Medical training with the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA)

The PHA works closely with NIMDTA on key issues regarding postgraduate medical and dental training. This includes national and local policy work, workforce planning, and responding to serious concerns raised by NIMDTA visits to Trusts.

In recent years, there have been significant developments in UK medical education and training, following recommendations made in a number of seminal reports. The Shape of Medical Training Report published in 2013 (http://www.shapeoftraining.co.uk/static/documents/content/Shape_of_training_FINAL_Report.pdf_53977887.pdf) sets out a framework for delivering change to medical training and for doing so with minimum disruption to service. It aims to ensure doctors are trained to the highest standards and prepared to meet changing patient needs. The PHA is working with NIMDTA to respond to local needs for medical training and education, and commission services accordingly.

The GMC has provided a regulatory structure for safe, effective medical education, which includes standards for medical trainers, called Recognising and Approving Trainers: The Implementation Plan. The PHA is currently working with NIMDTA to deliver the implementation plan through supporting job planning for trainers.

If serious concerns are raised during or following NIMDTA visits to Trusts, the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and PHA are informed and as appropriate will work with the relevant Trust to ensure service issues are resolved. At times, that may require service development or modernisation, including public consultation where necessary. The HSCB and PHA are not responsible for addressing direct training-related issues.

http://www.shapeoftraining.co.uk/

http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/10264.asp

http://www.nimdta.gov.uk/