Wessex
Regional Training Information
| RA in ICM: | Dr James Doyle (Portsmouth) |
|---|---|
| TPD: |
Dr Duncan Chambler (Dorchester) |
| Specialty Manager: | Ms Jemma Martell |
| Trainee Rep: | Dr Ian Sheldrake |
| Posts available per year: |
10-12 |
Welcome to the Wessex region. In the last few years, there have been 10-12 training posts available each year. Our Intensive Care Medicine training is administered by NHSE's Wessex office; the specialty sits within the School of Anaesthesia. The region encompasses 8 acute hospital sites covering the Hampshire, Dorset and east Wiltshire areas. The hospitals that StRs may rotate their training modules through include: Dorchester, Salisbury, Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke and Portsmouth. Several of the units in the region have been rated outstanding by the CQC, and many have come to national attention for very positive contributions of varying kinds.
Stage 1
All of the ICUs in the region are recognised for training for Stage 1. Trainees can expect to experience modules in both the Teaching and District General Hospitals during their Stage 1 training time. The programme has well-established links with other training committees (ACCS, Anaesthesia, Emergency Medicine and Medical specialties), and the delivery of training in these specialties is tailored to meet individual needs.
Most training modules are of three or six month’s duration.
Stage 2
The specialty ICM training blocks (each of 3 months) are delivered at the University of Southampton Hospital base. The partner specialty special skills part to Stage 2 can be undertaken in any of the acute trusts in the region, excepting renal medicine which would be completed at Portsmouth (the region’s renal medicine & transplantation tertiary centre), with this being coordinated by the respective specialty’s Training Programme Director.
Special Skills Year (SSY) modules have been completed in echocardiography, research, quality improvement, transfer medicine, and neuro-ICU by single ICM CCT trainees. Opportunities to pursue SSYs in pre-hospital emergency medicine, PICU, CICU, education and home ventilation would also be possible.
Stage 3
This is currently delivered in two 6 month blocks in the general ICUs of Southampton and Portsmouth. The programme has recently commenced offering part of Stage 3 in the smaller, rural units of Salisbury or Dorchester, as well considering other units in the region.
Training opportunities
There is a well established monthly regional registrar teaching programme which is both curriculum based and aimed to help trainees to transition towards independent ICM practice. Additional sessions recently have been delivered for key procedures and equipment used in ICU. Responsibility for hosting each session rotates around the region’s units whilst being centrally coordinated by Dr Roy Sharvill.
ICM exam pass rate for Wessex trainees has been high, with a biannual national FFICM revision course (Portsmouth Intensive Care Exam Revision (PINCER) Course) run within the region now complemented by FFICM exam teaching at Southampton. Examples of other courses offered by the regions’ consultants are:
- BASIC
- Beyond BASIC – mechanical ventilation
- FICE & CUSIC courses
- Simulation training
Every hospital have FICE accredited mentors, and there is an increasing network of CUSIC/lung ultrasound expertise for trainees to access. The region is supported by focused and progressive Faculty Tutors in each ICU.
Professor Mike Grocott leads the Critical Care Research Area within the Southampton NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit. The region has supported ICM ACF post-holders, enabling pursuing higher academic qualifications including PhD. There are opportunities to be involved in research within every unit in the region. Quality Improvement work is actively supported by the Wessex ICM community with important work being conducted by the SPARC group (South Coast Peri-operative Audit and Research Collaborative).
Wessex is a popular place to live, and to bring up a family. Right next to the sea, or being close to the beautiful national parks of the South Downs and the New Forest offer exceptional opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Close proximity and excellent links to London, the South West and Europe also mean you are never far from anywhere.
The region is renowned for its cohesive, friendly and supportive environment. There is an active regional ICM society; information is available at www.wessexintensivecare.org/.
Further details are can be found at https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/school-of-anaesthetics/icm/ or by contacting the TPD or Regional Advisor.
We would also advise trainees wishing to undertake dual training with an approved partner speciality to contact the respective Training Programme Director and/or Regional/Specialty Advisor for further advice.
We look forward to welcoming you here. Good Luck!