Higher Level Training Scheme (ST5, 6 and 7)

Training Overview

The aim of higher and advanced training is to produce trainees competent for independent professional practice in their chosen consultant career.  Professional practice means more than the performance of clinical skills, no matter how complex.  It vert importantly carries an inbuilt commitment to standards, and the attitiudes which will maintain those standards throughout life.

Organisation of Training

Higher Training (ST 5,6,7) is competency based and although it allows more choice and flexibility than basic and intermedidate level training, there are some compulsory elements:

Compulsory

1.  ITU

Trainees must have completed a minimum of 6 months ICM training at ST3-7.  In certain circumstances the final 3 months may be devoted to paediatric instead of adult ICM.  (For trainees entering ST5 after August 2010 this will have to be done in two 3/12 blocks, one in ST3/4 and the other in ST5/6/7).

2. General Duties

Trainees should normally undertake an aggregate of 12 months ‘general duties’ where they have increased autonomy for their own work together with increased responsibility for the activities and distribution of more junior staff; in addition to daytime duties this will also include on call or shift work. All trainees must undertake a minimum of 6 months of this type of training.

3. Paediatric Training

All trainees intending to work as Consultants in a District General Hospital should undergo the equivalent of 3 months higher training in paediatrics.  This does not have to be done in a single block - the important thing is to acquire the necessary competencies.

Those aspriing to the role of lead paediatric anaesthetist in a DGH need to do 3 months of PICU.

Optional Higher Training Modules

You don't have to do them all, but you are expected to have had a balanced training.

• Up to one year can be taken as full-time dedicated work in a single special interest area.
• Up to one year of full-time research can be counted towards the CCT.
• Up to one year can be taken outside the UK as clinical training or research.  This must be prospectively approved.  If you are considering going abroad, please see OOPT page for further information.

Professional Knowledge&Skills

It is essential that those taking up consultant posts should be able to play a full part in the running of the NHS.  For this to happen, all trainees will need to follow a common core of training to develop their professional knowledge and skills.

The Deanery runs a series of courses and workshops to answer this need, known as the Generic Curriculum.

The good news is that these course don't count towards your annual study leave allocations and they are free.

Management Courses:

• Leadership Skills (any year of Higher Level Training)
• Team Working (any year of Higher Level Training)
• Developing a Business Case (Final Year Trainees only)
• Preparing for Consultant Selection (Final Year Trainees only)
• Understanding the NHS in Wales (Final Year Trainees only)

Non-management Courses

• Teaching Techniques
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Law
• Health Informatics
• Communication Skills
• F1&F2 Assessment

Attendance at these courses is strongly encouraged.  As they are open to all higher trainees in Wales from every specialty they can get booked up so it is important to be organised and book your place early.  For further details on how to book, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk

ARCP's

Towards the end of each year of training you will have an ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression). You will be required to submit a portfolio which includes a range of documentary evidence that you have had satisfactory assessments during the preceding year. A log book and CV are also required. It is much better to plan for this from Day 1, not Day 364. Full details about the paperwork required for the ARCP process can be found in the menu at the top of this page.

Study Days

The Welsh School of Anaesthesia holds Study Days for those trainees enterting ST5.   In addition, there is a “Pre-Consultant” study day for ST7 trainees. There is also a range of clinical study days open to trainees e.g. pain medicine, paediatric anaesthesia, intensive care medicine, etc.  Please see the Study Day pages of the website for further information.