30th July 2026
The Southern Trust Medical Education Team is delighted to welcome 59 new Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors who have begun their period of work shadowing before taking up their first posts as resident doctors across Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals.
The new cohort was officially welcomed to the Trust by Mr Simon Gibson, Assistant Director; Dr Debbie Cullen, Foundation Programme Director and Kelly Wylie, Senior Medical Education Manager, who wished the doctors every success as they embark on the next stage of their medical careers.
Work shadowing is an invaluable opportunity for new doctors to become familiar with the clinical environment, meet colleagues and gain practical experience alongside current FY1 doctors before assuming responsibility for patient care.
The comprehensive induction programme has been designed to equip new colleagues with the essential knowledge and skills required for a safe and successful transition into practice. The programme includes IT onboarding, encompass training, resuscitation training, pharmacy and antimicrobial stewardship, IV fluid management, haemovigilance training and supervised work shadowing with current Foundation Year 1 doctors.
In addition, the new FY1 doctors will participate in simulation-based training, focusing on the assessment and management of deteriorating patients, out-of-hours prioritisation and escalation of care. These realistic scenarios are designed to build confidence, strengthen clinical decision-making and prepare doctors for the challenges they may encounter during their first on-call shifts.
The Southern Trust is committed to providing a supportive learning environment, ensuring resident doctors have access to high-quality education, training and pastoral support throughout their Foundation Programme.
We extend a warm welcome to our new Foundation Year 1 doctors and wish all 59 every success as they begin this exciting and rewarding chapter in their careers. We look forward to supporting them throughout their first year in the Southern Trust.