The half-day release course takes place on a Thursday. The morning session from 9.30am -12.30am is for ST3 trainees and ST2 trainees in General Practice and currently takes place at Macclesfield Rugby Club. The afternoon session from 1.30pm – 3.30pm is for ST1 trainees and ST2 trainees in hospital posts and is at Macclesfield Cricket Club which is adjacent to Macclesfield Hospital.

The course aims to be fun and enable you to establish friendships and get support from your peers. The course is based on adult learning principles; it is intended to draw on your own experiences and allow plenty of time for reflection. It should evolve from your own needs at the appropriate time and therefore be relevant.

If you have a concern or worry who should you turn to for help? There are a range of people who can provide assistance. In the first instance you can speak to your trainer if you are GP based or if hospital based then speak to your clinical supervisor. GP trainees are supported by a dedicated HR team, this service is provided by the lead employer.

Should you have a conflict of interest or difficulty with them then the next option is your educational supervisor.

The lead employers can help you by providing advice on contractual or leave queries, sickness, maternity or paternity leave, as well as dealing with disciplinary and grievance procedures. If you need assistance from occupational health they can also arrange this.

Click on the link below to view the websites:

St Helens & Knowsley Website

Practitioner Health – a free service from the NHS for doctors with mental health or addiction problem

NHS England » Looking after you

• Royal College of GP’s Website
• BMA – Career support
• Doctors Support Network
• Guide to the ePortfolio
• GP National Recruitment Office
• GP Notebook
• NHS Evidence
• Study leave guide