As usual, the BGS Scientific Meeting in Harrogate hosted a trainees meeting at which new officers were elected and a number of policy issues affecting SpRs was discussed.

Our thanks go to Sally Briggs (past Chairman), Jessica Beavan (past England/CPEC rep), Emily Feilding (past England rep) and Andy Evan (past Finance rep) who demitted from office. Modesty forbids me (past Policy rep) from adding my own name to the list!

Our new Committee is comprised of a couple of masochists who re-stood for election, namely Phyo Myint (now Chairman) and David Hargroves (Education and Training Cme), together with some new faces at the table, although well known among the trainees community, Miles Witham (Vice Chair and Academic & Research), Shakil Ahmed (Policy), Simon Conroy (England Council and CPEC), Sarah McCracken (England Council) and Ed Jones (Finance).

Regional Representatives
We have, to date, had some difficulty keeping track of the regional trainee representatives. We are in the process of preparing a directory of regional trainees reps. and regional websites for trainees. If you visit the webpage you will understand the extent of our ignorance. Regional representatives PLEASE contact Phyo to let us know who you are. Similarly, if there are regional trainees’ websites, please contact us.

Apart from the business of electing our representatives, the following issues were discussed:

Knowledge based assessments
These are in the pipeline with plans for pilots in May 2006. It is thought that they will be given equivalence to SAC visits. PMETB is involved in their development.

Special Interest Grids
The SAC is trying to develop curricula for Geriatrics Trainees who wish to “sub-specialise”. It is stressed that doing sub-specialty modules will not be compulsory.

Hospital at night
In response to an invitation from the Chair, trainees communicated their concerns regarding the introduction of the Hospital at Night project across many Trusts. Views included the experience that junior medical staff are not receiving adequate exposure to certain aspects of training and practical skills; and that nurse practitioner support is variable across Trusts.

These concerns will be conveyed to the Education and Training Committee who may wish to explore them further.

Trainees Conference - June 2006
A one and a half day trainees conference is being planned for 24/25 June, to be held in Manchester. Watch this column and the website for further details in the coming months.

Sandy Thomson
Past Trainees representative on the Policy Committee