About
The HEE KSS training programme in ENT surgery is a six year programme and is led by Lisa Pitkin, Training Programme Director. To find out more about her role visit the Meet the Team webpage.
Otolaryngology is the specialty that works with the diagnosis, evaluation and management of diseases of the ears, nose and throat. This includes all aspects of cancer of the head and neck region. It involves treating patients of all ages and as a specialty otolaryngology is responsible for surgical management of more paediatric patients than any other single surgical discipline.
The minimum objective of the ENT surgery training programme is to produce specialist surgeons who are emergency safe and can manage the common conditions set out in the syllabus, from start to finish. At successful completion of training, CCT holders will also possess a depth and breadth of knowledge that permits accurate diagnosis and assessment of a wide range of conditions and onwards referral as appropriate.
Where do trainees train?
Whilst we do not have fixed rotations within KSS – because trainees may be placed in geographically diverse training units if their personal training needs are best served there – we do try and keep trainees either on the east or west of the rotation for the majority of their training, and personal circumstances are taken into account when planning the annual rotation. Most trainees do spend one or two years in Brighton, and currently also one year in London.
KSS offers training in all aspects of the specialty, other than tertiary Paediatric Otolaryngology. Currently this training is provided in London – an arrangement we hope will continue. Trainees experience busy ENT units and have excellent opportunities to gain good surgical and outpatient experience.
The east and west training locations within KSS are:
Kent
– William Harvey Hospital, Ashford – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother Hospital, Margate – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Medway Maritime Hospital, Medway – Medway NHS Foundation Trust
– Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford – Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Surrey
– Ashford Hospital, Surrey – Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey – Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley – Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (Military Personnel)
– Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford – Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
– East Surrey Hospital, Redhill – Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS 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
– Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead – Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Regional Plastic Surgery Unit)
– 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.
Curriculum
The ENT curriculum provides a comprehensive outline of requirements covering all competencies. The curriculum is integral to the ePortfolio and all the assessment requirements are mapped against it. All competencies must be supported by evidence. Each competency must be signed off by educational supervisors (and likely to be clinical supervisor with new ePortfolio) and must be supported with all evidence of trainees’ learning. This will ensure trainees’ ePortfolio are packed with evidence and reflect trainees clinical and other activities.
It is essential that otolaryngology trainees and trainers understand this curriculum as their whole programme is based on it.
Teaching and Learning
Our simulation programme, led by the Brighton ENT consultants, is one of the best in the country. We have good research opportunities in a number of the training units, and support trainees undertaking higher degrees wherever possible.
The Training Programme Director communicates regularly with trainees, and there is a trainee representative on the Specialty Training Committee. Regular attendance at the regional training days is expected and the trainees give good feedback regarding these, which are organised jointly with the London rotations.