Sussex NHS Trust’s anaesthetics team ranked among the best in the country for doctor training
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's anaesthetics department has been recognised as one of the best places in the country for doctors to train, following outstanding results in the 2026 General Medical Council (GMC) National Training Survey.
The survey, completed annually by doctors in training across the UK, measures their experiences of supervision, teaching, teamwork, facilities, rota design and workplace culture. It is one of the most important independent assessments of postgraduate medical education.
The Trust's anaesthetics department achieved exceptional results, ranking in the top 10 overall and second nationally for facilities and handover.
Within the GMC's National Anaesthetics Programme Group, the department ranked third in the country overall and first in key areas for doctors in training including facilities, rota design, educational and clinical supervision as well as out of hours supervision.
Dr Sarita Sochart, Associate Director of Medical Education at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "These results reflect the dedication of the entire anaesthetics team, who work every day to create a supportive, inclusive and high-quality learning environment.
“They are particularly meaningful because they come directly from our trainees, providing an independent assessment of their experience working and learning at SASH.”
Andrew Hines, Chief Executive said: "Strong training environments don't happen by chance. “They are built through excellent supervision, strong teamwork, effective teaching and a culture where people feel valued and able to speak up. We are incredibly proud of what our anaesthetics colleagues have achieved."
Dr Ravi Kumar, Anaesthetics College Tutor said: “We place emphasis on our pastoral care to be an employer of choice for doctors in training. We listen and put in place small things that make a big difference, such as a fridge for breast milk, and flexible schedules.
“The results reinforce the Trust's reputation as an employer of choice for doctors in training and demonstrate its commitment to developing the NHS workforce of the future.”
The department also received six GMC ‘above benchmark’ outlier ratings, recognising performance significantly better than the national average. There were no red or amber flags in any area of the survey, and this is a significant achievement.