Clinical attachments

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) are pleased to offer clinical attachment placements at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital. A clinical attachment is a short term unpaid placement for a qualified doctor who needs experience of the NHS. This is an observer role only and the doctor doing a clinical attachment will not have direct patient contact or take on any responsibility. Clinical attachments are available for the following:

  • Doctors who have qualified abroad and would like to gain some experience of UK culture and the NHS
  • Doctors returning to practice following a break (eg maternity leave or ill health)
  • Doctors requesting experience of a particular specialty to aid career choice

ESHT gives priority to high calibre doctors who have an intention to apply for a vacant position in the Trust. However, please note that doing a clinical attachment does not automatically secure a position at the Trust.

In accordance with Home Office recommendations, attachments are limited to a maximum of 4 weeks.  Only one attachment per person is permitted.

Please Note: 

If you wish to apply for a clinical attachment at ESHT you will first need to find a Consultant Supervisor who will be willing to supervise and support you whilst at ESHT. Following this either you or your Clinical Supervisor may apply for a clinical attachment. If this information is not included, your application will be rejected.

Due to the large volume of requests we receive for clinical attachments, we cannot guarantee a place for you as places are limited. You may have to be put on a waiting list even if you have found a consultant supervisor and provided the required documents. 

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, please assume your application has not been successful.

The Clinical Attachment Application Form can be found by clicking here: Clinical attachment Form:

Send your Application Form to : esht.clinicalattachments@nhs.net

Thank you for your application. Due to the large volume of requests we receive for Clinical Attachments, we cannot guarantee a place for you as places are limited.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, please assume your application has not been successful.

Occupational Health

If you have a medical condition for which adjustments are required to enable you to carry out your placement, you must inform the Medical Education Department in advance of your placement.

Information will be given to you on starting your placement as to actions to take in the event of you sustaining a needle-stick injury or body fluid exposure.

Please contact the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Department if you develop any of / or a combination of the symptoms listed below:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained fever, particularly at night
  • Unexplained breathlessness or persistent chest pain
  • Unexplained cough lasting longer than three weeks, especially if you are producing sputum

Fees

If your Clinical Attachment Application is successful, an administration fee of £50 will be payable before your arrival.  Payment details will be sent with your confirmation letter.

Accommodation (once you have an Attachment agreed)

If your clinical attachment is agreed, we will provide you with contact details for our accommodation officers at Eastbourne DGH and Conquest Hospital, Hastings who will be able to advise you of availability of hospital accommodation and fees.

Further Information

Clinical Attachment Guidance from GMC
Useful links: Clinical attachments (bma.org.uk)