The RCGP/PMETB Requirements
Detailed guidance from the deanery can be found here (OOH Guidance pdf).

All GPStRs are required to demonstrate that they are, by the end of their training, competent to practice independently in all areas of General Practice including in an out of hours (OOH) situation.
Without such demonstration they will not be eligible for a certificate of completion of training (CCT) from the PMETB.

“Out of Hours” is defined as emergency and unscheduled work undertaken between 18:30 and 08:00 hours Monday to Friday, and all day and night on weekends and bank holidays.

“Extended Hours” sessions offered by practices are for routine pre-booked appointments and therefore DO NOT count as part of a GPSTR’s Out Of Hours Training (GPSTRs may wish to attend an extended hours session or two during their training to experience the differing case mix seen in a late night/early morning/Saturday surgery but this does not qualify as part of OOH Training)

Hours Requirements
A GPStR will be expected to complete a minimum of six hours of supervised OOH work per full time calendar month of GP (Primary Care) training. The six hour requirement will apply to innovative training posts (ITPs) where the primary care component of training may be less than full time. The sessions do not have to be completed on a month by month basis – for example a GPStR commencing their first post in general practice may not be expected to do six hours OOH training in the first month; however the Deanery strongly recommends that GPStRs complete their hours requirement by the end of each GP post.

Supervision
GPSTRs will be supervised for each OOH shift by a GP who has been approved by the deanery as an approved Clinical Supervisor for GPSTR OOH Supervision.

The level of supervision for each session should have been decided by the GP trainer using the traffic light system and completing the Out of Hours Certification document.

The Out of Hours Certification Document should be completed before each session.
Clinical Supervisors may wish to provide closer supervision to trainees whom they have not worked with in the past, to ensure appropriate levels of support and training.

Protected time is available at the end of each OOH session for debrief and completion of the GPSTR’s “Record of OOH Training” form.

Documentation
GPSTRs are expected to complete a "record of OOH Training" form for each session The form can be downloaded here (Record of OOH session pdf) GPStRs are responsible for recording each of their OOH sessions in their e-portfolio. The entry should be tagged against at least one curriculum statement heading, and in the case of an OOH session this would usually be statement 7.

Location of Sessions
Sessions are with Derbyshire Health United (DHU) and usually based at Scarsdale in Chesterfield (although many sessions will involve home visits to a variety of locations in North Derbyshire)

GPSTRs working in one of the High Peak Practices may wish to do some of their sessions at the DHU Buxton Base for an experience of a slightly more rural environment in the OOH period.

Getting Set up on the DHU System
During the first week or two of your ST1 GP placement you will receive an email detailing the arrangements for your induction at DHU which is arranged for you. It takes place on an evening at Scarsdale and once you have completed this session you are ready to start booking sessions.

DHU have developed this guidance (Guide to DHU website)

Detailed guidance from Derbyshire Health United can be found here

Arranging your OOH Sessions
When you log on to Rotamaster you will see all available OOH sessions for a GPSTR with the name of the clinical supervisor for that shift.

If your trainer works for DHU please try to arrange as many of your sessions as possible with them or with another doctor from your training practice who is a Clinical Supervisor.

Select the sessions you wish to attend and click 'submit' .

You will be sent a confirmation email.

Try to ensure you book a mixture of PCC (base doctor) and RV (Response Vehicle) sessions to ensure you have experience in both areas of OOH consulting.

Some OOH supervisors will wish to contact you prior to the session to set some learning objectives. They will do this by email or telephone as when they receive confirmation you will be joining them for a session, they are sent your contact details. Please reply promptly to any emails you may receive from them – clinical supervisors are likely to contact you for your educational benefit and are all volunteers who give their time and support to aid your training.

Your First Session at DHU
Please arrive promptly ideally at least 5 minutes before the start of your session If you are unavoidably detained please telephone the DHU Chesterfield Call Centre on 01246 550818 to explain.

It is likely you will spend your first session observing the Call Centre Staff, Nurse Advisors and Clinicians as well as starting to get some practice using Adastra.

Make sure you have brought a “Record of OOH activity” form with you.

Subsequent Sessions
Please arrive promptly ideally at least 5 minutes before the start of your session If you are unavoidably detained please telephone the DHU Chesterfield Call Centre on 01246 550818 to explain.

Make sure you have brought a “Record of OOH activity” form with you.

Try to ensure you book a mixture of PCC (base doctor) and RV (Response Vehicle) sessions to ensure you have experience in both areas of OOH consulting.
 

Page last updated : 23 August, 2011