Training practice
We train the next generation of GPs and medical students. Here's what that means for you, and how to opt out if you'd rather not be involved.
What is a training practice?
An approved training practice is a GP surgery that hosts doctors-in-training during the foundation and speciality phases of their NHS career. Kiltearn has been an approved training practice for many years. We host F1 and F2 foundation doctors, GP Speciality Trainees (ST Doctors), and medical students. The work is co-ordinated with NHS England's Workforce, Training and Education team in the North West, which sets the curriculum and standards.
Training the next generation of GPs is something we take pride in. Trainees bring fresh thinking, up-to-date clinical knowledge from their recent hospital placements, and an enthusiasm that benefits the whole team. The arrangement is also the only way the NHS can keep producing new GPs, and we feel a strong duty to contribute.
Several of our GP Partners hold formal teaching and mentoring roles in addition to their clinical work. One of our Partners is the Education Lead, and others act as coach mentors, career-conversation facilitators, and GP appraisers across the wider NHS.
Who is a GP registrar?
A GP registrar (sometimes called a GP trainee or Speciality Trainee) is a fully qualified doctor who is completing the final stage of training to become a GP. They've already done five or six years at medical school plus two foundation years working in hospitals. They've passed all their hospital exams and they hold full GMC registration.
Speciality training in general practice takes three years. At least 24 months of that is spent working in a GP surgery like ours, seeing patients independently under the supervision of an experienced GP trainer.
You can book an appointment with a registrar the same way you book any other appointment. Their clinics, prescribing and referrals all carry the same weight as those of any other doctor at the practice.
F1 and F2 foundation doctors
Foundation doctors are in the first two years of their NHS career after medical school. F1 (Foundation Year 1) doctors hold provisional GMC registration; F2 doctors hold full registration. Each foundation year is split into three four-month placements across different specialities.
Some F2 doctors choose general practice as one of their placements. When they're with us, they consult patients independently under close supervision from a GP Partner. They can prescribe and refer in the same way as any other doctor, with their work reviewed by their supervising GP.
Will my consultation be recorded?
Part of the assessment process for trainees is video-recording a small number of consultations for review with their GP trainer. This is a standard part of GP training across the UK and the recordings are used only for educational and assessment purposes.
We always ask for your written consent before any recording. You can:
- Say no to recording, and have the camera switched off for your consultation.
- Say yes at the start and change your mind partway through. Just let the doctor know.
- Ask for any recording to be deleted after the consultation.
Refusing to be recorded never affects the care you receive. There is no need to give a reason.
Recordings are stored securely on encrypted NHS systems and are deleted once the trainee's assessment is complete. They are never shared on the internet or with anyone outside the training programme.
Medical students
We also host medical students from local universities at various points through the year. Students may sit in on a consultation, take a history under supervision, or carry out a simple examination as part of their training.
If a student is present, reception will let you know when you book in and ask whether you're happy for the student to be there. You can decline at any time and your appointment will go ahead with just the doctor present. As with recordings, refusing has no impact on the care you receive.
You can always opt out
Whether it's a video recording, a student in the room, or a registrar consultation, you can decline any of it without explanation and without affecting your care. Just let reception know when you book in, or tell the doctor at the start of the consultation.
Our current training team
Our GP trainers are experienced senior partners with formal training in postgraduate medical education. The named lead trainer rotates between our partners; reception can tell you who is currently leading on training if you have questions.
The number of registrars we host varies through the year - typically one or two at any given time, joining us for placements of six to twelve months.
More about GP training
NHS England Workforce, Training and Education
The team that runs GP speciality training across England, including the North West region that covers Cheshire and Merseyside. Formerly Health Education England, absorbed into NHS England in 2023.
Royal College of GPs training overview
Plain-English overview of what a GP trainee is, written by the professional body that sets the training standards.
Become a patient educator
Some patients with long-term conditions volunteer to help train new GPs by sharing their experience. Speak to reception if you'd like to know more.
Questions about training at Kiltearn?
Reception can answer practical questions about who's training with us currently, or pass a query to one of the GP trainers.