Mersey

Mersey

Training Programme Directors

Dr Claire Cullen

Email: claire.cullen@liverpoolft.nhs.uk                                  

Dr Olivia Bennett

Email: olivia.bennett@nhs.net

Trainee Representatives

Dr Liz Davis

Email: lizdavis@nhs.net

Dr Hannah Gallagher

Email: hannah.gallagher9@nhs.net                                       

Welcome to the Mersey Deanery Geriatrics specialty training programme.

This is a rotational training programme lasting 4 years (whole time equivalent) leading to dual Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine with an option to gain additional CCT in Stroke Medicine.

Rotations

Geriatrics is a dynamic specialty in the region and departments are often in the process of developing and expanding their services.

Trainees rotate annually (usually in February) with placements lasting 12 months (this may vary from 6 to 18 months in some circumstances). Rotation selections are based primarily on training needs, but trainee preferences are requested and considered as well. Trainees are expected to spend a minimum of 12 months in a District General Hospital during their training.

All placements support training in core Geriatrics, with opportunities to develop subspecialty skills as trainees rotate through hospitals. Subspecialty training areas include Stroke medicine, Frailty, Orthogeriatrics, Perioperative medicine, Movement disorders, Falls, Older Peoples Mental Health, Continence and Community Geriatrics.

Training locations

Training at a glance

Familiarise yourself with the JRCTPB curriculum guide early on in training and meet with your educational and clinical supervisors early in the rotation to make the most of the opportunities available, using your personal development plan to meet the requirements of the year and expand your own areas of interest. Geriatric Medicine 2022 curriculum FINAL.pdf (jrcptb.org.uk)

Progression is assessed annually at ARCP – usually held in June. Geriatric and Internal Medicine ARCP’s are combined. It is your responsibility to ensure your portfolios meet the minimum standards stated in the respective ARCP decision aids. Geriatric Medicine ARCP Decision Aid 2022 FINAL.pdf (jrcptb.org.uk) and  IMS2 ARCP Decision Aid 2022 150921.pdf (jrcptb.org.uk)

1. Regional teaching

This is an afternoon session delivered on the last Friday of the month. From January 2023 the sessions will run face to face in Kent Lodge, Broadgreen Hospital. Teaching aligns with the curriculum and builds on the knowledge required to pass the Specialty Certificate Exam which should be attempted by ST6 and passed by ST7. Trainee representatives from the STR group work with the TPDs to feedback on training and teaching experience and support development of the programme.

2. Research and academic opportunities

Registrars keen on developing academic skills are supported in pursuing their interests should they wish to undertake higher degrees, engage in Flexible Portfolio training, or research projects. Please see the links below.

3. Stroke Medicine

All trainees will spend a minimum of 3 months training in stroke medicine. Those with a particular interest in stroke medicine are encouraged to consider choosing stroke as their theme for service. Trainees can elect to undertake an additional 6 months of dedicated stroke medicine subspecialty training placement and receive a sub-specialty CCT in Stroke Medicine. This would extend the training from 4 years to 4.5 years.

4. Study leave and mandatory courses

There are several courses you are required to attend. As you progress through training and develop subspecialty interests it is likely that additional course will be useful to consolidate your learning.

Required courses:

• Research methodology
• Good clinical practice
• Quality improvement
• Teaching Skills
• Leadership and management
• Advanced Life Support- must be valid throughout training

The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) run a series of national and regional study days over the year which complement the curriculum. Trainees are encouraged to attend at least one national BGS conference during training.

For further information on study leave application process: Study Leave | Health Education North West (nwpgmd.nhs.uk)

Useful links – This is not an exhaustive list and trainees may find alternative and additional courses to support learning. If funded places are available for courses (delivered locally with Edgehill University), it is expected trainees attend these over external paid for courses

5. Clinics and liaison work

Clinics will be incorporated into your job plans, and it is likely you will more than meet the expected minimum of 20 geriatric specialty clinics/ year (minimum of 80 by CCT). In addition, to satisfy Internal Medicine Stage 2 curriculum, you will need to attend a minimum of 5 clinics outside of main specialty/ year (minimum of 20 by CCT).

Clinic and liaison work will be an important component in developing subspecialty skills, the below list is not exhaustive but summarises areas to experience before CCT. You may find this a useful reference for developing personal development plans.

6. Less than full time working

For those considering less than full time working, the British Geriatrics Society has developed a helpful resource with frequently asked questions and advice. Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training FAQs for Geriatric Medicine Trainees | British Geriatrics Society (bgs.org.uk)

For regional guidance Less Than Full Time Training | Health Education North West (nwpgmd.nhs.uk)

Further information on Specialty capabilities and Specialty theme for service capabilities

All posts provide training in the skills and knowledge required for core geriatrics and support the development of “Generic Capabilities in Practice”.  

Each placement has unique subspecialty offerings depending on the hospital, multidisciplinary team, aligned specialities, community arrangements and populations. Rotating across the region adds to the variety of experience which will accumulate over four years to meet the necessary requirements for “Specialty Capabilities in Practice”.

All sites will provide an element of the theme for service curriculum, however it is expected that the following placements will provide the breadth of experience and supervision to complete “Theme for Service Capabilities in Practice” as described in the curriculum. You are required to gain 3 months whole time equivalent (WTE) in your chosen theme for service during your training.