The practice has qualified doctors training to be GP’s in surgery, these are known as GP Registrar’s. These doctors are in the surgery working directly with patients for part of their 3 year training program. The doctors already have 2 years post qualification experience before moving on to specialise to become a GP. During the second and third years of their training, the doctors will spend six months of their second year and all of their third year in General Practice.
We would appreciate your help with this teaching. However, this is entirely voluntary and you do not have to see a GP Registrar if you do not wish.
You can also refuse to see particular doctors, such as those of a different sex or those you have met outside the surgery. This in no way affects the care you will receive at the surgery.
If you are prepared to see a GP Registrar, then this leaflet may help to answer some of your questions.
When Might I see a Trainee?
- A Trainee may be sitting in with the doctors or nurses at the practice. The receptionist or the check in screen should warn you about this. If you do not want the trainee to be present, please state to the GP at the start of the consultation.
- The GP registrar will run his/her own clinics while in surgery. At the time of booking the appointment you will be informed of this. You have the choice to refuse to see a GP Registrar the same as any other doctor. Please be assured that the GP Registrar always has the back up of a qualified GP on the day to provide clinical support.
- You may be asked to consent for your consultation to be recorded. This recording will be viewed by the GP and Registrar. With your specific permission, it may also be taken to a teaching session at another practice where a group of four to eight students and a GP tutor will view the recording and give feedback to the student. You may say no to the recording, before or during the consultation. You can also tell us to erase the recording at any time after the consultation.
Can I ask a GP Registrar to explain things to me?
A GP registrar will when first starting to see patients will have longer consultation times. They are learning and may not know all the answers. What they will do is listen to all of your questions and concerns and ask a doctor or nurse to give you fuller answers if required.
How long is a GP Registrar Appointment?
When a GP Registrar first starts seeing patients independently, they will be given 20 minutes for each patient consultation. However, to qualify as a GP, the Registrar must be able to perform a consultation in 10 minutes the same as any qualified GP. During their final year, a timetable will be agreed with the tutor to reduce consultation times down from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.
Can a GP Registrar have access to my notes?
Yes, they are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as any other member of staff working within the surgery. Without access to your clinical history, they are unable to form a full picture of your health and any previous instances or investigations that may have been carried recorded. Previous medical history is an important factor of correctly diagnosing a patient’s symptoms.
A GP Registrar may also see your notes when working with another clinician within the surgery.
Are my views about a GP Registrar useful?
Yes, it is always helpful to have feedback. This can be used to help with their training and consultation techniques.
Trainees learn an enormous amount about working in a GP surgery from the direct contact and interaction they have with patients.
Finally we would like to say thank you, GP Registrar’s are the future of General Practice and your support helps make them both knowledgeable and caring.
