Help choosing between local trust grade or GPST in Derriford
Hi all,
As the title suggests, I'm in a bit of a conundrum. I've been offered a GPST job at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, but I've also got a job offer for a trust grade position at my current workplace (for context, IMG without ILR/right to work/stay, currently F2, in foundation training therefore in priority group).
I'm not planning on continuing past GPST1, as I'm definitely interviewing for IMT this year.
There's a few pros and cons to each, so I thought I might outsource a bit of thinking to the hive.
Pros of GP:
- Guaranteed training pathway (I need a visa) for next 3 years, in worst case scenario could possibly continue on to GPST2.
- Protected teaching time etc. and all the perks that come with actually being in training
- Decent salary given the extra "shortage" bonus
- 12 months of only hospital work in ST1, in specialties I've not worked in before.
- It's closer to my partner who's studying in Devon
Cons of GP:
- It's quite far from my current location, would require a decent upheaval of my current life, since I've built decent relationships with staff at my current workplace.
- Leading off from the previous, I'm not a very sociable person and it would be an effort to build new relationships with a whole new set of people at the new workplace.
- I'm only planning on sticking around for ST1 and dipping because I really can't imagine doing anything other than hospital medicine, and I'm a bit afraid and nervous as to how well that would be taken by supervisors.
- I've not heard the best things about Derriford, if someone could tell me more about the systems eg. prescribing (paper or electronic), staffing levels, how friendly people are and the general vibe in ED and medicine.
Pros of Trust Grade:
- I get to stay where I am, no headache with moving/claiming expenses
- Leading off from previous, I'm familiar with the area and all the senior staff, and could more easily get projects and other extra stuff done to support my IMT application.
- Reasonably supportive bunch of consultants
Cons of Trust Grade:
- All the shit that comes with being thrown on a gen med/geris ward, including being pulled off to fill out any rota gaps as and when needed
- Lower salary compared to GP
-Only 1 year guaranteed visa (although I've heard it's not difficult to renew)
- No proper guaranteed teaching/study time, generic trust grade problems
If people could tell me how Derriford is and any personal experiences regarding being in a similar situation I'd be incredibly grateful, thank you!
(Throwaway account to try maintain some semblance of anonymity)