Welcome to the KSS general adult (GA), old age (OA) and dual psychiatry webpage.
In KSS we provide higher specialist training in GA psychiatry, OA psychiatry and dual training in GA and OA psychiatry, including the opportunity for endorsements in liaison psychiatry, rehabilitative psychiatry, perinatal psychiatry, and substance misuse/addictions.
These programmes are region-wide, led by the Training Programme Directors (TPDs), Dr Tonye Ajiteru and Dr Anoop Saraf. To find out more about their roles, visit the Meet the Team webpage.
There are 35 posts in KSS, with an excess of approved placements over funded posts, and a wide range of clinical experiences, allowing flexible use between the GA and OA specialties, and individually-planned three year programmes.
Clinical training is provided through the three mental health trusts in the region. Posts are mapped to the College curriculum through the joint working of the TPDs and the Trust Directors of Medical Education (DMEs). Trainees are guaranteed a well-rounded and robust curriculum coverage to achieve all the necessary competencies.
Trainees will usually rotate within a geographical area for the duration of training, unless there are requirements for particular posts. Trainee representatives are available by area and specialty, inputting to local training committees and to the School.
Induction for new core and higher specialist trainees takes place in the starting month of the rotation. It is an opportunity to meet with other trainees, identify trainee representatives and TPDs, and develop contacts within the region.
GA training
GA training is delivered over three years during ST4-ST6 and is provided across KSS. Trainees will be expected to do at least two years in GA psychiatry, and will be expected to work across both the community and inpatient/acute settings. It is expected that trainees will remain within the same area in the region for the duration of their three year posting.
Placements are available in most areas in community mental health teams, psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs), inpatient services, and crisis/home treatment teams.
Other training opportunities are available in: early intervention in psychosis, GA psychiatry with psychotherapy, and forensic aspects of GA psychiatry. There are also opportunities for endorsements in liaison psychiatry, psychiatry of substance misuse, and rehabilitative psychiatry. These sub-specialties may be located in certain areas within the region.
OA psychiatry
OA psychiatric training runs over three years from ST4-ST6, and is provided across KSS. Trainees will be expected to do at least two years in OA psychiatry and will be expected to work across both the community and inpatient/acute settings. It is expected that trainees will remain within the same Trust in the region for the duration of their three year posting. Placements are available in community, inpatient (including functional and organic wards), and memory services. There are emerging interests in liaison psychiatry and crisis and home treatment.
Dual training in adult and old age psychiatry
Training towards dual accreditation is becoming an increasingly popular choice and is offered to all trainees wishing to pursue a career in old age psychiatry. This is because it offers a range of future career options and also provides for a more balanced and broader training experience. Training runs over four years ST4-ST7. You will be expected to do two years in adult psychiatry and two years in old age psychiatry. You will also be expected to work across both the community and inpatient/acute settings. It is expected that you will remain within the same area in the region for the duration of your four year posting.
Please see the curricula for OA psychiatry and GA psychiatry on the Royal College of Psychiatrist curricula webpage.
Opportunities
Calman days are usually organised by the trainee reps and rotated around the three main areas, providing opportunities for networking, cross fertilisation and shared learning. There is a wide range of possibilities for special interest experience and research within KSS, and these sessions may be undertaken outside the placement of the mental health trust. There are training opportunities to develop management experience, including acting up opportunities, service development, and teaching experience. Trainees from KSS have a good reputation for presenting papers and posters at the Royal College International Congress.
To find out more about opportunities in KSS, please visit the Teaching and Learning webpage.