Travel to Location
By Car:
Will take 1-1.5 hrs up the A10. Parking permits are available, but be careful as there are super-keen parking inspectors who enjoy giving parking fines if you're not parked in exactly the right place.

By Train:
Direct train to King's Lynn every hour, with travel time ~50 minutes. More expensive on Monday mornings, as you can't buy a saver return ticket. Best to travel late on Sunday night and come back on Friday evening. From the station you can walk or cycle to the hospital, which is just over 2 miles away. If cycling, look at a map beforehand and follow the main roads. Don't use the cycle pathways as that takes longer and is more likely to get you lost. Alternatively, go to the nearby bus station (~200m) to get a bus to the hospital. If getting the bus, you'll need the number 42. The buses should be heading for 'Fairstead Estate' and are currently being operated by 'First'. They drive into the hospital site. Bus is unreliable though (especially at rush hour). Another option is a taxi from the station to the hospital – will cost £6-7.


Accommodation
The accommodation flats are on the main hospital site. They are 4 bedroom flats with reasonable kitchens (cutlery, crockery, pots, pans and kettle are provided). You may want to take your own kettle, as the ones there are not all in good shape. You'll probably also need to clean whatever equipment you want to use, as it tends to be left dirty. A few kitchens have toasters and microwaves, but for those that don't these appliances are available at the Doctors’ Mess.
You might get a shower, but if not then you’ll need one of those shower adaptors if you don't want to have baths instead. Each flat also has its own toilet.
Duvets, blankets and towels are provided, though you should take your own sleeping bag/duvet in the winter. A few people have reported bed bugs, with some complaints of being bitten by insects overnight (minority). Check the mattress before going to sleep…!
Overall the rooms are basic and a little run down, but generally clean and a decent size. No internet access (wired or wireless) from the accommodation block.
If you have any problems with your room, go visit the accommodation manager – he’s friendly and efficient.


Hospital Facilities
There is a cashpoint in the hospital, but it might charge you so it's sensible to bring cash for the week with you. There's a post box and small newsagent in the hospital.

Doctors' Mess
Doctors' Mess has a kitchen with free tea/coffee, cereal and toast. Also equipped with toaster and microwave. There is Sky TV and a pool table. Also notices for night outs etc. are posted at the Mess. Overall, very nice!

Food
Free lunches on Thursday and Friday with lunchtime talks. The main staff canteen is open at lunchtime but closes at 4pm. Food pretty cheap with badge (think meal and dessert for well under £3 if you make the right selections). A small café near the main entrance is open until late, but it looks grim and the food it serves is even grimmer. Quite limited choice of meals. Steer clear! Best option is to take a bus ride or 20 minute walk back towards town and stock up from Tesco/Aldi, then cook for yourself. Be careful on your own late at night on the road into King’s Lynn – it’s a bit dodgy!

Library
Open 24 hours. Conveniently attached to the Mess, with 8 computers for internet access etc. Usually in high demand at lunchtimes and in the evening. There is a good range of books. Friendly, helpful staff, though not the quietest place to study during the day if the librarians are chatting amongst themselves!

Gym
Hospital has some sort of small gym/leisure centre, to which you can gain access if a member signs you in. Students aren't allowed to join though.


Local Amenities
Shopping
The nearest shops are in Gayton (about a mile from the hospital on the way into town). As well as a butcher, baker and several take-aways, there is a medium-sized Tesco, which is open until midnight (good bargains around 9pm!) There is a large Morrison's store next to the railway station.

Going Out
Hospital is ~2.5 miles from town centre. Not much in the town, but there is a small cinema. A reasonable pub is located 15 minutes from the hospital in the direction of town. Taxi into town from the accommodation is £4 - bargain if a few of you want a night out/shopping (Wetherspoons in town, 'The Globe', is very cheap and quite nice).


Teaching
Ob&Gyn – You will be attached to a consultant and expected to introduce yourself to them early on. You should preferentially attend their theatre sessions and ward rounds. However, there is plenty else to do in terms of ante-natal clinics, theatre and gynae clinics. Clinic staff wonderfully friendly. Midwives on delivery unit are quite friendly, but I suggest you need to hang around there in order to see deliveries. I tried to get away with asking them to bleep me, because I wanted to do other things, but this was largely unsuccessful.

Paediatrics – Great team of experienced paediatricians. Lots of opportunities to be involved with the firm and get really "stuck in". Paeds clinics take place in the Roxburgh centre – 2-3 clinics each afternoon so plenty of opportunity to see lots of "bread and butter" paeds. Also some "outreach" clinics at Wisbech and specialist clinics (neuro, renal, cardiology) with visiting consultants. There is specific medical student teaching with the consultants – they expect you to teach each other by presenting topics and cases.

Several teaching sessions happen each week – you can join in with the SHO and departmental teaching.


Overall
All the staff at the hospital are really friendly. Since there are only a few students here, staff (and patients) are generally pleased to see you!