The West Midlands rotation allows access to a vast array of clinical experience and expertise of trainers in all fields of haematology. The Deanery has a number of large University teaching hospitals and a transplant centre as well as a number of district general hospitals. These give haematology trainees experience of both tertiary centre and district general cardiology across a diverse and multicultural population. 

The West Midlands haematology programme is able to deliver training in Paediatric Haematology with a 3 year programme in Birmingham Children’s Hospital and 2 years in the adult rotation. There is limited capacity and it is advised you discuss potential opportunities prior to application.

The specialist training programme in the West Midlands involves rotational appointments that include:

• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust (Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Heartlands Hospitals in Birmingham),
• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in Coventry,
• New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton,
• University Hospitals of the North Midlands in Stoke Upon Trent,
• Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley,
• Worcestershire Royal Hospital,
• City Hospital Haemoglobinopathies Unit,
• Birmingham Children’s Hospital

The West Midlands is a geographically vast area and training centres are spread out and trainees usually undertake training in limited blocks of 3 or 4 hospitals to limit re-location whilst ensuring that the trainee covers all aspects of the haematology curriculum with around 3 years in Birmingham hospitals and the others in regional Trusts. Placements are discussed with trainees and individual geographical and training requirements can usually be met.

Most trainees will expect to spend 6 months at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and 3 months minimum in a specialist haemoglobinopathies centre. At least 1 year of training is at University Hospitals Birmingham with opportunity to be involved in Transplant and haemophilia regional services. This gives amazing breadth of experience as well as potential to tailor training towards specialist interests.

The experience and expertise of the Consultant trainers in the West Midlands and their enthusiasm for teaching is always evident in all centres. Some aspects of delivery over recent years have included innovative ‘Whats App’ based tutorials for transfusion.

Wherever possible individualised training needs and aspirations are supported and trainees have been able to undertake a variety of additional qualifications and fellowships, for example in medical education.

Page Last Updated 18th November 2020