The Half-day Release Programme

This takes place on Wednesday afternoons.  There is a rolling 18^th month programme in 3 six month semesters.

To encourage a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn and share experiences, we have many of our meetings at a pleasant country hotel outside Bury St. Edmunds.

Those registrars who are in their first six months or last twelve months in general practice will attend this group each week.

Those working in SHO posts in hospital will be in one of two groups who will join the GP registrar group about once a month, having taken a day of study leave from the hospital.  The morning of that day will be spent in the general practice to which the SHO will be going in their last twelve months.

The programme is designed to give the participants a groundwork in basic skills for general practice, as well as understanding the business and political aspects of the GP environment. 

A lot of emphasis is given to developing skills for effective consulting as this has been shown to produce happier, safer doctors with more satisfied patients.

Sessions on clinical topics are designed to be as interactive as possible.

Registrars are encouraged to feed back evaluation of the sessions to ensure the programme develops and continues to meet their educational needs.

Registrars are encouraged to be self-directed learners and to keep a Personal Learning Plan.  Folders for this are provided.