Shropshire VTS Google Group

SHROPSHIRE-HEALTH-4-AFRICA & EX-VTSers

neil.fletc...@nhs.net (Neil) — Mon, 06 June 2008 22:30:49 UT

Hello All,

I know its 2 years (Gosh) since I fell off the VTS but hopefully a few
of the oldies might still remember me.

Its been a mad couple of years. After VTS I did the Liverpool DTM&H
followed by some months in Eastern Chad with Medecins-Sans-Frontieres,
and then some General Practice in London- from Southall aka

Feedback

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Thu, 03 Mar 2008 23:39:33 UT

Hi everyone

We (the PCME's) would be interested in hearing your feedback about the
VTS. As you may be aware, Michael and Bill are leaving us in the
summer and there will be some new PCME's coming in to join us. We
though we would take this opportunity to canvas opinion on what you
think of your VTS. Please be honest and constructive - it's not

Christmas do booked

rachel_brin...@hotmail.com (rachel) — Fri, 11 Nov 2007 12:27:11 UT

Hi everyone
I've booked us in for a party pack at Monmore Green Greyhound track in
Wolverhampton on the 20th December. £15 a head and alumni welcome and
partners. Please contact meon my mobile or email to get tickets.
Thanks.
rachel_brin...@hotmail.com

Christmas Do

rachel_brin...@hotmail.com (rachel) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:17:26 UT

Hey everyone
xmas do. We were considering the dog racing at Monmore Green Wolves.
Unfortunatly the restaurant is not available in December but is with
the same deal in January. The party pack is available but this is not
a sit down do simply a basket meal. What do people think?
Comments appreciated
Rachel Halstead

ALAN'S LEAVING DO

johnje...@gmail.com (JJ (john)) — Sat, 10 Oct 2007 10:13:30 UT

hey, everyone......Alan's getting married this 20th oct, n v r
arranging a DO on the 18th oct, in shrewsbury town. The Armoury at 7pm
to begin with.
sending this email around just in case some of u aren't on Facebook. c
u there.
JJ

Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask...

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 07:54:08 UT

Hi
Jim and I did a session based on the nMRCGP on Thursday morning. The
overall aim of it was to (hopefully) make it clearer for you all what
you have got to do and when. We had a Q&A session which seemed to
answer most of your queries but we're aware that some we couldn't
answer yet. For me the take home message was that yes it's a bit

Residential Lake Vyrnwy

bteelucksi...@gmail.com (Brent) — Sat, 09 Sep 2007 22:55:12 UT

Hi all,
Hope you had a great residential. I've uploaded photos to the
Shropshire VTS group on facebook. Those of you who have not joined
please do so in order to view them.
See you on Thursday.
Brent.

Registrar Supplement Finalised

iridone...@yahoo.co.uk — Thu, 08 Aug 2007 12:01:28 UT

Hey All...
SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!
I contacted the BMA. They have phoned me today and have told me (and
emailed me) that their guidance states that if you have completed your
R7 (or have signed your contract for Reg year) before April 1st... YOU
ARE ENTITLED TO A 65% SUPPLEMENT!!!!!!
I have an email from my BMA correspondent... so if anyone needs a copy

Exams Congratulations

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:21:18 UT

Congratulations Anna, Neil & Annica for passing ( and
distinguishing yourselves in !) the exam , and to those who have
passed ( and also done well !) in various modules - well done
( Alan , Ratchna, Kate & Cath - any others ?? )!
I hope we'll see you around the place - except Anna of course until

Travel Allowance

iridone...@yahoo.co.uk — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:06:34 UT

Guys...
Helen (PM at Caxton) has been doing some digging around. The
allowance has not been totally lost. There is a small amount which
should be received for using your car to get to work and home. Also
there should be a certain amount you get for miles covered during home
visits. Previously we used to get a set amount of around £375 which

Registrar Pay

iridone...@yahoo.co.uk — Mon, 08 Aug 2007 15:17:41 UT

Correct me if I am wrong guys... but as far as I was aware, Alan
Woodall had made this huge effort to oppose the 65% to 55% pay
supplement cut in GPR pay. The last I heard... we had email
correspondence from Mr Wilkinson at the deanery (the message was
posted on SVTS) saying if Registrars applied before a certain date

regular night out?

rachel_brin...@hotmail.com (rachel) — Sun, 07 July 2007 07:34:37 UT

Me and Suds and a few others were wondering if people would be
interested in a monthly night out. We were thinking that we could move
it around the county so it isn't always in Shrewsbury. The suggestion
so far is 2nd Wednesday of each month. We want to start it in August
if possible so it's up and running for the new people. What do people

Books

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Tue, 06 June 2007 19:51:40 UT

Hi,
We did a session last Thursday lunchtime on books. Below is a list of
the books that came up for discussion. I've tried to put them in
categories so you have a bit of an idea what they're about. Feel free
to add any others that you really enjoyed.
CLASSICS:
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Night out!

amfidd...@doctors.org.uk (AFid) — Fri, 06 June 2007 21:48:05 UT

Us old timers (Me, Annica, Neil and Fed) were wondering whether
anybody would be up for a few drinks and maybe a meal next thursday
to celebrate booting us off the vts. Don't worry, if you don't turn up
it'll be taken as an instant snub! Any takers?
x

CHAD/DARFUR REFUGEE MEDICAL CARE

neil.fletc...@nhs.net (Neil) — Tue, 05 May 2007 11:10:46 UT

HELLO EVERYONE
LONG time no hear! Thought that while I was sat at Charlotte's
computer doing a locum for her half term hols at S. Hermitage I would
let you all know what i'm up to.
I will be going to Eastern Chad to work as a doctor with Medecins Sans
Frontieres in a refugee camp called Goz Beida. My patients have fled

The next 10 years. Thurs 17th May PM session.

emi...@blueyonder.co.uk (emily) — Tue, 05 May 2007 21:21:09 UT

In this weeks presentation we looked at the future of general practice
and what changes may happen. First we looked at the determinants of
change -who/what drives change in general practice.
We split into 3 groups -nurse practitioners, patients and government
advisors. Each group came up with a list of what they wanted from the

Viva Practice

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Tue, 05 May 2007 09:14:00 UT

Jim and I are happy to do viva practice for those of you who are
interested during our 1/2 term week. (i.e. next week, Thursday 31st
May) We'll start at 2pm at SECC. Could you sign up below if you do
want to come so that we have an idea about numbers? Thanks
Charlotte

Race for life

amfidd...@doctors.org.uk (AFid) — Mon, 05 May 2007 16:24:34 UT

Hi everybody.
Just a quick begging letter as i've been roped into running the race
for life and would be most grateful for any sponsorship from any of
you. It's 5km which i know won't sounds like far to most of you but
i've not run more than 400m before and even that was over 10 years ago
(plus i've only got short legs!)

Re: License to Kill

gavinkur...@yahoo.co.uk — Mon, 05 May 2007 23:52:19 UT

Dear Colleages,
Last thursday's group presentation was made interesting, although it
was a difficult topic.
I liked the idea of debate - which was fun although it was civilised
(without jeering and hooting - unlike in some places !!!)
Group work did bring out different perspectives regarding Euthanasia.

BMA 'GP to be' conference, July 2007

aawood...@tiscali.co.uk (WoodyAlan) — Mon, 05 May 2007 17:48:07 UT

Dear colleagues,
thought I would draw attention to this conference aimed at GP
registrars and those planning a career in GP. It will cover many
issues of relevance to us, including locum and flexible work, career
pathways and options, what to look for in a partnership etc. Top
speakers invited, including BMA chairman of GP Committee Hamish

Critical appraisal of research article - right amount of salt init?

gavinkur...@yahoo.co.uk — Sat, 05 May 2007 23:51:50 UT

Last thursday's VTS teaching was very relevant and well organised. It
has stimulated me to question information more thoroughly before I
accept them.
Well done group.
I really enjoyed the presentation by Alan. Not only did the
presentation have the right amount of salt in it but also presented
with flare, and points well made and objectively. Good on you Alan.

All Change

ad...@shropshirevts.com (WebSite Administrator) — Fri, 05 May 2007 17:51:40 UT

Hello everyone,
I trust you've had an interesting course and have made use of the
Shropshire VTS forum.
I am now tasked to clean things up a bit and very shortly you will be
removed from the mailing list and will be unable to post new messages
to the forum. You will still be able to dip in from time to time and

Lunchtime meetings

neil_har...@hotmail.com — Fri, 05 May 2007 17:33:20 UT

G'day all,
Rachna has very kindly thought to restart the lunchtime sessions which
used to be run for/by registrars in ye olden days.
The first session will be at 1pm prompt next thursday lunchtime
(10/5/07 at RSH). Its prob mainly for registrars, but absolutely
anyone is more than welcome and I'm sure it'll be useful whatever

Residential

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Fri, 04 Apr 2007 18:27:07 UT

Thanks to all of you for making this residential so great! Us old 'uns
had a great time, and judging from the feedback you did too. I've put
some photos onto the upload page for immediate access and I'll get
some put on the online photo album as well. Meantime, enjoy this
little selection - I think a caption competition is in order for the

Belling the Cat- Exams !!!

drallaud...@hotmail.com — Fri, 03 Mar 2007 13:16:44 UT

Hi! Everybody,
Thanks for all the nice feedback. Unfortunately we did
the overprepare and ditch thing. The aim was to increase awareness of
the new exam and also give you some new info so that you will feel
interested enough to visit the RCGP website and have a look. I have
uploaded the presentation to the FILES section if anybody is

VITAL INFO THAT COULD SAVE YOU £3000!!!!!!

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Tue, 03 Mar 2007 20:47:40 UT

Hi All
Alot has been written on the forum in the last couple of weeks around
the GPR supplement cut from 65% to 55% but the same few people are
doing the writing. That's fine and Alan, Cath, Brent et al are doing a
great job in my eyes. BUT the rest of you really need to take note of
the issue surrounding the R7 form.

DRAGON BOAT RACE

krmane...@gmail.com — Sun, 03 Mar 2007 21:16:57 UT

Hello everybody
After the encouraging response I got in the afternoon session I am
taking the plan a step further.
On 25th June 2007 (Sunday) there is a DRAGON BOAT RACE organised by
the Severn hospice in Shrewsbury.
We need to form a team of 20 people to take part in the race on the
day. We are guaranteed 3 races and the winners from the heats go to

March in March 17th - RemedyUK campaign against MMC/MTAS

aawood...@tiscali.co.uk (WoodyAlan) — Fri, 03 Mar 2007 08:45:29 UT

MTAS.....MMC.....OK, it doesnt affect us at all. However up to 8000
junior doctors will find themselves dumped from postgraduate training
in August as a result of MMC, and MTAS (application process for jobs)
has been an unvalidated fiasco. It threatens the future of UK medical
training more than any change in the last 50 years.

End of term night out / leaving do Thurs 22nd March

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk (Kate) — Thu, 03 Mar 2007 22:05:01 UT

Hi Guys!
We've nearly reached the end of term.... and for some of us our last
term ever :(
So what better way to comiserate that with a few drinks at the
Armoury...probably closely followed by a few tears on my part later in
the evening!
Ed, Debbie and I are proposing Thursday 22nd any time from 8pm. If

GP registrar pay cut: I am livid

aawood...@tiscali.co.uk (WoodyAlan) — Mon, 03 Mar 2007 18:24:17 UT

Apparently, all GP registrars beginning April 2007 will find thier
banding supplement cut to 55% (from 65%) as a result of the 2007 DDRB
pay round. All those before this date will have their supplements
maintained.
I am livid. I accepted an extra SHO post in O&G for more experience (I
didnt need it - I volunteered) and as a result I find (along with all

what if.........

vvs...@gmail.com (vijay) — Sat, 02 Feb 2007 01:43:44 UT

Hi Guys, thanks for all the positive feedback. Hope you enjoyed the
afternoon session on self awareness titled as "what if" , scripted by
our very talented Lizzy, enacted by two budding bollywood actors Nag n
Gavin. We also tried to give a light touch to a heavy subject of
complaints by adding in a wacky quiz and a trusted clip from "fork

What the F*** do I do with that? VTS 8/2/07

neil_har...@hotmail.com — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:41:19 UT

Hi Guys, thanks for all the positive feedback. It seems you enjoyed
the spotter exam, hope you haven't shot yourselves in the foot, as the
powers that be might want us to do them all the time!
In summary most of you felt it was an interesting and relevant topic,
many of you appreciated the clinical subject matter of the

when things go wrong

imteya...@yahoo.com (imi) — Thu, 02 Feb 2007 21:20:29 UT

Thanks John, Emily and Rachel for the session. Its scary to think how
easily mistakes are made. Well done on a very interesting and thought
provoking session.

Film star volunteers for nMRCGP DVD needed

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Tue, 01 Jan 2007 11:06:11 UT

I spoke to the pm group last week about a training dvd for the case
based discussion of the new exam . I have a few names , but if anyone
else is interested could they let me know .
basically we ( the college) are hoping to put together a training DVD
to guide trainers & registrars through the case based discussion part

Thursday 18th January pm session on the new curriculum

bill.gow...@yahoo.co.uk (Bill Gowans) — Thu, 01 Jan 2007 20:07:58 UT

This afternoon we looked at the nMRCGP curriculum, and in particular,
the components of it that attempt to define the 'peculiar nature' of
General Practice. We brainstormed the meaning of the 'six domains'
(re-named 'orientations' by me to give a more accurate view of what
they represent). More briefly, we examined the three 'essential

New Term New Curriculum

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 22:12:42 UT

Welcome back all - last Thursday's sessions seemed to go well and
remarkably smoothly . OnThursday we will be taking you to deeper levels
of discovery & investigating how it all hangs together ! Somewhere
along the line we may also explore the unknown murky world of the 'new
curriculum' . When you've recovered from the shock of reading this you

MRCGP - Well done!

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Wed, 12 Dec 2006 15:15:36 UT

Well done to everyone who's just taken the MRCGP. We know that you all
worked really hard, so well done. Commiserations if you didn't manage
to get all of it, but don't worry, you will! We hope you all have a
nice relaxing Christmas.
Charlotte, Maurice, Bill, Jim and Michael.

Careers Fair - any input welcome and gratefully received!

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:02:55 UT

Apologies in advance for being a bit disorganised about this plea!
There is a Careers Fair for the foundation year docs at SECC tomorrow
evening from 6 - 8 pm. Michael, Maurice and I are manning a stall to
promote what a wonderful training scheme Shropshire VTS is and how
great life can be as a GP. We know that this is short notice but if

Excellent Evening

ch...@doctors.org.uk (Charlotte) — Wed, 12 Dec 2006 17:27:45 UT

Well done Kate for organising the do last night - it was great fun,
although I don't think I'll be adding the mac and codpiece to my usual
wardrobe! Mel's sent me a few photos and I've got the ones i took as
well - once I've worked out how to get them from my phone onto my
computer I'll send them to the website. Have a great Christmas

Christmas Meal

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk (Kate) — Sun, 12 Dec 2006 21:54:22 UT

Seasons Greetings!
Thanks for getting your menu choices back to Bill & I. There are about
40 of us going so should be a good night! Just to remind you that it is
this Tuesday 5th December. You can arrive anytime from 6pm on but
please try to be there by 7pm at the lastest for Maurice's pre-dinner
talk or we may not get sponsored by Pfeizer who are generously

MRCGP oral exam training

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Fri, 11 Nov 2006 15:40:53 UT

Bill & I (& maybe Charlotte ) will be running a brief session of
'orals' training from 1.15 /1.30 next thursday (23rd) .
I know Abi is coming but not sure who else can definately make it -
please let us know if you are coming - but the session is definately
happening. There is no VTS next week - next session 11th Jan

Job Description of a GP - feedback from session 16.11.06

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Fri, 11 Nov 2006 15:37:39 UT

For the final session of term Bill produced a thought provoking (
well it made my brain try & think anyway) session exploring the
make-up of a GP . After a brief think about what professional factors
led us to general practice we split into 3 groups - 2 exploring the
notion of a 'job-description' for general practice . The 2 groups came

Maz, Rup & Maneesh - Menu choices please!

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk (Kate) — Thu, 11 Nov 2006 21:32:23 UT

Hi Guys
I would be really grateful if you would e-mail bill.hil...@pfizer.com
with your menu choices for the christmas meal asap, otherwise you will
be singing on empty stomachs!
See you there
Kate

X-mas meal menu!

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk (Kate) — Wed, 11 Nov 2006 18:04:02 UT

Please e-mail your choice by 13th November to:bill.hilton@pfizer
(or see me on thursday)
Starters
Roasted veg soup
Chicken liver pate
Melon
Garlic mushrooms
Mains
Stilton walnut & Onion cheesecake
Turkey & trimmings
Pan-roasted salmon
Sweets
Lemon Tart
X-mas pud
Fruit salad
White chocolate cheesecake

Residential Photos

ad...@shropshirevts.com (WebSite Administrator) — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 17:13:48 UT

Hello everyone,
You can now view, download and add comments to previous residential
photos!
Follow the link on the Shropshire VTS website in Courses then
Residentials.
Or copy and paste the below link into your web browser.
[link]
Enjoy the pics!

PM Session: Role & Qualities of Practice Manager

fmaran...@gmail.com (Fedir Marangoz) — Thu, 11 Nov 2006 23:52:29 UT

Hi All,
It was a real FUN preparing for the session.
Reflection: It is a real hard work to work as a Practice Manager!
Not sure if you noticed or not but this session was coming together as
we were presenting it... :)
The scenarios were really good, I learned a lot. /they were a surprise
to me and to Abi/

Post exam social

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk — Wed, 10 Oct 2006 21:28:02 UT

Hi,
just a quickie to invite you all to a post exam social tomorrow
(thursday 26th) at The Armoury in Shrewsbury. All welcome, we are
meeting there from 7.30 for a drink +/- food for those who want to eat.
We haven't booked anything but just thought it would be a good excuse
to meet up!
Maybe see you there - Kate x

Strong Feelings - session on 12 Oct

bartlett...@btinternet.com (Jim) — Sun, 10 Oct 2006 15:56:56 UT

I'm sorry that I have not posted anything up til now about this session
, & unfortunately Mel has been away & unable to set the ball rolling.
Mel came up with a wonderful presentation despite being abandoned by
the rest of her team ( for reasons beyond their control) .We
discussed mistakes and our responses to them , using examples brought

Thursday evening session on Exams

krmane...@gmail.com — Sat, 10 Oct 2006 22:05:23 UT

Hello everyone
This is to kickstart the feedback for the Thursday wesession.
This thursday's session was on Exams and the topic was Exams - Oh Shit.
We briefly presented the present format of MRCGP and then the changes
that are about to take place starting August 2007. Following this we
had a very animated debate on which one is better ( present or nMRCGP).

Christmas Meal update - spaces for ex-vts members

kgi...@yahoo.co.uk — Fri, 10 Oct 2006 11:57:01 UT

Hi,
We have had a great response for the meal and do have a few spaces
left. Maurice is giving a talk on how to be a locum so I though it
would be appropriate to invite a few vts members who have recently left
and are willing to pass on their perls of wisdom about life after vts
and how to survive it..... Please reply via the forum in the next few