The Wessex & Oxford (Thames Valley) regions amalgamated in 2009 to form the South Central region but, for deanery purposes, the division has been maintained. Wessex forms the southern part of the region. It has ten NTNs, based in a relatively small geographical area covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
You'll find that all the hospitals are within easy commuting distance. Together, they provide you with a broad exposure to all branches of urology and will guarantee you a comprehensive training.
Email Gemma Scrimgeour (BSoT rep)
Training Units
| UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL |
- Southampton General Hospital (use the link below to email the TPD, Mr Richard Lockyer)
|
| LARGE DISTRICT TEACING HOSPITALS |
- Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
- Royal Bournemouth Hospital
|
| SMALL DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITALS |
- Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester
- Salisbury District Hospital
- St Richard's Hospital, Chichester
Email the TPD, Mr Richard Lockyer (Southampton General Hospital)
|
Training Programme
You'll have the option to take up posts at the five hospitals above, providing a comprehensive training in general, elective and emergency urology as well as sub-specialist urological training in:
- prostate cancer (including robotic/laparoscopic prostatectomy & brachytherapy;
- renal cancer (minimally invasive surgery, cryotherapy, radio-frequency ablation (RFA) & major resections with vascular involvement);
- testis cancer and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND);
- complex female urology / urogynaecology;
- complex stone surgery;
- spinal injuries and neurourology with reconstruction (at two hospital sites); and
- major urological trauma.
As an ST3, you usually start in a smaller district general (Salisbury, Winchester or Chichester) to gain core experience. Following this, on an annual basis, trainees can request which hospitals they go to; this is usually accommodated, providing the trainees requirements are met.
It is possible to spend two years at any of the three larger hospitals, either consecutively or separately, and you'll be able to work in centres which provide a dedicated andrology service.
You'll also have the opportunity to take up a 6-month paediatric urology attachment in Southampton, although you'll get exposure to paediatric urology at some of the district general hospitals.
Teaching Programme
Training days are held each month, and are organised by the Consultants and senior trainees.
Wessex has a reputation for achieving good operative numbers in your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and, as a small deanery, all the trainees are well-known across the region. Two Consultants have recently served as examiners for FRCS Urol.
Research & Audit
Each department has regular local meetings to discuss and present audits. There are plenty of opportunities to complete audit cycles and clinical projects in each hospital; every Wessex trainee is expected to present at the BAUS South Central regional meeting each year.
There are ample opportunities for involvement in academic research, with the main research centre being at the University of Southampton Hospitals Trust.
The Bottom Line
The region itself contains the New Forest National Park, the beaches of Poole and Bournemouth, the city of Winchester with its historic cathedral, and the Isle of Wight.
The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm & Sark) are also served by the deanery. Although they are nearer France than England, they lie within easy reach of Wessex by ferry or air. Their unique combination of English and French culture makes the islands a popular tourist destination.
You'll find the area is good for raising your family because of the close proximity of the hospitals; good transport links mean that most trainees do not need to move house during their training.
It is worth noting that the Wessex deanery is held in high regard because of its long-established support for "less than full time (LTFT)" training.
Contacts & admin info for Wessex (South Central)
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