SpRs/Run-Through Training

Specialist Registrars (SpRs) and Run-through Training

• Current Arrangements for SpRs
• Types of Registrar training programmes
• Future Speciality Training Arrangements
• Specialities by SUHT Division
• The Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) process
• SpR Key bodies and roles

 

Current Arrangements for SpRs

Once doctors have completed basic specialist training, a further period of higher specialist training is required to become eligible for appointment as a Consultant within the National Health Service. The period of higher specialist training is defined by the relevant Royal College and lasts from three to six years. The numbers in the Specialist Registrar (SpR) grade are controlled by the Medical Workforce Review Team (MWRT based at the Wessex and Severn Deanery - Wessex Institute) on the basis of estimates of future demand for Consultants in each of the specialties.

Types of SpR training programme

A Certificate of  Completion of Specialist Training (CCT) is awarded on successful completion of higher specialist training.

• 'Type 1' programmes lead to the award of the CCT - normally held by Specialist and Visiting Specialist Registrars who are issued with NTN/VTNs.
• 'Type 2' programmes do not lead to the award of the CCT - normally held by trainees in Fixed Term Training Appointments (FTTAs) who are issued with FTNs.
• Locum Appointment for Training posts do not lead to the award of the CCST but can count towards this if prospectively approved by the relevant College/Faculty. No training number issued.

National Specialist Registrar posts are advertised in the BMJ Medical Journal website |. Applicants must have the appropriate minimal educational criteria, which normally includes a qualification from the appropriate Royal College or an equivalent qualification.

For local appointments, please visit the Severn & Wessex Deanery website (External Websites, right)

Future Speciality Training Arrangements

New Specialty training programmes "Run-through" training (please visit the MMC link to the left) will be introduced from August 2007 when the first cohort of Foundation doctors completes the Foundation Programme (please visit the F1/F2 Doctors link to the left).

The overall aim of this structured programme is to develop high quality, well-trained and accredited doctors who can deliver the care patients need in the modern NHS.

There will be a period of transition over the next few years when doctors will be working in both the new system and old system. Current SpRs will continue their training as SpRs and should be unaffected. No new SpRs will be appointed.

Run-through-training should begin in August 2007 with application details expected in Spring 2007.

The Speciality Colleges are working with PMETB to finalise curricula for Run-through Training, which will be entered after successful completion of 2 years of Foundation Training. Entry criteria are also being finalised, although it is likely to be a national entry which will be highly competitive. With this in mind, all trainees must seize every opportunity to become competitive.

Local arrangements are ongoing, and we expect to be able to update this page in the Autumn 2006. For more information please visit the Severn & Wessex Deanery website (External Websites, right)

Specialities by SUHT Division

There are 4 Clinical Divisions within SUHT and withineach Division there are a number of Care Groups. Please select the section titled "SpR Training within Divisions and Care Groups" which can be found in the menu to the left of this page for details of SpR training programmes within each Division and Care Group.

The Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) process

The Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) is an annual review of the progress of a trainee through the Specialist Registrar grade. All trainees holding a National or Visiting Training Number (NTN/VTN), or Fixed Term Training Number (FTN), or LAT (Locum Appointment for Training) are reviewed.  The purpose of RITA is to ensure that trainees are making satisfactory progress with their training, that they are able to move to the next year of training and that they are satisfied with the progress they have made.

Each specialty has a Speciality Training Committee (STC) within the region which organises higher specialist training programmes and conducts the annual assessments for Specialist Registrars. Each STC's membership includes junior doctor representation. The review process is carried out by a small panel, which includes the STC Chairman or Specialty Adviser, and training programme directors. The review is based on the information and evidence received (including log books) from any local assessment. Currently for most trainees it is the only formal assessment they have with the exception of examinations. Each specialty establishes fixed times during the training programme when the RITA panel or a sub-committee will meet with the trainee in person to discuss their training programme.

For more information on assessment, contact the relevant Royal College|.

SpR Key bodies and roles

• The General Medical Council (GMC) maintains the register of practitioners. Doctors must be registered with the GMC in order to practise. They are also responsible for maintaining the register of those who have completed specialist training - the Specialist Register.
• The Specialist Training Authority (STA) has the statutory responsibility for the standards of specialist training, and it awards the Certificates of Completion of Training (CCT) to doctors successfully completing a higher training programme.
• On behalf of the STA, the medical Royal Colleges and Faculties are responsible for the educational approval of posts for training purposes, and publishing curricula which determine the training necessary within a particular specialty.
• Postgraduate Deans manage postgraduate education within the NHS, including seeking and enforcing agreements with Trusts that provide training.
• Each specialty has a Speciality Training Committee (STC) within the Deanery. They organise higher specialist training programmes and conduct the annual assessments for Specialist Registrars (RITA). Each STC's membership includes junior doctor representation.
• Trusts employ trainees and have an educational contract with the Dean to provide training. They provide the work environment in which training is provided.
• Postgraduate Tutors are the Deans' representatives at Trust level. They are usually responsible for managing a Trust's postgraduate medical centre, for providing career advice and guidance, for monitoring the performance of educational supervisors and organising teaching programmes.
• Educational Supervisors are Consultants with a responsibility to oversee the teaching and training of juniors, and be closely involved in it. They conduct appraisal and ensure service commitments do not interfere with training. They must be familiar with training requirements and curricula.
• Clinical Supervisors are those Consultants directly involved with the day-to-day work and training of trainees. The clinical and educational supervisor may often be the same Consultant.
• Trainees must take responsibility to participate in teaching and educational programmes provided, and be responsible for their own learning and professional development, and the maintenance of learning records as required by their post, programme or College.