North West

Regional Training Information

Trainee representatives: 

Dr Leah Hickson - Wellbeing 

Dr Adam Kelly - STC

Dr Valerie Diei - STC

Dr Gareth Allen - LTFT 

Dr Chelcie Jewitt - EDI

Dr Zeyad Elsamadony - Website lead

Dr Jonny McGahan - Mentoring reps

Taqua Dahab - FICM Elected Deputy Lead IiT & IMG Representative 

The North West LETB (Health Education North West) is formed from the merger of the North West and Mersey Deaneries, and creating the School of ICM, with the Head of School Dr Paul Jeanrenaud.

For the purposes of structure and organisation of the Training Programmes, the two regions remain separate.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 ICM Training

Most of the hospitals in the NW region are recognised for ICM training to this level. Trainees can expect to experience modules in both Teaching and District General Hospitals during their core and intermediate training time. The programme has well-established links with other training committees (ACCS, Anaesthesia, Emergency Medicine and Medical specialties), and the delivery of training in these specialties is tailored to meet individual needs.

Most training modules are of three or six month’s duration.

Specialty ICM Year (ST5)

During the specialty ICU year, cardiac ICM modules are based at the Cardiothoracic ICUs at Wythenshawe Hospital and Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Neuro ICM training is available at both Salford and Preston – these hospitals have mixed neuro and general ICUs. All paediatric ICM training is based at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Special Skills Year

For those training in ICM as a single specialty, most special skills years as described in section V of the CCT in ICM curriculum are available. To date, SSYs undertaken include a Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Respiratory, Cardiac, ECMO, Research, home ventilation, Echo, education and neuro.

Trainees undertaking special skills years spend a maximum of 50% of time in clinical medicine during this year.

Stage 3 Training

Stage 3 training is currently available at Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Central Manchester, Preston, Salford, Stepping Hill, Wythenshawe and Royal Albert and Edward Infirmary in Wigan. Most trainees elect to spend their year in two units, usually dividing their year into one nine month and one three-month posts, or two six-month attachments.

Research

Active research group (NWRAG: https://www.nwrag.org).  

Renowned researchers including Prof Paul Dark, Prof Brendan McGrath, Dr. Anton Krige, Dr. Cliff Shelton, Dr. Tim Felton 

Academic Clinical Fellows (ACF's) to be appointed in core training

NW Tutorial Programmes and Other Educational Opportunities

The NW ICM training programme has been established for more than 10 years, and has always been popular with trainees. There are established tutorial programmes for both FFICM preparation and for senior trainee’s post-FFICM training, along with regular examination preparation days. A high pass rate is achieved in the Final FFICM.

SAVEd anaesthesia and ICM : https://mmacc.uk/saved-anaesthesia-icm-tutorials

A virtual education project set up by anaesthesia and ICM trainees in the region including tutorial videos and presentations

FFICM SOE/OSCE Practice 3 days per year

New simulation days for FFICM exam preparation. 4 times a year. 

Additional educational opportunities are available with the training committee’s close links with ‘ANWICU’ (The Association of Northwestern Intensive Care Units), which holds quarterly meetings for ICM consultants and trainees.

Further information can be found Manchester and Mersey Anaesthesia and Critical Care website: https://mmacc.uk/

Mentoring Scheme for all regional trainees

Quality Panels: Annual meeting with trainees to present and discuss feedback from all hospitals and modules on the programme.