NNUH recognised nationally for excellence in obstetrics training
We have been recognised nationally for the quality of our obstetrics training and trainee experience.
Our Obstetrics and Gynaecology department has been recognised in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Trainee Evaluation Form (TEF) Awards 2026, receiving the Winner Award for Obstetrics and being Highly Commended in the Overall, Professional Development, Gynaecology and Most Improved categories in the large hospitals category.
The award recognises excellence in postgraduate education and training from the perspective of resident doctors. The TEF survey collects detailed feedback from trainees across the UK on the quality of supervision, educational opportunities, workplace culture, leadership, professional development and overall training experience. This year’s results reflected a significant improvement in our training environment and recognised the sustained efforts of the department to enhance trainee experience.
Feedback highlighted several strengths. Trainees described obstetric training as high quality, supportive and well supervised, with excellent exposure to complex cases and procedural opportunities. The survey also recognised the department’s positive educational culture, highlighting approachable trainers, strong mentorship, effective local teaching and opportunities for professional development. Trainees reported improvements across all indicators compared with previous years and described the training environment as stronger, more structured and more positive than before.
Thomas Gray, Consultant Urogynaecologist and RCOG College Tutor, said: “The recognition follows a period of intensive work to improve training within the department. Earlier this year, NHS England carried out a formal educational quality review following concerns raised by trainees in 2024-25. The review found that trainees felt their concerns had been listened to and that meaningful action had been taken. It also highlighted areas of good practice, including a supportive departmental culture, strong obstetric training, active trainee engagement and ongoing opportunities for residents to provide feedback through rota drop-ins and meetings with educational leaders.
“While the TEF results celebrate these achievements, they have also provided valuable insight into areas where further improvements can be made. The award demonstrates that changes implemented over the past 18 months are making a genuine difference for trainees and patients, while reinforcing our commitment to continued improvement.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition and what makes this award particularly special is that it is based on feedback from our trainees themselves. It reflects the tremendous commitment of our consultants, resident doctors, SAS doctors, midwives, nurses, administrative teams and educators who have worked together to create a supportive learning environment. We have focused heavily on listening to trainees, responding to concerns and embedding education at the centre of what we do.
“While we are delighted that our obstetric training has been recognised nationally, we remain committed to improving all areas of women’s health training. Ultimately, investing in training means investing in the future workforce and delivering better care for women and families across Norfolk and Waveney.”
The department has also seen substantial improvements in trainee satisfaction in recent years, with trainees reporting strong supervision, a positive workplace culture, excellent obstetric training opportunities and increasing opportunities for autonomy, leadership development and research involvement.