Doctors in difficulty
We provide help and support for doctors experiencing problems and direction for all staff responsible for trainees whose performance or conduct is giving cause for concern
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) through the four Scottish Postgraduate Deaneries manage the progress of approximately 5500 medical trainees through postgraduate medical training. Not all trainees will progress as expected. Some will require extra time and/or training to ensure that they meet the requirements of their chosen specialty curriculum. Within each Deanery there are senior staff and structures in place to ensure trainees receive, where possible the support they require.
National Advisory Group
In addition to the support provided at Deanery level, NES now has in place a National Advisory Group.
The National Advisory Group has representation from each Deanery, General Practice, Occupational Health, NHS Service and a Lay Member. They report to the NES Medical Directorate Executive Team (MDET) and have responsibility for;
- ensuring that the National Policy and Operational Guide for Managing Doctors in Difficulty are updated and reflect current best practice,
- monitoring the number of trainees across Scotland who have difficulties requiring additional Deanery support,
- providing access to a range of remediation options
- providing advice on process as requested by Deaneries
- producing an annual report for MDET
Membership of the National Advisory Group
- Dr Rhiannon Pugh - Chair APD - Performance South East Deanery
- Mrs Fiona Anderson Training & Education Development Manager East Deanery
- Dr Gordon McLeay Deputy Director of GP Training General Practice Training
- Dr Fiona Drimmie APD Doctors in Difficulty East Deanery
- Mr John Hiscox APD Doctors in Difficulty North Deanery
- Prof Brian Williams APD Doctors in Difficulty West Deanery
- Dr Jean Reid APD Doctors in Difficulty West Deanery
- Dr Alan Connacher Associate Director of Medical Education NHS Tayside
- Dr Elizabeth Murphy Occupational Health Service Grampian
- Mrs Cath Maidment Lay Member
- Dr Duncan Henderson Chair of the Foundation Board
