Our neonatal unit at St George’s has been rated as one of the top placements for trainee paediatric doctors.

An annual survey carried out by the London School of Paediatrics (LSP) found that 13 out of our 19 trainee doctors described their training experience in neonatal this year as ‘one of the very best placements’ they have been on.

St George’s has one of the largest neonatal units in the country, with 25 intensive and high dependency care cots, as well as 18 special care cots for babies whose condition is improving.

Dr Justin Richards, Consultant Neonatalogist and Divisional Director for Children’s, Women’s, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Community Division, said:

“This is really positive feedback, and I know how hard the whole team work to create a positive environment for trainees. Our trainees are obviously here to learn, but they are absolutely key members of the team whilst they are with us – so it is great that they rated their experience so highly.”

Comments from trainees included:

• “Regular morning teaching sessions.”

• “Quick and effective morning and evening handovers. Never felt grilled/judged in morning handover.”

• “Consultants would thank ALL members of the night team after a busy/difficult shift.”

Helen Egan and Nikki Monks are on placements in the unit at the moment.

Helen said: “St Georges is great because all of the consultants are really supportive, and encourage training opportunities as much as possible.”

Nikki added: “The unit is really busy, and we treat some of the sickest babies in the region. This means I get exposed to lots of different cases, giving me confidence for the future.”

Well done to our excellent neonatal team!

Photo-caption (left to right): Junior doctors Elise Spiers, Helen Egan, Nikki Monks