Where rheumatology services are delivered: Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, West Suffolk Hospital, Ipswich Hospital, Colchester General Hospital, Broomfield Hospital, Southend University Hospital, Basildon University Hospital, Hemel Hempstead Hospital, Watford General Hospital, Lister Hospital, Hertford County Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Luton, Dunstable University Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Bedford Hospital.
Where specialist training takes place: On appointment, a rotation is constructed for the trainee, where possible. Training is typically completed with two or four moves over the training period. This is usually completed in combination with general medicine (dual accreditation). The five-year rotation is normally split with three years training in both rheumatology and GIM, and two years in pure rheumatology. At least 12 months is in a tertiary centre (either Addenbrooke’s or Norfolk and Norwich). There are currently 20 posts for trainees across the region.
Description of the regional group activities: Two committees deal with training – the Acute Medicine (ACCS) and the EM regional training committees. They meet 2-3 times a year and are attended by the CTs and TPDs. The trainee representatives may discuss issues at the regional training days or regional trainees forum. A regular ultrasound training for rheumatology trainees runs 3-4 times per year with the support of many scanning consultants across the region.
East Anglia Rheumatology Society (EARS) meetings are hosted by a different hospital quarterly. These include a parallel allied health professional (AHP) educational programme alongside the doctor sessions. These meetings enable our regional representatives to promote BSR and AHP rheumatology activity across the region. Additional study days are planned and attendance encouraged for AHPs in the region, helping health professionals meet revalidation requirements and providing opportunities to network and share practices.