The two intermediate years will be spent in the Teaching Hospitals; Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Frenchay Hospital, following a modular training programme to cover all sub-specialties of anaesthesia including the three month blocks of intensive care required for Intermediate ICM training as defined by the ICTB. It is possible that specialist trainees will not have completed all modules before sitting the Final FRCA. This is recognised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and reflected in the expectations of the Examiners. Study days to specialist units can be arranged before the exam.
Year five is usually undertaken in a DGH. During this time trainees further develop their clinical skills and will take on additional clinical responsibilities and supervision of more junior colleagues. In year six and seven further experience will be offered in anaesthetic sub-specialities. The organisation of modules is dependent on the trainees’ requirements and future career plans in anaesthesia, intensive care and pain management. In addition further experience will be offered in teaching, audit, research and management. Advanced training modules exist in many specialist areas; if oversubscribed they are allocated competitively within the School. Advanced training in Intensive Care Medicine for one year is possible after successful open competitive interview to satisfy the Intercollegiate Board. These posts are advertised nationally and appointed annually.
In general the programme is more flexible for the more senior trainees to allow them to target their training towards their career aspirations. Off Rotation Training (ORT) to undertake further specialty training locally, nationally or abroad is supported at this stage, usually in year six. The final 6 months of training must be undertaken in the UK.