Before the Trainee arrives

Three Months before the trainee joins the practice:

The PDs regularly circulate spreadsheets showing trainee allocations to practices across ST1, 2 and 3. You will usually know who is coming to you well in advance. However, due to maternities, sickness, exam failure and intra and inter-deanery transfers changes are sometimes necessary.  Except in exceptional circumstances, you should receive the name and contact details of your new trainee at least 3 months before they start with you.

You or your practice manager should contact your new trainee and, ideally, arrange to meet them.  Your practice does not employ the trainee but it may be prudent to check the following

  • GMC – licensure. Check certificate, check online www.gmc-uk.org
  • Medical Indemnity – this is usually provided by the GP school but you may want to check the trainee has accepted this
  • DBS check – this is arranged by the single lead employer
  • Driving licence – check (Must hold valid driving licence & have use of a car)
  • Residency/ passport
  • Occupational health report/access to work requirements – it is the responsibility of the trainee to share these with you
  • You should also arrange in advance any admin that may be necessary to work in your practice eg.
  • ID cards
  • SMART cards
  • NHS email address
  • Keys/door codes/ Alarm codes
  • Access to webpath
  • Set up trainee email in-house to receive copies of relevant clinical emails
  • Passwords – Windows, GP gateway, Docman, EMIS or other, C&B
  • Name plate

In terms of ensuring the practice itself is ready to receive them, in addition to discussion with staff to manage expectations, remember to check you have:

  • A notice and/or booklet in reception/ the waiting room to inform patients that you have a trainee + information on your website
  • A fully equipped room ready for the trainee
  • A fully equipped doctor’s bag for the trainee
  • A video camera/dedicated tablet and facilites for playback (for consultation analysis)

You will also need to:

  • prepare an induction timetable for them examples may be found here and send this to your trainee

6 weeks before the Trainee Arrives at the Practice

Send the trainee a pack containing:

  • Their workplan. This will need to be adjusted for ST1/2/3.
  • Practice/ staff handbook
  • Any other materials routinely provided to new staff

Who to go to for Help