Placements in KSS
Overview of Paediatric Training
Paediatric specialty training in the UK is a structured 7-year pathway. It equips medical graduates with comprehensive skills to becoming fully-fledged paediatricians. After foundation training, specialty training in Paediatrics typically starts at Core Level (ST1). The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) oversees this training. Registration with the RCPCH is mandatory during training.
Paediatric Training in KSS (Kent, Surrey and Sussex)
The KSS deanery's paediatric training program involves rotations between general paediatrics (including Level 1/2 neonatal units) and Level 3 neonatal units, typically every 6-12 months. This ensures broad exposure across paediatric care.
Early Training Focus (ST1-ST2)
- ST1: 12 months in General Paediatrics (covering Level 1/2 neonates) to build a strong foundation.
- ST2: 12 months in a Level 3 Neonatal Unit for exposure to advance neonatal care.
- Transition to Registrar roles from ST3.
Registrar & Specialty Opportunities
- At least one more Level 3 neonatal placement as a Registrar, with potential for neonatal transport at certain sites.
- Community Placements: Optional from ST3 (no longer mandatory per RCPCH Progress+).
- London Sub-specialty from ST5: Opportunity for 6-month placements in tertiary centers (e.g., Evelina, King's, Royal Marsden) for PICU, Oncology, Endocrine, etc.
Placement Regions across Kent, Surrey and Sussex
The map below illustrates common placement areas within the Kent, Sussex and Surrey (KSS) deanery. The deanery strives to keep trainees within one general region to minimize disruption, though this isn't always feasible due to training and service needs. All trainees will experience at least one of the four tertiary neonatal services (Ashford, Medway, Brighton, and Chertsey), which is important to consider when deciding where to live.
Explore Specific Placement Regions
Kent Placements
Discover training opportunities and hospital sites across Kent, offering diverse paediatric experiences.
Learn More about KentSurrey Placements
Explore the various paediatric and neonatal units available for training in Surrey.
Learn More about SurreySussex Placements
Find out about the training hospitals and unique opportunities within Sussex.
Learn More about SussexLondon Placements
Information on specialty placements in London's leading paediatric centers.
Learn More about London