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The North East Deanery lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The region includes Northumberland National Park, Teesdale, Weardale, as well as one of most beautiful, and under-visited, coastlines in the United Kingdom.


This is a five-year programme consisting of 6-monthly rotations, with the last year usually being a 12-month attachment for sub-specialist training. The programme combines a high-quality apprentice type surgical training with state of the art facilities and equipment.

The programme is well-recognised nationally, and our trainees are very successful in obtaining high-quality Consultant posts.

If you require further information email  Ishtiakul Rizvi (BSoT rep for this region)

Training Centres

You will normally spend two of your five years training in Newcastle. Most trainees live in the Newcastle area, and commute easily to outside placements.

The Training Programme Director for North East Deanery is Mr Mark Johnson, based at The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne. If you wish to contact the TPD, click here to send an email

Training Programme

You'll join a programme that delivers a traditional surgical education with plenty of hands-on operating. Our trainees’ logbooks show them to have a wide experience, with a high volume of supervised operating opportunities.

Over a five-year period, you'll rotate across four centres, participating in both elective and emergency urology with regular exposure to major surgery. For the ST7 year, you'll embark upon focused training to develop your sub-specialist skills.

All aspects of the Urology curriculum are covered including paediatric urology and transplantation. Robotic training is available for those who wish to develop an interest.


Teaching Programme

The FRCS Urol Friday teaching programme has been in place for over 15 years, and continues to prepare trainees well for the examination, with local pass rates among the highest in the country.

In 2012, a cadaveric, simulation, surgical skills programme was introduced at the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre. You'll take part in a comprehensive skills course over your five-year training period, which includes endourology, laparoscopic and open surgery using fresh-frozen human cadavers.


Research and Audit

You'll find several academic trainees on the rotation and a strong research culture. You'll be expected to take part in clinical research and audit throughout your training, and there are numerous opportunities to make a significant contribution. 


The Bottom Line

The North East consistently remains one of the most beautiful, vibrant, exciting and thriving places to live and work. From award winning parks and gardens to serene beaches and countryside, the region offers great natural beauty. It has a variety of entertainment, from cinemas to open air concerts, live music, and theatre shows.

Retail therapy has always been an important part of life in North East England and, as such, we boast one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, The Metrocentre Gateshead, which has over 330 stores, a cinema complex and food village. The region also offers boutique outlets and market towns that are treasure troves for antiques dealers.

In 2015, house prices in North East England were the lowest in the UK, averaging £21,000 cheaper than Yorkshire and Humber; and the more general cost of living was one of the lowest. 

It's really difficult for you and your family to beat all that ...

Click here to see contacts, hospitals and administrative information for this region

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