Modernising Medical Careers: the Mersey Way

Background: The paper ‘Modernising Medical Careers’ (DoH, 2 0 0 3 ) r e c o m m e n d s t h a t a F o u n d a t i o n P r o g r a m m e i n postgraduate medical training be implemented throughout the NHS by August 2005. Summary of work: In response to the outlined recommendations Mersey Deanery proposed a holistic approach incorporating all Trusts within Mersey Deanery boundaries in a pan-Deanery programme to commence August 2004. This unique initiative relies heavily on the collaboration between the Mersey Deanery, the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority, and NHS Trusts. Introduction of these reforms has wide ranging implications for all training posts within medicine exacerbated further by the implementation of the European Working Time Directive (August 2004). In order to deliver this innovative pilot programme within an extremely tight timeframe three working groups were established: (1) to define the curriculum; (2) to liaise with NHS Trusts; (3) to support cross-Deanery specialities. The evolving nature of this prototype programme requires that all parties are kept fully informed. Open meetings and Mersey Deanery’s website b u l l e t i n b o a r d o ff e r c o n s t a n t l y u p d a t e d i n f o r m a t i o n o n forthcoming changes in training. Currently 170 Foundation posts have been established across the Deanery. The guiding principle of this pilot is that medical education and service provision are at the forefront of patient care in the modern NHS.