New to Practice Fellowship Programmes
The Training Hub runs programmes for new to practice GPs and nurses, helping them transition into primary care roles. We are also exploring ways to better support other staff starting their careers in general practice, in collaboration with system partners.
Newly Qualified GP Fellowship Programme
Programme Overview
Somerset has been running a New to Practice GP Fellowship Programme since 2021, with over 100 Fellows having participated. Following the cessation of NSHE Fellowship funding for new applicants in March 2024, we have introduced a new one-year fellowship. This offers mentoring from both local experienced GPs external to the fellows practice. Fellows can also apply for up to £3,000 for external courses. We also provide regular lunch time education, workshops and a newsletter for signposting of events. Somerset also offers the First Five programme via SGPET, which provides a combination of on-line and face-to-face opportunties for peer networking and support. For more information please see the Flyer, FAQ on mentoring and application form please contact somersetlmc.sth.office@nhs.net
Eligibility
Available to ALL GPs within their first 12 months post CCT, who are in or intend to take on an NHS substantive post (salaried/partnership) in Somerset. It is extended by 18 months to those who are/ have been on parental /sick leave. It is also available for International Medical Graduates in their first year of working in the UK.
This programme is open to applications from October 2024 to March 2025.
Support and Networking
Being a GP can sometimes feel solitary. This fellowship offers opportunities to have support, networking, learning and development.
Mentorship
Each fellow with be matched with a mentor from our Somerset’s Mentoring Programme. They will be external to your practice and will provide support, direction and an objective view on how each GP can develop and progress. These meetings will occur monthly (in total of 10 one- hour sessions) over the year and your time to attend will be reimbursed. Mentoring has been the most valued part of the previous programme and so this remains at the heart of this programme.
Peer-to Peer support
Somerset’s First Five; SGPET: (somersetgpeducationtrust.co.uk). This is a local group which meets monthly to support GPs in their first five years.
Monthly online lunch time meetings; with speakers via Teams -13:00-13:30, held on the first Tuesday of each month, facilitated by Dr Catherine Ievers. We encourage all to join this and it is short so that you can attend even if you are at work.
Networking and signposting; Our Lead, Dr Catherine Ievers is able to meet with you all individually. This is an opportunity to be able to network and offer signposting based on your particular interests.
Learning and development
Signposting and News- We have a monthly Fellow’s Newsletter which shares events and local opportunities.
CPD grant for courses: A grant of £3000 is available for medical courses upon application. Examples include a partnership courses, minor surgery/ dermatology training, permission to thrive course, NB/ Red Whale.
Local education. This is available through Somerset GP Education Trust (SGPET). The Primary Care Academy (PCA), a Health Education England initiative, also provides education all GP Fellows across the South West and upcoming events are shared in the Fellow’s Newsletter.
Contact details
For any questions relating to the course please contact Dr Catherine Ievers – catherine.ievers1@nhs.net.
New to Practice Nurse Fellowship Programme
Somerset Training Hub is offering a new local GPN Fellowship Scheme focusing on the education and mentoring offered in the previous scheme and has been extended to include newly qualified Nursing Associates (NA’s).
This has several benefits to support GP nurses and NA’s at the start of their career in general practice. The programme encourages working within and across Primary Care Networks leading to opportunities for integrated working and varied portfolio work experience.
The programme offers support with PCN portfolio working and learning and development post-registration, supporting nurses to take up substantive roles, understand the context they are working in and become embedded in the PCN, as well as increase and maintain high levels of participation in the primary care workforce.
Participants will receive funded mentorship (6 x 1-hour sessions with a Legacy Nurse) and monthly 1-hour virtual meetings covering topics relevant to transitioning into general practice.