London Deanery has contacted all Ophthalmology trainees via email asking them to validate the information we hold on them. They have been asked to do this via the Deanery's professional interactive website that supports postgraduate medical education, Synapse.

As part of our responsibility under the Data Protection Act, all London Deanery trainees are required to periodically validate the information we hold.

This exercise is for all training number holders and the exercise should approximately 15 minutes. The deadline for all submissions is no later than 8am on Monday 15 March 2010.

To log into Synapse visit - http://www.synapse.nhs.uk/

For any technical issues, please email websupport@londondeanery.ac.uk with your full name, GMC number and date of birth.

For any other questions, not related to technical issues, please refer to our 'Frequently Asked Questions' below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.) Why is London Deanery collecting this data? Will you need to do so again at a later date?

This is a routine exercise to ensure we have the most up-to-date details on all London Deanery trainees, conducted in line with the Data Protection Act and provides an opportunity for you to correct any inaccuracies in the data we hold.

2.) I have already provided the Deanery with information on my professional achievements, why do I need to do this again?

Some Schools may have previously collected information on professional achievements, however we will now be collecting these through Synapse in a standardised way.  This information will be held by the Deanery and you will be able to add to it year on year.  This information will also be available to your training programme directors and Head of School in advance of your ARCP/RITA. This information is invaluable in explaining why we believe we train excellently and in protecting posts in London/KSS training programmes.

3.) I can’t register with Synapse, what should I do?

If it is a technical issue contact the Synapse team on websupport@londondeanery.ac.uk with your full name, GMC number and date of birth.

4.) I’m having technical problems with using the site, what should I do?

Contact the Synapse team on websupport@londondeanery.ac.uk and provide a comprehensive description of the issues.

5.) Is Synapse a secure website?

Yes, Synapse is an entirely secure site and every page has been encrypted. It has also been security tested and only registered users can access the site.

6.) In the ‘professional achievements’ section my exam doesn’t appear in the drop down list – how can I add it?

We are currently only collecting information on exams that are a requirement of your training. However if you would like further information added to your file you can email us at MWFvalidation@londondeanery.ac.uk

For all other enquiries please contact the London Deanery Medical Workforce team on MWFvalidation@londondeanery.ac.uk.

For any technical queries relating to Synapse, please contact websupport@londondeanery.ac.uk

We aim to respond to all queries within 48 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays) between the hours of 9am and 5pm.