To maximise experience, Higher Specialty training is carried out across both Maidstone Hospital and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. Maidstone Hospital provides elective care for complex Colorectal, Gynaecological oncology, Urology and Upper GI surgery. The Tunbridge Wells Hospital acts as a level two trauma centre. All emergency surgery is performed on this site in a state-of-the-art facility. Learning opportunities here are huge and the success rate at FRCS III, CCT accreditation and consultant placement are extremely high.

Overview:

• Breast Training: Held at Peggy Wood Centre at Maidstone Hospital attached to the Breast and Onco-plastic Department. The unit is equipped with every possible facility expected of a major cancer centre and is pioneering research into “micro-bubbles”. Trainees are exposed to every aspect of the management of benign and malignant breast disease in one of the best-equipped and staffed units in the UK
• UGI Training: All aspects of Specialist Upper GI surgery are covered including minimally invasive oesophageal and gastric resections, complex redo reflux surgery, complex laparoscopic hernia repairs, advanced laparoscopic biliary and splenic surgery and advanced endoscopic techniques including endoscopic mucosal resections. The unit is at the forefront of laparoscopic and minimal access surgery.
• LGI Training: All aspects of colorectal surgery are covered from Laparoscopic resections, pelvic floor conditions, complex IBD and pouch surgery, bowel screening, salvage anal cancer surgery, TEMS and ELAPE surgery. This is the tertiary referral unit for Oncology and complex benign surgery for Kent and East Sussex.
• Hospitals: Two dedicated 28 bed surgical wards at Maidstone along with a ward taking 23 hour and day-case patients. 30 dedicated emergency surgical beds (single occupancy rooms) at Tunbridge Wells with a surgical assessment unit backed up by a dedicated emergency surgical operating theatre. Both sites are also supported by ICU/HDU units.