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Home , Conwy Falls, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Glasinfryn, Halkyn, Wrexham Maelor

+ Training & Living in North

+ A guide for anaesthetic doctors rotating to

Helping you and your family prepare for moving to North Wales: • Life in North Wales • Where to live • Where to go out • Training opportunities • Contact details • Helpful tips

Edition 1.2 Jul-16

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+ Congratulations! Llongyfarchiadau!

Da iawn! If you are reading this you have Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is no wonder succeeded in gaining a post that will bring that so many people come back every year you to one of the most beautiful parts of the for their holidays. world. If you have never been to North For some of you, North Wales may not have Wales before you are in for a very pleasant been your first choice of a place to work. surprise! That’s OK; we understand it is a long way to You will be living and working in a popular travel from . It’s even worse if holiday region with a unique history and you are separated from partners or family. culture. On the doorstep of Snowdonia We will do our best to help you get the most National Park; perfect for adventures in the out of your time in North Wales; and we are outdoors or losing yourself amongst the confident that when your rotation here has scenery that inspired Tolkien. You will also ended you will leave with very happy be a stones throw from the breathtaking memories. Many of you will be pleasantly coastline of and the Llyn Peninsula surprised and will want to come back here with stunning beaches for watersports, for consultant jobs! We value our doctors in strolling or just relaxing to get away from it training. We want them to have the best all. North Wales is also home of many training experience possible and we value Castles, World Heritage Sites, Iron Age Forts, the importance of a work-life balance. National Trust Houses and Areas of 3 12

Working in North Wales You can have a career and a life…

We asked all our current trainees what they liked Our trainees have a voice in the department. We most about living and working in North Wales. listen to their opinions, and welcome suggestions for Surprisingly, the most popular response was nothing improvement. Are our hospitals really more friendly? to do with the mountains or coastline. What doctors Only you can be the judge of that but we have great like most about working in North Wales are the feedback from our previous trainees. Each hospital friendly departments and hospitals that offer the has a great positive team spirit and a culture of perfect balance of good training experience and a mutual support. We are not immune to the problems friendly atmosphere. Large University teaching facing the NHS, but you will find staff who are loyal hospitals can feel cold and impersonal. You need to and passionate about their hospital and committed work there for months before you know even people to providing the best care they can. What’s our in your own department. Often there are so many secret? It’s obvious really. We believe if people are junior doctors that your training experience is diluted. happy in their life, they will be happier in their work When you start work in North Wales you will be made and vice-versa. Most of our staff love working in to feel welcome. You will be a valued member of North Wales because they can have the perfect the department – not just a trainee. You will probably work-life balance. Happy consultants, nurses (and be given more independence than you would in a even managers) make for a happy workplace and big teaching hospital, but always well supported. the perfect environment for learning.

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Working in North Wales + Welcome to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is Some sub-specialties are shared across the largest health organisation in Wales, the three sites. For example major upper providing a full range of primary, GI surgery is done exclusively at , mental health and acute . Major head and neck hospital services for a population of around surgery is done only at Ysbyty Glan 678,000 people across the six counties of . Major Gynaecological surgery is North Wales (Anglesey, , , located in Ysbyty Gwynedd. Vascular , , and Wrexham). surgery is currently done at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor. The Health Board has a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of approximately There are no Cardiothoracic or 16,500. Neurosurgical units in North Wales. Some trainees will rotate to The Walton Centre We have three main hospitals (Ysbyty in Liverpool to do their Neuroanaesthesia Gwynedd in Bangor, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in module and the Liverpool Womens’ and for extra Obstetric experience. Hospital) along with a network of Trainees can also opt to spend some community hospitals, health centres, clinics, time at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool for mental health units and community team supplementary paediatric experience if bases. The Health Board also coordinates they wish. We believe these the work of 114 GP practices and NHS opportunities strengthen the breadth services provided by dentists, opticians and and depth of the training experience in pharmacists in North Wales. North Wales and are a boost to the

All 3 hospitals have an Emergency excellent training our trainees get from Department, acute surgical admissions, the Welsh Deanery. Further information consultant led obstetric units, paediatrics, on these rotations is available from your intensive care unit and all offer general college tutor. surgery, orthopaedics, trauma, urology, During your time in North Wales it is gynaecology, ENT – typical DGH possible for you to complete all of your procedures. Unlike many DGH’s in England essential modules with the exception of and South Wales, major trauma and Cardiothoracics and higher level paediatric emergencies are rarely diverted Paediatrics. For ST6-7s you can also directly to the major centres – mainly complete the advanced modules for because of the long transport times. That’s general duties or pain. excellent news for your training. 5 12

Training in North Wales + North Wales Anaesthetic Teaching & Study leave.

Each of the hospitals in North Wales are system. Unfortunately the deanery committed to providing you with excellent budget is quite limited. If you feel that training, teaching, support for exams and there is a course or conference that coaching your professional development. would be really good for your Whatever stage you are at in your training professional development and have we will help you reach your goals, whether it already spent all of your allowance we is to pass the exams, develop your CV, or may be able to assist with funding on a prepare for being a consultant. case-by-case basis. Discuss any requests in advance with Deputy Regional Formal teaching occurs weekly at each site. adviser Dr Declan Maloney or Deputy To get the most out of this teaching you will Programme Director Dr Mark Knights be encouraged (and expected) to (see contacts page). Please note exam contribute to some of the teaching sessions. courses will not normally be considered. Each department also holds 6 CPD days a When considering applications we will year. In addition there is a North Wales take in to account your attendance at regional teaching programme with a regional teaching and contribution to separate curriculum for CTs and STs. We are departmental teaching. developing and investing in a North Wales simulation programme. You should be ARCPs are held in North Wales for most automatically released from clinical duties trainees based in the North, but some (unless on-call) to attend these. Further will have to travel to South Wales. You information will be available on from your should apply for professional leave for college tutor. You can also follow ARCPs through the intrepid system (not @gas_NWales on twitter for updates. The study leave). Travel expenses should regional teaching days are a great always be claimed and will be paid for

opportunity to get together with colleagues ARCPs. (If claiming mileage for driving you from the other hospitals in North Wales and should have business mileage included on plan social events! your car insurance. This is normally easy to arrange with little additional cost.) The current trainees have asked whether we Finally, we hold a regional North Wales can arrange video links to teaching days in anaesthetic forum every December, South Wales. This is something we are which includes prizes for the best trainee currently looking to set up. presentation and poster on audits, Study leave is normally 30 days per year and quality improvement projects or is applied for through the online intrepid interesting cases, so start planning one now! 6 12

Working in North Wales + Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor

Wrexham. Top Tips:

Wrexham is a town on the welsh border with 1. Join the Doctors Mess a population of approximately 65,000. It has 2. Be nice to the anaesthetic an industrial past and has been redeveloped secretaries... if you are nice to as a modern marketing centre and home to them they will mother you Glyndwr University. lovingly! 3. There are free cash machines The town hosts multiple shopping and outside the canteen and at the recreation complexes as well as a cinema main entrance. within walking distance of the hospital. 4. The League of friends run three shops and a cafe at the main It is strategically located within commuting entrance with extended hours distance of Chester and Liverpool and less 5. The library is in the medical than an hour from Manchester and Liverpool institute 3 minutes across the car airports. park from the main entrance. It hosts another cafe and is the

location of the weekly Grand The Hospital. Round and other teaching events. The Maelor Hospital is a 580 bed DGH serving a rural catchment area of over half a million. There are about 580 beds and an acute surgical and medical take and a very busy ED. It is widely regarded as a friendly place to work with generally approachable consultants, plenty of opportunity and good training feedback.

It has a large active Doctors mess, which remains one of the few serving hot food and an endless supply of good coffee, drinks and snacks (on subscription).

As an anaesthetic trainee you benefit from an active & social department with its own mess room where most trainees and many consultants/specialty doctors gather for lunch daily.

Training in North Wales + Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan

Rhyl

Rhyl has long been a popular tourist There is also a computer room for those destination for people from all over looking to work or study and male and Britain; sitting in the rain shadow of the female quiet rooms to rest in. Attached mountains of Snowdonia it (theoretically to the Doctors mess is an anaesthetic rest at least) has better weather. In it’s room (one of two), which is a mere step prime, Rhyl was an elegant Victorian from the ITU. seaside resort. However, due to a combination of economic and social The library is above the post grad centre factors it has sadly been in decline since and accessible by card 24/7 so you can the 1990’s and it is not often argued that get by without splashing out on Rhyl is a terrific destination now. What is unnecessary textbooks. less often mentioned is that the hospital There are free cash machines outside the is actually 5 miles out of Rhyl in canteen and at the main entrance. Bodelwyddan, a small green suburb just off the A55. A lot of doctors arrive and feel like they have arrived in the middle of nowhere, There are three cinemas (arguably four) yet by the time they leave they love the within half an hours drive. Also close by place. Because of its seclusion it’s actually are multiple pubs, restaurants and two really social. hotels a short walk from the hospital have gyms if you sign up as a member. Top Tips: Just down the road in St Asaph is an award-winning Spa. 1. Join the Doctors Mess. 2. Join the Whatsapp group. The Hospital. 3. If no-one else has organised the Saturday BBQ at the residences, Glan Clwyd Hospital (Ysbyty Glan send a few texts round and make Clwyd) is the district general hospital for it happen. the central area of North Wales. It was 4. As ever the anaesthetic built in 1980 and it is situated in rural secretaries are good to have on surroundings at Bodelwyddan, a small side. community that lies 4 miles south of 5. If you are preparing for exams Rhyl. The hospital serves a population of speak to Dr Hugo. He is a wiz for approximately 195,000. The acute all things FRCA related and he will hospital service has a total of 684 beds; bend over backwards to teach with a full range of specialties including and help you. Acute Cardiology and Oncology. It is 6. The League of friends runs a shop also the regional centre of head and and café at the main entrance neck surgery. but the one in oncology is nicer. It has a large Doctors mess, which is just

for juniors. For a few pounds a month the mess is stocked with cereal, soup and toast and drinks as well as Sky TV. 12

Working in North Wales + Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.

Bangor.

Bangor is a small but lively cathedral city YG has an enviable anaesthetic with a population of 19,000, half of which department complete with library, seminar attend or work at the traditional red brick room and a trainees rest room. There is ITU university that dominates the city. It is teaching Wednesday lunchtimes followed situated at the North end of the Menai by anaesthetic teaching in the afternoon. Straits, overlooking Anglesey and the On Thursday evenings there is a North Wales coastline, with the departmental educational / M&M meeting spectacular backdrop of Snowdonia with food. Friday lunchtime is the hospital national park. The sea and the grand round with free lunch in the mountains are very easy to access. postgraduate centre. The hospital library is Bangor has a lovely Pier, a thriving high very popular for those studying for exams. street with the usual range of shops and some great independent cafés. As you Top Tips: might expect from the large student 1. Don’t live in the hospital population there is also a wealth of clubs accommodation. and societies and a lively nightlife for 2. Look to rent / buy in: , such a small city. Most doctors however Menai Bridge, Beaumaris, do not live in Bangor but choose to live Penrhosgarnedd, Upper Bangor, closer to the sea or more rural. , Llanfairfechan. There are direct trains to Manchester, 3. Get involved in teaching, Chester (1 hour), (4 hours) and departmental M&M, audit. London (3 hours). Dublin is also easy to 4. Don’t try and drive to South Wales get to from Holyhead. every weekend – You will exhaust yourself and your car. The Hospital. 5. Be proactive about organising social events: walks, outdoor Ysbyty Gwynedd (or YG for short) serves activities, BBQ’s by the lakes as well the largest geographical area that as meals out. extends all the way to and 6. Do a course at Plas Menai or Plas-y- includes the whole of Anglesey, Brenin and learn a new skill! Gwynedd, Snowdonia, and as far East as 7. Karen Capon is the rota co- Bay. There are approx. 540 beds ordinator. She likes chocolate and beds, an acute surgical and medical a good sense of humour. take and a very busy ED. It is widely 8. The Postgrad centre does a regarded as a friendly place to work with reasonable cappuccino / latte for approachable consultants, plenty of only £1. The WRVS run a nice café opportunity and good feedback from as well as a shop on the ground trainees. floor. 9. Jean Williams (pictured left) in the It also probably has the best view of any Postgraduate Centre is very friendly hospital in the country. and helpful with study leave, etc.

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Living in North Wales Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a culture • Kayaking & Canoeing vulture, a history buff, or a foodie you fill find plenty to • Sea kayaking whet your appetite. Whether you are single or have • Sailing – dinghies or yachts family with children, there is something in North Wales • Kite Surfing and wind surfing for every age. For each site we have included in this guide some suggested activities, places to eat out • Paddle boarding

and things to do. This list is far from exhaustive • Horse Riding however, and you will have the most fun exploring • Paragliding new places by yourself. • Coasteering

Leisure Time • Scuba Diving

Just a few of the more adventurous activities our For those who need a regular dose of bright trainees and consultants get up to: lights, swanky restaurants, retail therapy and traffic jams: Chester, Liverpool and Manchester • Mountain walking, scrambling & climbing are all close enough for a day trip, and London is • Mountain biking & Road biking only 3 hours away by train!

• Ice climbing and Ski touring in winter

• Geocaching & orienteering

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Living in + North Wales Making the most of your time off.

Recommended days out for adventure seekers:

1. Climb Snowdon, Tryfan, Glyders, 5. Walk the RSPB nature reserve at Cadair Idris or one of the many Conwy or Llanfairfechan. other mountains. 6. Explore the many castles: Conwy, 2. Mountain biking: Betws-y-coed, Beaumaris, , . Penmachno, Coed Llandegla, 7. Walk the town walls of Conwy. Antur Stiniog or Coed-y-Brenin. 8. Go to the Zoo – Chester or Welsh 3. Learn to kayak, canoe, sail or drive mountain zoo, Anglesey sea zoo, a power boat at the national Pila Palas. outdoor centre for Wales, Plas 9. Llanberis national slate museum Menai or Colwyn Bay Watersports. (free entry) and electric mountain. 4. Charter a yacht. 10. Walk / cycle through Newborough 5. Learn to Kite surf or Windsurf at Forest and visit Llandwyn island. Rhosneigr, Anglesey. 11. Go to the beach: Anglesey (eg 6. 4 x 4 driving experience near Betws- Rhosneigr, Newborough, Benllech) y-coed or Llangollen. and the Llyn Peninsula (eg 7. Gorge Walking. , ) have the best. 8. Zip World – Velocity, Titan, Safari or 12. Visit South Stack Lighthouse near Caverns. See www.zipworld.co.uk Holyhead. 13. Climbing at the Beacon climbing Family days out: Centre - Crazyclimb for kids is fab. 1. Get the train to the summit of 14. Greenwood Forest Park (eco Snowdon - (May to Nov) friendly theme park) 2. Explore the many national trust sites: 15. Zip World – Bounce Below. Don’t miss Plas Newydd, Penrhyn 16. Welsh Highland Railway. Castle, Bodnant gardens, 17. Climb (Mold) Aberglaslyn. Definitely worth joining 18. Visit & lunch at Castell the national trust while you’re here! Deudraeth 3. Walk the promenade and Victorian 19. Visit Llangollen, , Betws-y- Pier at Llandudno or walk around Coed, the Great Orme, hop on the tram 20. Walk to the waterfalls at and cable car. , or 4. Walk along the Promenade at Conwy Falls. Colwyn Bay. 21. Ski at Chillfactore, Manchester.

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Dining out or just a quiet drink + Living in with friends… North Wales

These are some of the Restaurants, cafes and pubs recommended by our current Central trainees – Search online for more info:

The Plough, St Asaph.

The Faenol Fawr, next to the hospital. West

Hickories BBQ Smokehouse, Rhos on Sea. Dylans Restaurant, Menai Bridge.

The Kinmel Hotel and Spa, Abergele. Signatures Restaurant, Conwy.

Pen-y-Bryn, Colwyn Bay. Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris.

On the Hill restaurant, Ruthin. Blas, Caernarfon.

The Toad, Colwyn Bay. Caban café, Brynrefail.

The Sugar Plum Tea Room, Rhewl. Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion.

The White House, Rhuallt. The Straits Restaurant, Menai Bridge.

Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. Nikki Ips Restaurant, Deganwy.

Blue Sky Café, Bangor.

East 1815 Café, Bangor.

Pant-yr-Ochain, Wrexham. Café Siabod, Capel Curig.

Cross Foxes, Erbistock. The Garddfon pub, Y Felinheli.

Plas Coch, Wrexham (Quiz Thursday night & The White Eagle, Rhoscolyn. 20% discount!) The Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr. Try Thai noodle bar, Wrexham. The Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay. Anise Indian, Wrexham. The Bank, Conwy. Lemon Tree, Wrexham. The Albion pub, Conwy. Cock O’Barton, Barton Village, nr Chester. The Castleview pub, Deganwy. Upstairs at the Grill, Chester (Best Steaks).

Sticky Walnut, Chester.

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Accommodation Be it ever so humble…

Obviously to get the best experience of North Wales months we recommend looking for privately rented you need to live and spend your free time here. That accommodation. Contact Derek Blythin on is why we recommend you consider moving your [email protected] for further family with you if you can. This is never an easy information and advice. decision, but in our experience the doctors who We have included in this guide some suggestions for travel to South Wales for every weekend do not enjoy places to look for accommodation at each site but their time in North Wales as much. It is a long and we recommend you visit North Wales in advance to tiring drive, which you will come to resent and your do your own research and speak to current trainees. car will not thank you either! Obviously everyone’s Quite a few rotating doctors buy a property in North personal circumstances are different and only you Wales and if you are here for two years or if you think know what is best for your situation. you might return as a consultant this is worth Hospital accommodation is available at all 3 sites, consideration. You are entitled to leave for finding however the facilities are a bit dated and of typical accommodation and of course removal expenses. hospital accommodation quality. It is also not that We strongly encourage you to claim for all expenses much cheaper than some privately rented that you are entitled to. Details of this are available accommodation. If you are staying for longer than 6 from [email protected]

+ Living in North Wales Places to look for your home in North Wales

For enquiries on hospital accommodation or general advice on localities at any of the three sites contact Derek Blythin on: [email protected]

West Central East

Look in Penrhosgarnedd, Upper Look in Bodelwyddan, St Asaph, Look in Ruabon, Wrexham, Chester, Bangor, Y Felinheli, Menai Bridge, Rhuddlan, Trefnant, Colwyn Bay, Rhos Erbistock, Summerhill, Tilston. Beaumaris, Llanberis, Glasinfryn, on Sea, Llandudno, Deganwy, Conwy,

Pentraeth, Llanfairfechan, Conwy or , Chester.

Deganwy. .

Estate Agents: Estate Agents: Estate Agents:

Dafydd Hardy 01248 371212 LL Estates 01492 535222 Belvoir Lettings 01978 340030

Beresford Adams 01248 489218 Jones Peckover 01745 832240 Prescott Hall Lettings 01244 349012

North Wales Property 01248 371345 Williams Estates 01745 592616 Wingetts 01978 353553

Carter Jonas 01248 880921 REB letting 01745 590919 Temples Lettings 01244 347320

Accent 01248 680222 Accent Properties 01492 512705

Fletcher & Poole 01492 583100

Parc yr Odyn Cottages (Long and Short

term rentals) 01248 450566

+ Contact Details

Check the Welsh School of Anaesthesia website for regular updates and news: www.welshschool.co.uk

If you are on twitter follow @gas_NWales for information on teaching, courses, events. Feel free to use it as a forum for organizing social events and to share lifts to teaching, ARCP’s, South Wales, etc.

Welsh School of Anaesthesia / BCUHB

Specialist Training Programme Director Dr Sarah Harries: [email protected]

Core Training Programme Director Dr Caroline Evans: [email protected]

Deputy Programme Director Dr Mark Knights: [email protected]

Deputy Regional Adviser Dr D Maloney: [email protected]

Specialty Training Manager Lisa Bassett: [email protected]

BCUHB Human Resources [email protected]

Wrexham Maelor Anaesthetic Dept: 01978 725956

College Tutor Dr Harsha Reddy: [email protected]

Clinical Lead Dr Chris Littler: [email protected]

Admin / Rota Dr James Kenningham: [email protected]

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Anaesthetic Dept: 01745 448788 (Ext 6338)

College Tutor Dr James Dougherty: [email protected]

Clinical Director Dr Dilesh Thaker: [email protected]

Admin / Rota Esther Davordjie: [email protected]

Rota Consultant Dr Gardner-Thorpe: [email protected]

Ysbyty Gwynedd Anaesthetic Dept: 01248 384177

College Tutor Dr Simon Burnell: [email protected]

Clinical Director Dr Ian Johnson: [email protected]

Admin / Rota Karen Capon: [email protected]

+ Gweld chi cyn bo hir!

+ This booklet was designed and produced by Dr Mark Knights, with assistance from Dr Craig Beaton and junior doctors in North Wales who responded to an online survey. Its purpose is to assist doctors who are rotating to North Wales to find a new home and settle in. Last updated 7 July 2016

Estate agents, accommodation, and all other businesses that are mentioned in this guide have been recommended by doctors in good faith on an online survey. You should conduct your own research and evaluation before deciding on accommodation, etc. We cannot accept any liability for any loss sustained because of any business recommended in our guide booklet.

Please forward any corrections, feedback and suggestions to:

Dr Mark Knights, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.

[email protected]

@gas_Nwales