NEW

The West Yorkshire (WY) Primary Care & Workforce Training Hub (PCWTH) is pleased to announce the launch of a new and updated West Yorkshire Fellowship Programme for GPs & GPNs. To start the programme a short information meeting will be held in March 2025, with the formal education sessions running from April 2025.

The fellowship programme is for General Practitioners (GPs) newly qualified within the last 12-months and General Practice Nurses (GPNs) newly qualified or new to general practice within the last 24-months. The programme spans 18-months and connects Fellows with colleagues across West Yorkshire. During the programme Fellows will have dedicated time to participate in education sessions and to work on a PCN Portfolio Project. All education sessions are scheduled monthly for the duration of the 18-month programme and will be held virtually.

The programme includes mentoring for each participant, provided by trained mentors through GPM Plus. GPM Plus mentors are GPs or GPNs currently working in General Practice, bringing a wealth of experience in local health services.

Each month, there will be a half-day education session that Fellows must attend. Most education sessions will be jointly attended by GPs and GPNs, although there may be occasional sessions that separate the two groups.

Quarterly peer support sessions are hosted virtually in your area, led by a friendly facilitator who understands our unique locality challenges. These virtual sessions offer a relaxed space for local GPs and GPNs to share experiences, seek advice, and support each other. The fellowship is a great opportunity to network, swap ideas, and strengthen relationships, all whilst working together to improve the care we provide to our patients.

PCN Portfolio Project

Fellows are expected to reach out to their PCN Clinical Director (CD) prior to applying for the programme so that a meaningful project can be identified together which supports both the Fellow’s development and the PCN’s growth and patient population. (Further details can be found within the WY Fellowship Programme for GPs & GPNs – Information Pack – Next Steps).

The PCN Portfolio Project work should be accessible to the Fellow from the start of the fellowship programme. Fellows should have the chance to work in different settings outside their usual practice on a rotational basis for the duration of the programme. This approach aims to create engaging roles for the Fellow by introducing variety and allowing newly qualified clinicians to experience diverse environments and working methods – a portfolio style of working. This flexibility supports the expanding role of PCNs in delivering out-of-hospital care, such as enhanced support for care homes. As the responsibilities of PCNs increase, Fellows can contribute as part of their PCN portfolio work. Consequently, we anticipate that the range and number of local PCN Portfolio Project opportunities will grow over time.

Benefits of Fellowship Participation as a Newly Qualified GP or GPN

The fellowship programme aims to ensure there is a place for you to access ongoing support and development as a newly qualified GP or GPN working in primary care. It is hoped the fellowship programme will provide more focused peer support in your local areas but connect you wider with colleagues across West Yorkshire. The ‘education’ aspect of the fellowship is designed to balance ongoing CPD, but also the broader skills and knowledge for working in primary care.

Funding Details

The fellowship is funded with non-recurrent ICS funding which will enable Fellow’s to have funded time to fully participate. Fellows on the programme will have protected time to participate and will be expected to be part of the different aspects of the programme.

The total amount of funding if the fellowship programme is attended in full:

  • GP – £14,250 (£2,375 per quarter)
  • GPN – £6,000 (£1000 per quarter)

The fellowship programme is available to all newly qualified GPs (qualified within the last 12-months) and GPNs (qualified within the last 24-months) or nurses new to General Practice.

See Next Steps for how to apply.

Next Steps

**Applications will open on Thursday 23rd January 2025**

  1. Read the WY Fellowship Programme for GPs & GPNs – Information Pack by clicking here.
  2. Discuss possible PCN Portfolio Projects with your Clinical Director.
  3. Complete the application form here.

Deadline to apply: 5.00pm; Friday 28th February, 2025.