Clinical Radiology Training Programme
Clinical Radiology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty and we provide high quality training within the majority of acute Trusts in Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS). Each of the counties has its own core training scheme (ST1-3), with subspecialty training (ST4-5) taking place in Brighton, London or other centres within KSS depending on subspecialty interests.
There has been a significant expansion of KSS training post numbers in recent years in order to meet future consultant workforce requirements. The School’s future plans include further development of subspecialty training within the region as well as the use of information technology and simulation to enhance the quality of training in KSS.
KSS offers a comprehensive training programme in Clinical Radiology, which aims to provide trainees with the full range of clinical and professional skills they will require as consultants. In conjunction with the Wessex and Thames Valley Schools we have set up the South East Imaging Training Academy which provides comprehensive teaching programmes for ST1, ST2-3 and ST4+ trainee cohorts as well as access to ultrasound simulation training facilities.
The KSS programme in Clinical Radiology is divided into three training schemes based in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Sussex trainees are based within the county throughout their training. The Surrey and Kent schemes currently provide core training (ST1-ST3), with subspecialty training in years 4-5 undertaken either within KSS or in London Teaching Hospitals. Access to London placements is competitive and depends on individual progress and training requirements.
Clinical Radiology is a five year run-through training programme with entry at ST1 level through the national recruitment programme. Core training covers the Royal College of Radiologists’ core curriculum through a series of subspecialty-based modules. ST4 trainees then choose one or two areas of subspecialty interest on which they will focus in their final two years of training.
Interventional Radiology (IR) is now a GMC-recognized subspecialty – trainees choosing this path undertake three years of core radiology training followed by a further three years of dedicated IR training, which can be undertaken in any of the three KSS training schemes.
We also have further information about Nuclear Medicine programme webpage.
All Radiology trainees in KSS benefit from a dedicated educational supervisor throughout their training career. Trainees record their learning and assessments on the Royal College of Radiologists’ e-Portfolio and regular local and regional teaching sessions ensure that they are well prepared for FRCR exams.
Trainees can directly influence the training programme through participation in both Local Faculty Groups and the School Training Committee to ensure continuous feedback on the quality of training.
Curricula
The content and structure of the training programmes is determined by the Royal College of Radiologists and approved by the GMC. The Clinical Radiology training programme comprises a minimum of five years specialist training. The radiology curriculum sets out a framework for the educational progression that will support professional development throughout specialty training in Clinical Radiology.
For information on the current curriculum please see the Royal College of Radiologists website.
In order to obtain a CCT, the Fellow of Clinical Radiology (FRCR) examination must be passed. Information and the dates of the FRCR examinations can be found on the RCR website.
Where do trainees train?
There are three rotations for core training (ST1-ST3) which are based in the three counties:
Kent
– Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– William Harvey Hospital, Ashford – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother Hospital, Margate – East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
– Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
– Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Pembury – Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
– Medway Maritime Hospital, Medway – Medway NHS Foundation Trust
– Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford – Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Surrey
– Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey – Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley – Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
– Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford – Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
– East Surrey Hospital, Redhill – Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Sussex
– Conquest Hospital, St. Leonards-on-Sea – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton – Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
– Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath – Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
– Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead – Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
– Worthing Hospital, Worthing – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester – Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
To find out more about each training location, please visit the Local Education Provider webpage.