2 (ST1 / ST2) Doctors

These are fully qualified doctors who have decided that they want to do further training to become GPs. They are in their first two years of GP speciality training and generally spend 4 months at the practice.

Speciality Trainee year 3 (ST3) Doctors

Previously known as “GP Registrars”, these doctors are in their final year of training to become GPs. They usually spend 12 months with the practice.

Medical Students

Additionally, we sometimes host final year medical students from Brighton & Sussex Medical School. They are not yet doctors and are very closely supervised by a GP.

All of the doctors in training and students have a GP supervisor who monitors their work to ensure they are working to a standard appropriate to their level of training.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above or anything to do with trainees, please speak to a member of staff.

Recording

As part of their training, trainee sometimes need to record some of their consultations either on the phone or by video. You will always be asked if you are happy to have your consultation recorded and would be asked to sign a consent form. It is perfectly acceptable for you to decline these requests and it would not affect the care you receive. Any recordings are stored securely and would only be seen or listened to be the trainee, their supervisor, or examiners during assessments.

Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ)

In order to monitor performance of trainees you may be asked to complete a PSQ from time to time. These are an important part of each trainee’s assessment and patients are encouraged to fill these out as honestly as possible so that feedback can be used to develop the skills of a trainee.