Improving training for resident doctors in general surgery at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
National training survey feedback in 2018 threw up red flags around resident doctors in general surgery at Northampton General Hospital. This was addressed in NHS England site visits, but by July 2021 a lack of progress on concerns, including a lack of learning opportunities, high workloads and inappropriate behaviours, meant the issue was escalated into the GMC’s enhanced monitoring process.
What action was taken?
Monitoring yearly data from the national training survey, alongside regular quality management site visits by NHS England, resulted in actions including:
- Regular college tutor meetings, with all surgical resident doctors invited, which allowed problems to be identified and addressed early.
- Work to prevent unnecessary referrals from A&E, and streamlined referral pathways, which resulted in fewer complaints about the emergency department.
- Introducing a resident doctor educational lead for junior grade doctors. This person acted as the initial contact for any issues around organising educational sessions.
- Monthly complex case meetings implemented to discuss interesting cases, as well as a monthly ‘journal club’ with all resident doctors invited.
- Allocated time for training in theatres and clinics.
What was the outcome?
NHS England visits in 2023 noted sustained improvements and positive feedback about training and education. Resident doctors reported they were having sufficient exposure to theatres and clinics, and there were no reports of inappropriate referrals.
Although general surgery at the hospital continues to be monitored, through the national training survey and feedback from resident doctors, it is no longer in the GMC’s enhanced monitoring process.
