The training scheme in South Essex offers opportunities to gain experience within a diverse range of psychiatric specialties.  Training posts are divided mainly between the East side of the trust, based in Rochford Hospital and participating in liaison service at Southend University Hospital ; and the West Side of the Trust based in Basildon Mental Health Unit with liaison  to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.  Training posts are also located in a number of in-patient and community teams within this region. 

 

SEPT has 11 higher training posts providing opportunity to train towards CCT in General Adult, Dual Training (General Adult and Old Age), Dual Training (General Adult and Psychotherapy). Trainees can also avail of placements in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychiatry of Learning disability. 

 

The 5 year programme of Dual training in General Adult Psychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy is a particular strength of training in South Essex.

 

Forensic Psychiatry placements are within Brockfield House, a purpose built 88 bedded unit, where trainees gain experience in Low and Medium secure settings and have the opportunity of partaking in gatekeeping-assessments in higher security settings.  

 

Higher trainees have 2 sessions per week to pursue special clinical interest and research sessions. They may be pursued in the following departments:

• Psychotherapy

• Perinatal psychiatry

• Medium secure unit

• Low Secure unit

• Criminal Justice Mental Health (Liaison and Diversion from the court)

• Chelmsford Prison services 

• Adolescent Inpatient unit

• Early Intervention in Psychosis Services

• Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team

• Psychiatry of Learning disability

• Liaison Psychiatry services

• Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 

• Rapid turnover Mental health Assessment unit

• Dementia Services

• Medical Education

 

Specialist posts leading to endorsements are subject to Deanery wide competition. Endorsements in all 3 General adult sub-specialities are available in the neighbouring trusts ; Addictions Psychiatry , Rehabilitation psychiatry and Liaison Psychiatry.

 

Research: Research department led by Dr Ho, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

 

Other  Opportunities:

 

• SEPT has medical students from Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, They are 4th year medical students on clinical placements. 

• Lecture at MRCPsych course at Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University.

• Contribute to regional CASC training and Communication Skills training.

• There are various leadership courses / opportunities for the Senior trainees in HEEoE. Leading for Improvement (LEAP) leadership course to help higher trainees develop medical leadership competencies and the Chief Residents Programme within Cambridge University Health Partners (CUHP) and the Judge Business School.

The benefits of living in Essex are many; Competitive house prices, high quality of state schools, the benefits of city living but also the access to nature reserves, beaches and woodland areas.  With an easy commute to London trainees have ample opportunity for pursuing further qualifications, training and special interests.