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The Anaesthetic department in Derriford hospital is the largest department in the south west peninsula offering training in all major specialties including anaesthesia for neurosurgery, cardiothoracics, paediatric surgery, renal transplant, hepatobiliary, vascular, plastics and major maxilla facial, orthopaedic and general surgery.

At any one time we have between 38 and 48 trainees including military trainees from the tri-forces. All trainees in the south west will spend at least 2 years of their Intermediate and Advanced training in Derriford hospital. We offer fellowships in Pain Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine, Regional Anaesthesia, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Quality Improvement. Reassuringly, recent surveys carried out by the GMC and local deanery, have shown we provide our trainees with an excellent standard of clinical experience and educational support they require to succeed.

In addition to offering clinical experience in anaesthesia, trainees are able to make the most of non-clinical opportunities. We have an active research department contributing to major national and international trials. Trainees are able to join the South West Anaesthetic Research Matrix (SWARM) to involve themselves in trainee led research. Our simulation suite offers excellent training. Derriford, in association with the Plymouth Peninsula Medical School, leads the way in human factors training and research where we are able to look at how individuals and teams work together. With close connections to Plymouth Medical School, trainees have the opportunities to teach medical students, both in theatre and in the classroom.

In summary, Anaesthetic Trainees in Derriford can be assured of excellent training with many further opportunities to help them stand out from the crowd.