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NHS CESR Applications for Haematology Consultants 

• February 12, 2020

In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on documents to be supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Haematology with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR.

What is CESR in Haematology in the NHS?

As a Haematologist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in Haematology in the NHS. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more.

Do I need MRCP or FRCPath in Haematology to attain CESR in Haematology?

No, but whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP, or FRCPath, or both (you may have already attained either of these by ways of registering with the GMC) you do not require MRCP or FRCPath in Haematology to attain CESR in Haematology.

Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP(UK) and FRCPath in Haematology. 

What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Haematology?

The indicative period of training for a CCT in Haematology is seven years and it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time.

This training consists of the following:

• 2 years in Core Medical Training OR 
• Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR

AND 

• Five years training in Haematology

Therefore, CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas. For a complete list of competencies refer to the Haematology Curriculum documentation.

Submitting Evidence:

Do not submit original documents – this is very important.

All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).

It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence.

How much evidence should you submit?

The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence.

The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Haematology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail.

If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere. 

The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here.

It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence. 

The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below:

Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.

Make sure to anonymise your evidence:

It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following:

• All patient identifying details
• Details of patients’ relatives
• Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes:
  • names (first and last)
  • addresses 
  • contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses
  • NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers
  • GMC numbers

In Summary:

If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Haematologists looking to work as NHS Consultants in Haematology.