Information for Stage 3 Trainees
STAGE 3 training
Stage 3 training is the term used to apply to ST6 and ST7 of training. This will consist of achievement of expected outcomes in the domains of training as well as the opportunity to undertake modules in special interest areas ‘SIA’. The curriculum for the domains in the stage 3 syllabus can be found here:
https://rcoa.ac.uk/documents/2021-curriculum-learning-syllabus-stage-3/introduction
Special Interest Areas
For those people approaching and thinking about SIAs, here is some information about what is available in the different hospitals. Please click here.
The Thames Valley programme intends to give individuals 6 months Stage 3 in a DGH and then 18 months in OUH. Many of the SIAs and key capabilities lend themselves to at least some time in a DGH and so completion will not be compromised. It is also possible to start populating an SIA in a DGH and continue it at OUH where it can be considered for final sign off (hybrid approach). The College intend flexibility for SIAs, and this is what we are aiming to offer. There are Oxdat days and separate ‘Pre Stage 3’ days to give you more information.
Please click on the individual hospital name to see in more detail what SIAs are being offered.
Oxford University Hospitals: For the application form you will receive from OUH, click here, and the invite letter you will receive from OUH, click here.
Buckinghamshire Hospitals
Milton Keynes Hospital
Great Western Hospital
Are you approaching CCT?
This is the latest guidance from the College as you approach the end to smooth out the paperwork. Ensure you have:
1. Stage 3 certificate with all 14 HALOs signed off. For further information, please see Timing of Stage 3 certificate signoff below
2. 12 months WTE of training time in Special Interest Areas (SIAs) recorded accurately. Please ensure you record the SIAs and the time spent in each SIA in the last section on the Stage 3 certificate
3. ARCP outcome forms (from CT1 onwards). Please contact your School or Deanery administration team in the first instance for any missing forms
4. For doctors on dual anaesthetics and ICM CCT programmes, please ensure you complete the Faculty of Intensive Medicine (FICM) CCT notification form and submit it to the FICM team.
Timing of Stage 3 sign off
The Stage 3 certificate can be signed off at any point before the CCT date, this will not affect the CCT recommendation processes initiated by the College. Key things to note:
The certificate should only be signed off once all 14 HALOs have been approved. This can be done three months in advance or close to the completion date, depending on the school’s preference.
The certificate should be post-dated to match the CCT date. Enter the CCT date in the “Choose date” field. If there is any confusion about the date, please contact the Training team for clarification.
Period of grace
The Period of Grace (PoG) enables doctors who have completed training and not yet obtained a Consultant post to continue in the Specialty Registrar grade contract for a time limited period whilst they find employment. The standard Period of Grace is up to six calendar months following the date the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) is issued. The doctor is no longer considered to be in training, but in post for the purposes of service.
Access to PoG is not automatic and must be requested with a minimum of six months notice by submitting an application to the Education Programme Manager, and it is strongly advised to liaise with the TPD as any available salary lines for the PoG may not be in the same hospital.
If the PoG Request form is not submitted by the required deadline the Training Programme Director will not arrange a Period of Grace for the trainee. The trainees National Training Number (NTN) will be relinquished at point of sign off for CCT. HR will usually take the CCT date as end of contract of employment, unless told otherwise.