Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals welcome 150 doctors (From Epsom Guardian)

Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals welcome 150 doctors

6:10am Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in News

Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals welcomed 150 doctors last week as they arrived for their first day of work.

Some of the new recruits are in their second and third years of studying but for 39 newly-qualified doctors this was their first ever experience of working in a hospital.

In their first year they will be rotated within three departments in order to vary their experiences of clinical care.

In addition to on-the-job experience, the new doctors will be expected to attend training courses such as communication with patients and their relatives.

New starter Tom Verghese, 23, said: "So far, it has exceeded my expectations.

After so long at medical school it’s great to finally be here and I’m really excited about this new challenge. Everyone has been so helpful and everything runs so smoothly in the hospital."

Dr Martin Stockwell, joint medical director for the Trust, said: "Our hospitals are great environments for junior doctors to train and learn their craft under the expert supervision of our more senior doctors.

"The very healthy numbers of this year's intake seem to suggest that there are plenty who agree."

For more information visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk.