A health trust will continue to keep its doctors up to their PACES – after becoming one of the first in the country to run a new format of the clinical exams.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has hosted the postgraduate clinical exam (PACES) for doctors working towards membership of the Royal College of Physicians for several years.
The exams, which test the knowledge and skills of trainee doctors aiming to enter higher specialty training, has changed format – with the trust being among one of the first to host this.
Ben Prudon, respiratory consultant and PACES host examiner said: “We are proud to have hosted these exams for many years.
“Over this time we have built up significant standing nationally – so much so that we were formally recognised by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh as being able to provide these exams through the most difficult COVID pandemic period, where many other sites closed.
“The exam has continued to evolve since first developed. New changes make it more in keeping with modern clinical practice and is thought to be fairer to trainees.
“This is testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved – including the medical and education team who help organise.
“We are also forever thankful to the patients who give up their time to assess with this vital exam.”