Step 3: Supporting GFS doctors while they are in the UK

When the GFS doctor starts their placement:

When the GFS doctor begins their placement, it is important that they receive:

• their hospital induction
• a departmental induction (which may be incorporated into the hospital induction, depending on the local set up)
• an initial meeting with their named educational supervisor 

It is also important that the College is informed when the individual starts their placement.

During the placement:

While GFS doctors are completing their placement, we expect them to be afforded the same opportunities as UK trainees (this includes completing on calls and OOH work, once they are deemed competent to do so) and for the commitments presented in the job description to be fulfilled.  

It will also be necessary for assessments to be completed as these form an integral part of the College's Quality Assurance processes. In particular we will require:

• six monthly reports to be completed and returned to the College
• an annual ARCP-like assessment to be completed and returned to the College

At the end of the placement:

At the end of the placement, we would expect a final ARCP-like/6 monthly report to be completed to sum up the GFS doctors time in the UK. We would also expect the Trust to provide an exit interview, using existing processes within the Trust.

College Support:

The College is available to provide support, both to host trusts and GFS doctors, throughout the GFS placement. We provide the following support to GFS doctors:

• the New to the NHS meeting is a free event organised by the College. The event helps newly appointed GFS doctors to understand their role and responsibilities within the NHS. The morning session includes the GMC's Welcome to UK Practice workshop and afternoon sessions include interactive workshops and discussions specific to GFS doctors. We advise that you encourage your GFS doctors to attend this event
• we will run an annual survey for GFS doctors, where it is possible for them to provide anonymous feedback about their placement. We use this as part of our Quality Assurance (QA) mechanisms
• GFS doctors receive the discounted trainee rate to attend College events
• as well as support from College staff, we also have a Leadership Group made up of clinicians who are available to provide support / advice as required. They can be contacted through the Global Partnerships team

The support that we provide to trusts includes:

• we run our biannual Hosts days which allow representatives from host trusts to get together and share best practice
• as well as support from College staff, we also have a Leadership Group made up of clinicians who are available to provide support / advice as required. They can be contacted through the Global Partnerships team