Eastfield Medical Practice is involved in the training and development of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
This means that, from time to time, you may be offered an appointment with a doctor in training, or a medical student may be present during your consultation. Training is an important part of maintaining high standards in general practice and supporting the future NHS workforce.
Who you may meet
You may meet different types of healthcare professionals in training at the practice.
This may include:
- GP specialty trainees — fully qualified doctors who are training to become GPs
- Foundation doctors — qualified doctors gaining experience in general practice
- Medical students — students training to become doctors
- Other healthcare students or professionals — where appropriate
Trainee doctors are qualified doctors. They work as part of the practice team and are supervised by experienced GPs.
Supervision
All trainees and students are supervised by experienced clinicians.
At Eastfield Medical Practice, training is overseen by the practice’s GP trainers and educational supervisors. They support trainees, review their work, and make sure patients continue to receive safe and appropriate care.
A trainee may discuss your care with their supervising GP where this is needed.
Medical students in consultations
Sometimes a medical student may sit in during a consultation or speak with you as part of their learning.
You will be told if a student is involved.
You can say no if you do not want a student to be present. This will not affect your care in any way.
Consent
Your consent is important.
You can choose whether or not to:
- see a trainee doctor
- have a student present during your consultation
- allow a trainee or student to ask you questions
- allow a consultation to be observed
- allow a consultation to be recorded for training purposes
If you do not want a trainee, student, observer or recording involved in your care, please tell a member of the practice team.
Your decision will be respected and will not affect the care you receive.
Video or audio recording
Occasionally, a consultation may be recorded for training, assessment or educational purposes.
This will only happen with your explicit consent.
Before any recording is made, you will be told:
- why the recording is needed
- who will see or hear it
- how it will be used
- how it will be stored
- when it will be deleted
- how you can withdraw your consent
No recording will be made without your agreement.
If you do not wish to be recorded, please say so. This will not affect your care.
Confidentiality
Trainees, students and supervisors must follow the same confidentiality rules as all other members of the practice team.
Information discussed during consultations is treated confidentially and handled in line with NHS confidentiality and data protection requirements.
Why training matters
Training helps new doctors and healthcare professionals develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to provide safe and effective care.
Patients play an important role in this learning. By allowing trainees or students to be involved in your care, you help support the development of future NHS clinicians.
However, involvement in training is always your choice.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions about training at the practice, or if you do not want a trainee or student involved in your care, please tell reception or speak to the clinician during your appointment.
If you have a concern about your care, please contact the practice so we can help.