Wednesday 13th December 2023

Message from the Associate Dean

Hello

Hope you are all doing well. It’s a very busy time of year. I’m working on critical care this week and acutely aware of the challenges were facing in both primary and secondary care. Important that we look after each other, as we care for our patients.

Most Foundation doctors will now be going through mid-year reviews, this may be a local review of your e-portfolio to ensure you’re on track, or a meeting with your local trust Foundation TPD. Please use this opportunity to discuss and highlight any concerns you may have with your training. Please remember to log SLEs (structured learning exercises), teaching and supervisor meetings as you go through the year. For those that have just finished your first post, remember you need separate ES and CS forms (unlike the initial meeting where there is a joint ES and CS form).

For our International Medical Graduates (IMG)s we will be hosting an inaugural event on 15^th January evening, at Royal Free Hospital. We look forward to seeing our IMG group there. Please see the flyer for more information about this.

We also understand there’s anxiety about the upcoming industrial action dates. We’ve had quite a few enquiries about these, but I’d like to signpost to the BMA, their website and resources, who are able to provide lots of information regarding these dates. Whatever decision an individual takes, we should all be respectful of this. Please note that all Industrial Action (IA) days will need to be recorded on your Form R for ARCP as Time Out of Training (TOOT), so please do keep a record of these days along with any other absences.

I’m also really pleased to see our Foundation reps contribute to this edition of the bulletin.

Hope you all have a lovely festive season.

Best wishes,

Ali

Dr Alice Carter

Associate Dean (Foundation)

School Foundation Reps

Dear all,

We sincerely hope that you are settling into you second rotations well. Following national and local meetings with the UKFPO, Foundation School and your local hospital representatives we would like to highlight some key information to you.

The UKFPO has asked us to pass on the following:

They have created new UKFPO-run webinars to share important information and cover essential training topics (https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/resources/ukfpo-webinars/).
E-learning for healthcare is an excellent resource providing additional modules for professional development and reflects HLOs (https://www.e-lfh.org.uk).
The UKFPO is starting a new programme called “Enhance” which aims to improve generalist skills (https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/enhancinggeneralistskills?nodeId=4992).
The UKFPO is conducting work to analyse how variations in Foundation Year training results in differential attainment in specialty training applications and postgraduate exams. This work could be used to improve the provision of training opportunities during Foundation Years. Please do help by completing this survey: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_bw3UuWbF6nyppHg
Taster days are an important part of the UKFPO curriculum and are available to all Foundation Year doctors, including FY1s. Trusts should allow Foundation Year doctors to take Taster days, and if issues arise these should be raised with the local Training Programme Director (TPD).

The F2 swap shop will occur in early 2024. Additional information will be sent by the Foundation School in due course. Please follow this link for more information: https://lonkssfoundation.hee.nhs.uk/swaps

The Foundation School team are exploring improvements to the support available to trainees returning to work after a prolonged time out-of-training. A key part of this is learning about trainees’ experiences in returning to work. If anyone has had any experience with this and are happy to discuss it, then please email one of james.harkness1@nhs.net, melissa.matthews11@nhs.net, anum.zahra@nhs.net.

The current support available to trainees returning to work can be found here: https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-development/supported-return-training

If you wish to contact us as the Foundation School representatives, please email us.

Please contact the Foundation School via the online Portal. This can be found here: https://lasepgmdesupport.hee.nhs.uk/support/home

London Foundation School Representatives

Please see contact details for appointed School Reps below:

Sub-Region	Grade	First Name	Surname	Email Address
North East London	F1	Rimsha	Khan	rimsha.khan2@nhs.net
North East London	F1	Francis	Elechi	francis.elechi@nhs.net
North Central London	F1	Zina	Al-Kaisy	Z.alkaisy1@nhs.net
North Central London	F2	Mickaela	Nixon	m.nixon1@nhs.net
North West London	F1	Melissa	Matthews	Melissa.matthews11@nhs.net
North West London	F2	James	Harkness	james.harkness1@nhs.net
North West London	F2	Syeda	Zahra	anum.zahra@nhs.net
South East London	F1	John	Gillespie	john.gillespie3@nhs.net
South East London	F1	Ellinor	Raby	e.raby1@nhs.net
South West London	F2	Gabriela	Barzyk	gabriela.barzyk1@nhs.net
South West London	F2	Lily	Scourfield	lily.scourfield@nhs.net

New Updates

Foundation IMG evening event at Royal Free on 15th January 2024

To all London Foundation year 1 international medical graduates: We are pleased to invite you to an early evening training and support session, with pizza, arranged by the London Foundation School. This will be held face to face at The Sheila Sherlock education centre, Royal Free Hospital on Monday 15th January 2024, 6pm - 8.30 pm.

We are aware of the challenges of starting your medical careers in a new country and want to help support your ongoing transition.

We do hope you will be able to attend. Please register via the link below no later than 8th January 2024.

https://lasepgmdeevents.hee.nhs.uk/events/internal-het-events/a45dda88-b434-46e0-a529- f7f0042caa28/registration/12033

I look forward to meeting you on 15th January.

Dr Celia Bielawski FRCP.

Deputy Foundation School Director (North Central London)

National Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Poster Competition 2024

Deadline 6th March 2024 – details and online entry form here:

http://www.bristolpatientsafety.com/poster-competition.html

We have up to 160 poster places at our online conference.

Successful entries receive:

- An invitation to give a live oral poster presentation* at our online conference on 15th May 2024

- A discounted delegate rate of £179 (no VAT), co-authors entitled to same rate

- National poster competition oral presentation certificate

- Opportunity to win a first or second prize in each themed group of 10 posters

*2.5-minute oral presentation followed by judge-led Q&A

Who should apply? junior doctors, nurses, midwives, consultants, AHPs, GPs, medical students and those working in care settings.

Reminders & Guidance

REMINDER: F2 GMC Responsible Officer

There are still a number of F2 doctors who have not connected to their Responsible Officer. F2 doctors are responsible for ensuring they are connected to the correct Responsible Officer, this is your Post Graduate Dean.

For more information or guidance please see: https://lonkssfoundation.hee.nhs.uk/gmc or please contact us via PGMDE Support Portal click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

REMINDER: 2023-24 TAB (Team Assessment of Behaviour) window dates

The recommended dates for TAB are detailed below but these dates are not mandatory. More information on the TAB process can be found on the Horus Website.

Placement 1

Opens: Friday 6^th October 2023

Closes: Monday 4^th December 2023

Placement 2

Opens: Friday 9^th February 2024

Closes: Monday 1^st April 2024

Placement 3

Opens: Friday 19^th April 2024

Closes: Monday 20^th May 2024

REMINDER: SCRIPT – supporting safer prescribing practices

The SCRIPT programme is a collection of innovative eLearning portfolios designed to encourage safe and effective prescribing and medicines management among healthcare professionals.

SCRIPT will enhance your knowledge and confidence in prescribing correctly, improving patient safety, therapeutics and medicines management. You will receive a certificate for each module that you complete, which can be used in your online learning portfolio. SCRIPT is easy to use. You can access the modules at a time which suits you and revisit them even after completion. You can learn more about the SCRIPT eLearning programme and how to sign up by visiting Medicine & Surgery | Safe Prescriber

REMINDER: How to request discretionary study leave

Please see below the steps of how Foundation Doctors can apply for Discretionary Study Leave.

Foundation Doctor (FD) seeks support from Educational Supervisor and trust (local) Foundation Training Programme Director (FTPD).
Local FTPD seeks approval from the area deputy Foundation School Director (FSD)
Deputy FSD replies to trust TPD, including study leave team.
Local TPD can then reply to FD with outcome.
If approved, FD completes study leave form on the study leave portal.

We are not able to reply to direct emails about Study Leave, but if you have any questions please do contact the school via the PGMDE Support Portal click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

An email with guidance for FTPDs has also been sent.

REMINDER: PSA Sittings 2023/24

Please note the dates for all PSA sittings (all held at 1pm):

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Tuesday 23 April 2024

REMINDER: Provisionally registered doctors (F1) must not undertake formal locum posts or activities.

Provisionally registered (PR) doctors can undertake occasional ad hoc additional/overtime shifts on their current FY placement or previous F1 placements that have formed part of their F1 rotation, where such work is undertaken only within the limits of their current competence and with the support of their educational supervisor. When undertaking such occasional ad hoc additional/overtime work PR doctors should be clear with other members of their team about their current experience and level of competence.

REMINDER: TiS Checks

Please can we remind Trust Medical Education colleagues to work with their Medical Staffing teams to regularly check Foundation Doctors’ posts on TiS, against internal records. Early recognition of any discrepancies can help us all to resolve issues quickly.

REMINDER: Contacting the London Foundation School

There continues to be an increase in emails/messages being sent to personal inboxes. Please be reminded that contact with the Foundation School Team should be through the PGMDE Support Portal, rather than to individuals email addresses or shared mailboxes. This will ensure that your query can be directed to the correct person and dealt with as quickly as possible. Please click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

Please do not use F1.LASE@Hee.nhs.uk, F2.lase@hee.nhs.uk, FPEnquiries.lase@hee.nhs.uk or personal NHSE email addresses.

GUIDANCE: Foundation Doctors taking Parental Leave

Please can all foundation doctors who will be taking a period of Parental Leave, ensure that they use the following FAQ as guidance:

HEE Parental Leave FAQ's

Please also see the NHS employers Maternity guidance using the link below:

NHS Employers Maternity Guidance (rotational doctors and dentists)

GUIDANCE: Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training for London

Please click the link below for guidance regarding Less Than Full Time (LTFT) training.

LTFT Guidance

GUIDANCE: Foundation doctors in GP and psychiatry placements contributing to acute services

Please see below link for guidance regarding Foundation doctors in community placements contributing to acute services Foundation doctors in GP and psychiatry placements contributing to acute services

GUIDANCE: Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities

Please use the following link to the updated ‘Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities within the Local Education Provider and Minimum Requirements for Clinical Supervision of Foundation Doctors’ document.

Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities

GUIDANCE: NHS employers’ guidance on induction for international medical graduates

Please find below link to guidance from NHS employers

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Welcoming-and-Valuing-International-Medical-Graduates-A-guide-to-induction-for-IMGs-WEB.pdf

UKFPO Bulletin

To read the latest UKFPO Bulletin access the link below:

UKFPO bulletin

Courses, Events, Research and Competitions

National Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Poster Competition 2024

Deadline 6th March 2024 – details and online entry form here:

http://www.bristolpatientsafety.com/poster-competition.html

We have up to 160 poster places at our online conference.

Successful entries receive:

- An invitation to give a live oral poster presentation* at our online conference on 15th May 2024

- A discounted delegate rate of £179 (no VAT), co-authors entitled to same rate

- National poster competition oral presentation certificate

- Opportunity to win a first or second prize in each themed group of 10 posters

*2.5-minute oral presentation followed by judge-led Q&A

Who should apply? junior doctors, nurses, midwives, consultants, AHPs, GPs, medical students and those working in care settings.

UKFPO Fellow FD Survey

Research is being conducted by Aysha Nijamudeen., FY2, Manchester Royal Infirmary and UKFPO Fellow who is working with the UKFPO to improve inequalities in access to training opportunities for foundation doctors in the UK.

Please can all Foundation doctors complete the following survey.

All responses are anonymous,

link: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_bw3UuWbF6nyppHg

Mental Health Mission - FY2 Taster Days

An exciting Mental Health Research Taster Days opportunity is presented by the NIHR Mental Health Mission [nihr.ac.uk] Capacity Development workstream.

All FY2 medical trainees with interest in mental health research are encouraged to apply and spend time in one of the leading clinical academic centres in the UK. The project is supported by the institutions across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northen Ireland, and we will tailor your placement based on your research interests and geographical preferences. Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs will be covered by the award.

Applications are open now and are accepted until Friday, 15th December 2023, 17:00 UK time:

NIHR FY2 mental health research taster awards - Google Forms

The scheme was piloted in 2022 and proved to be very successful. Testimony from last year’s FY2 Taster Days awardee Dr Fiona Kehinde and Psychiatry Foundation Fellow:

“I undertook 4 research taster days at the University of Manchester June 28- July 1st 2022 attached to leading Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Shruti Garg. Dr Garg specialises in presentations of Autism and ADHD in rare disorders such as Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Spending 4 taster days with Dr Garg was an invaluable experience that I am extremely grateful for. Through this experience I was awarded a standalone 6-month Houghton Dunn Fellowship to undertake a research project with Dr Shruti Garg and Professor Jonathan Green at The University of Manchester. As a direct result of the Houghton Dunn Fellowship, I have been able to prepare a research article for publication and successfully presented a poster of my findings at the RCPsych Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Conference September 2024. Thank you to the team for welcoming me into their research group and supporting me through this project.”

National Foundation Doctors Presentation Day 2024.

The UKFPO are pleased to announce the National Foundation Doctors Presentation Day 2024.

When: Friday 19th January 2024

Where: Bristol

Target audience: All foundation doctors are warmly invited to a day of oral and poster presentations by F1 and F2 doctors. Judges to include representatives from the UKFP, GMC, MSC, BMA & more.

Current F1 or F2 doctors in recognised Foundation Programmes in the UK or Malta are invited to submit abstracts relating to work undertaken during Foundation training. Successful abstracts will be presented as 10-minute oral or 3-minute poster (mini-oral) presentations. Abstract deadline: 23:59 PM GMT, Sunday 29 October 2023

Please find flyer attached and visit the UKFPO website for further details.

Access the point of care tool BMJ Best Practice for free

BMJ Best Practice takes you quickly and accurately to the latest evidence-based information, whenever and wherever you need it.

Our step-by-step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention is updated daily using robust evidence-based methodologies.

This tool is freely available to all healthcare professionals who work for the NHS in England. You can register for free here https://www.bmj.com/company/hee/

If your institution would like to receive further information on BMJ Best Practice, please contact Dr. Kieran Walsh, Clinical Director at BMJ. Dr. Walsh can deliver talks for Foundation Programme doctors at their training sessions or provide information on areas such as the local HEE/BMJ clinical champion scheme. Contact Dr. Kieran Walsh at kmwalsh@bmj.com.

New video resource for foundation doctors

A new video for all foundation, foundation schools and trusts, helping them to understand more about the Foundation Programme Charter, has been shared.

Please click here to launch the Foundation Programme Charter video.

Further videos including Foundation Programme Review and Self Development time can also be found here

NHS Induction Programme for International Medical Graduates - e-learning for health

The National Induction programme has been designed to ensure that all international medical graduates (IMGs) recruited to the NHS are welcomed, valued, and supported as they transition to UK clinical practice.

Please use the following link to access the programme: https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/nhs-induction-programme-for-international-medical-graduates/

Foundation Careers & Coaching Events Team

Careers Conversation

All foundation trainees have the opportunity to have an individual careers conversation with one of our career coaches which can be arranged by completing the application form at the following link:

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-support-and-development/careers-unit/apply-careers-advicecontact-us/careers-application-form

FY2 - Preparing for Speciality interviews/F3 Options Stream Videos

Please see below links to the previous webinar recordings delivered to F2 trainees on preparing for speciality applications/interview & F3 options

FY2 Webinar - Preparing for Specialty applications and Interviews-20220914_180522-Meeting Recording.mp4