Health chiefs impressed by junior doctors
JUNIOR doctors are impressing health chiefs in South Tyneside – despite new research suggesting medical graduates are poorly prepared for life on hospital wards.
Bosses at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust have leapt to the defence of trainees after a recent survey in the East Midlands.
More than 120 consultants and specialist registrars were asked for
their views on how new doctors performed across a range of skills, including communication, prescribing and practical experience.
In eight of 11 topic areas, the study found that junior doctors were regarded as "not prepared for starting work, especially in regard to clinical and practical skills, and the more challenging communication skills."
South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust has just welcomed 24 new recruits to its foundation programme for junior doctors.
Supervision
A spokesman said: "We would say the situation here is similar to elsewhere.
"We are aware of the need for close supervision, support and training in the early stages of a career. We believe we fully provide that.
"We would, of course, be happy to implement any actions that improve performance of doctors and the experience of patients.
"However, we are generally satisfied with the quality of medical trainees entering the foundation programme in South Tyneside."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "Our priority is to continue to ensure that patients experience high quality, safe and effective care in the NHS.
"Since this study over two years ago, supervision of junior doctors by senior clinicians is more established in practice and new trainees are no longer expected to make decisions independently."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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