Let’s face it. There’s a national shortage of GPs and it’s starting to show.
The UK is experiencing a decline in GP numbers, increasing demands, and struggles in recruiting and retaining staff. GPs have been at the forefront of the NHS’S response to the COVID-19 outbreak, provided vaccines, and maintained care throughout.
In February 2020, the government announced a drive to recruit an additional 6000 GPs by 2024. However, as of 2023, there are two thousand+ fewer full-time GPs compared to 2015. (1)
We’re trying to do our bit.
Fortunately, HIYOS loves teaching, and we are dedicated to helping doctors who want to become GPs. We hope to do our part in training more GPs, and hopefully resolving the crises that the NHS is experiencing.
HIYOS has been involved in teaching for many years, and in 2021, HIYOS began the application process of becoming a training practice for GPs. This involved our GPs learning to become postgraduate trainers, and the surgery making adaptations to becoming a postgraduate training environment.
We are now proud to be training our third round of GP trainees.
What should you expect if you see a GP trainee?
You should expect the same care as seeing one of your regular GPs! This includes any investigations/management that your case requires.
By achieving training practice status, we believe that we can enhance the quality of medical care.
Doctors who want to become GPs have already completed their medical degrees, and have experience working in hospitals. They will usually undergo 3 further years of training to become GPs. Part of these 3 years of training would involve in-practice training, such as that provided by HIYOS. Permanent GP staff supervise GP trainees.
Observation and recording…
Occasionally, a GP trainee may sit with a GP trainer to observe how we work.
In some cases, a GP trainee may ask for your permission to record a video of the consultation so that they can use the video for their assessments. Of course, though, it’s up to you…you don’t have to agree, and your decision won’t have an impact on your care. If you agree, a consent form will be provided. Only trainees and those involved with the assessments view your videos.
By seeing a GP trainee, as a patient, you will help by providing them a valuable experience.
Dr Vin Dhir
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