The attractions and lifestyle of Pembrokeshire provide the perfect environment for spending three years in general practice training. Pembrokeshire, with its renowned National Park and 190 miles of Coastal Path is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Pembrokeshire offers sandy beaches (over 50 to chose from and no other area has so many Blue Flag beaches, Green Coast awards or Seaside Awards), a spectacular coastline, the rolling Preseli Hills and an impressive range of recreational activities; climbing, diving, surfing and windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and water sports, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching, horse riding, walking and golfing. Pembrokeshire boasts its own Fun Park at Oakwood, which attracts thousands each year (home to Europe's largest wooden frame roller coaster - awesome!), 7 leisure centres, offering facilities for racquet/ball sports and fitness gym, 7 swimming pools, 2 Theatres and 3 Cinemas.

We are close to the Rosslare and Fishguard ferry crossing to Ireland and over the years we have developed a strong Celtic link. Farming and Public Services provide the major employment and the area holds an increasing number of retired people. However, during the Summer months the population expands up to six fold from 120,000 in the Winter. Pembrokeshire is split geographically by the Milford Haven waterway in the South and the Presceli Hills in the North. Between the two there runs a theoretical line called the Landsker. North of this line is often Welsh speaking, while South of the Landsker the people are of Norman, Flemish and mixed origins, predominantly English speaking. The Pembrokeshire Vocational Training Scheme is committed to supporting GP Registrars/SHO Trainees in their educational development:

• Through the 3 year "protected" GP half-day release course and locally held Minor Surgery, Child Health Surveillance and Family Planning courses
• Through the MRCGP examination preparation programme led by our highly enthusiastic RCGP tutor and examiner
• Through our excellent GP Trainers and high quality Training Practices
• Through close working relationships with our Consultant colleagues

There are 6 rotational posts per year and we offer a mixture of 5 GP training practices, with the hospital SHO posts based at Withybush General Hospital. Withybush General Hospital is based in the County Town of Haverfordwest, which sits at the head of a tidal estuary, which at its seaward end passes through the sheltered waters of the Milford Haven waterway. The hospital is situated within a ten minute walking distance to the main shopping area. We experience excellent partnerships with hospital Consultants through our trainer/consultant teams, Regular discussion takes place regarding core curriculum and other educational issues and attendance at the study afternoon is supported by Consultants.