The Colchester GPST Programme spans the total area of North East Essex. Trainees will be allocated to work in Training Practices or Community Services within Colchester and the surrounding areas, having a driving licence and use of a car is often essential to prevent you from relying on public transport. 

Responsibilities:

‘Induction is generally good, an opportunity to shadow different teams in the surgery i.e. doctors, nurses, pharmacist, administrators and secretaries. I started seeing patients with 30-minute consultations which changed over time. It is important to debrief every case with supervisor after each session especially at the beginning until you and your supervisor feel confident that you do not need to debrief every single case. There are different cases everyday which might be different to a surgery in rural area. I see lots of young patients as well as elderly cases. There is always help available if you want to ask.

If you feel overwhelmed by the workload at any point, feel free to discuss it with your supervisor, it does not mean you are an unconfident doctor!’

Advice to newcomers to this rotation:

‘‘Accurex’ is a very good tool to communicate with patients in a time-efficient way (it can be used for sending messages to patients regarding test results, booking appointments, safety netting, etc..)

If you are not sure about anything, the best way is to ask. You may find working in GP distressing at the beginning, but you are not alone in this and this is expected to be better with time and building your confidence.

Change mentality and way of consultation especially for someone new to primary care. Primary care physician is different from hospital doctors, we have to deal with wider range of issues and concerns with limited resources compared to the hospital.’

Teaching and learning opportunities:

‘Every week we have half day teaching with clinical supervisor. However, every day we discuss cases with supervisor or other seniors and this is good way for learning and I reflect on them in my practice. Also, we do prepare cases and presentations and present it among us in half day teaching. We have half-day release on Wednesday morning (useful time to complete portfolio, study or attend OP clinics/courses).’

Procedures:

‘There are lots of opportunities to learn and practice clinical procedures in GP form the whole clinical team – be curious and just ask!’

Experience that can be evidenced in the portfolio:

‘Lots of QIA and audit ideas in primary care which can be done during rotations, I did QIP about implementing Arden template for qrisk3 instead of qrisk2 on EMIS. I also did QIA on promoting Chlamydia screens for young people attending the surgery for unrelated reasons.’

Top Tips (Kindly given by previous trainees!)

1. Start early with your e-portfolio. If you are unsure about any aspect of this- please ask your supervisors / TPD.
2. Attend OPD clinics - very relevant to your GP training. Particularly helpful have been GUM clinics/ ENT/ headache.
3. Be organised - send-off documents to the lead employer St. Helena and Knowsley early on.
4. Be organised about UUC- apply early for shifts. Let practices know in advance when you are doing your sessions. Consider UUC in both Colchester & Clacton to develop a broad range of experiences.
5. Raise concerns early with your TPDs if these cannot be resolved by your hospital department or practice.
6. Be aware of your entitlements:
7. Mileage claims in General Practice
8. Relocation costs - check GP school website
9. Study leave allowance
10. Claiming study budgets in a timely fashion
11. Be sociable - keep in regular contact with your peers. We have a buddy system in place- please use it.
12. When preparing for exams set up study groups early