About the training
The HEE KSS training programme in anaesthetics is a two year programme. Successful completion of all modules and a pass in all the components of Primary FRCA will enable trainees to apply for ST3 training in anaesthetics, in continued pursuit of their careers in anaesthesia.
HEE,KSS provides excellent training in all of its hospitals, offering you all the modular training components needed to complete core training in anaesthetics. This is a great opportunity to develop a broad experience in friendly and supportive units, within our three popular and scenic sub-regions. Combined with living within striking distance of London, with its excellent national and international transport links, the rotation offers you the potential for a fantastic work-life balance.
All trainees are given excellent preparation for exams and attend compulsory study days to enhance learning. This includes simulation training, with both Brighton & Sussex University and Surrey University having excellent simulation suites which are used for regional simulation courses.
Where will I train?
You will rotate through two hospitals during your core training years. Rotations are set in advance to give you adequate experience and exposure for all the required units of training. During these two core years you will follow the curriculum as set by the Royal College of Anaesthetists. You should therefore complete all required units of training, having finished both placements.
Core Anaesthetics training locations are:
Kent
– Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Pembury – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
– Medway Maritime Hospital, Medway – Medway NHS Foundation Trust
– William Harvey Hospital, Ashford – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother Hospital, Margate – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford – Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Surrey
– Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford – Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
– East Surrey Hospital, Redhill – Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
– Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey – Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley – Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Sussex
– Conquest Hospital, St. Leonards-on-Sea – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton – Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
– Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath – Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
– Worthing Hospital, Worthing – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
To find out more about each training location, please visit the Local Education Provider webpage.
Education
In Sussex, in the first year (CT1), trainees will gain their ‘initial assessment of competency’ (IAC) and complete the ‘introduction to anaesthesia’ training units, plus an Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) attachment. Obstetric anaesthesia and the other core units will follow in the second year (CT2).
In Kent, similarly trainees will complete ‘initial assessment of competency’ (IAC) and the ‘introduction to anaesthesia’ training units, plus ICM, in year one (CT1). The Obstetrics Anaesthesia module and remaining core units follow in year two (CT2).
In Surrey, trainees will undertake ‘initial assessment of competency’ (IAC) and complete the ‘introduction to anaesthesia’ training units in year one (CT1), with both ICM and Obstetrics Anaesthesia modules in year two (CT2).
Training Pathway
To understand how the training pathway for anaesthesia is structured please visit the RCOA website.
Other opportunities
As soon as trainees commence their CT1 posts, they will attend a three day course for anaesthetic novices in anaesthesia. Simulation training days in critical incident scenarios in anaesthesia will closely follow. These early courses front-load you with theory and hands-on practice, giving you the confidence in the clinical environment to gain the competencies needed for the IAC milestone.
We have excellent teaching programmes in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. FRCA examiners in all regions can offer invaluable guidance in passing exams. In addition to the Primary FRCA-oriented teaching run by individual departments, there are also primary mock exams for the OSCE (in Sussex) and the SOE (in Kent). These practice exam days are open for attendance from all three sub-regions.
There are abundant opportunities for trainees to get involved in teaching, training audit and research projects.
LTFT
We understand that for various reasons, trainees’ personal circumstances may require a reduction in hours in order for them to achieve a suitable work-life balance. Within KSS we have a dedicated Less Than Full Time (LTFT) team who can guide and support trainees in applying for LTFT training. For further information please visit the support portal .