Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has introduced dedicated on-call parking spaces for resident doctors at one of its main sites, with plans to roll this out to 5 more locations.

It’s part of a highly practical approach to making day-to-day working conditions better for resident doctors. On-call facilities have been upgraded so that resident doctors have access to hot food and lockers 24/7 at each main on-call site, and kitchens with microwaves, hot water, tea and coffee when working extended hours.

And the wider working environment is being improved. Each main trust site has a dedicated resource room, with space to relax and study, and access to kitchen and shower facilities. The aim is to provide a more supportive and practical working environment during busy shifts.

Training and development are also being addressed. There’s a focus on reducing unnecessary repetition in mandatory and statutory training and resident doctors can complete elements of their training flexibly, including from home during inductions. They can schedule protected self-directed learning time with their consultant clinical supervisors and dedicated training space is available either on site or at the 4 Kent libraries where all resident doctors have membership.

There’s also clearer leadership and accountability, with a named senior leader responsible for resident doctors’ issues and a resident doctor peer representative reporting to the board.