Bewdley is a small town set in a lovely rural area, within easy commuting distance of either Birmingham or Worcester. The River Severn runs through the town. There are plenty of pubs and some very good restaurants. Kidderminster, with it’s large selection of shops, is only a five-minute drive away.

Bewdley Medical Centre has eight partners and a clinical assistant. It also has an adjoining health centre that houses district nurses and health visitors. This provides an amazing variety of learning experiences and the whole team is friendly and keen to help and support you during the year. You will have one main trainer, either Dr Simon Gates or Dr Penny Montandon, however all the staff get involved and like to take part in the training. You will have your own room and desktop computer. The practice is almost paper free and on your desk you have access to the Intranet and Internet with internal and external E-mail. If you start the year thinking Windows98 was a double glazing conference in Torquay, don't worry, you'll be given the opportunity to learn a vital new skill at your own pace. The practice has a library/common room and all the partners meet once a day for discussion of cases and reviewing mail (coffee and a chat).

The standard working day runs from 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. (It is unusual to overrun). Remember, if you are thinking of commuting from Birmingham, all the traffic is going the other way! You will have a half-day off once a week and also another afternoon at the local vocational training scheme. There is ample opportunity during most days for relaxation (I mean studying to meet an unmet learning need) and during the year taking time out for study leave is not a problem. The holiday entitlement is 6 weeks per year. You will be encouraged to take the MRCGP exam. The aim of the year in Bewdley is to take things at your own pace, building up to the working rate of a partner by the end of the year.

On call – We will be changing our on call commitment in line with the new contract and look forward to leaving our out of hours work behind us. Registrars will be expected to work the same out of hours commitment as a partner, but when we drop out of hours if it is deemed a learning need registrars we will attempt to provide some out of hours work for them

My favourite things about Bewdley have been; the friendly team spirit that welcomes you to work. The level of support I have received. The fact I now enjoy medicine again after the barren years in hospital. The area is a relaxed and hospitable place to practice. I would not hesitate to recommend Bewdley to another registrar, but you should not take my word for it - come and have a look. Phone Dr Simon Gates or Dr Penny Montandon on 01299 402157. Enjoy your year wherever you go!

Web page www.bewdleymedicalcentre.com