THE FOLLOWING FAQ ARE UNDER REVEIW.  PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHEME ADMINISTRATORS OR TRAINING PROGRAMME DIRECTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

What time is allocated to UES educational commitments in ST1?

for the academic trainee case only

out of a notional 10 session week

7 are clinical face to face
1 personal study
1 tutorial
1 GPST day release teaching

what we'd usually say is that for the most part, the 1 GPST day release teaching and 1 personal study session could and should be used for UEA academic activity, and that this would average out over the weeks.

This leaves (at a rate of 15 study leave days per 6/12) another 5 days that can be allocated to UEA academic activity

This would mean that in the GPST1 GP placement, the academic trainee could reasonably expect a total of 30 days maximum of study leave to encompass all UEA and/or other study leave and/or GPST day release attendance.

TPDs June 2017

 

 

How should academic trainee balalnce their Clinical commitments with their Academic commitments?

Academic trainees should spend 50% of their time in Clinical Practice and 50% of their time in Academia.

365 days - 104 weekend days = 261 days

261 - 8 bank holidays = 235 work days

253 - 25 days AL in ST3 = 228 owrk days - 10 days SL = 281 workdays

253 - 30 days AL in ST4 = 223 work days - 10 SL = 213 workdays

50% Clinical in ST3 = 218 Clinical sessions

50% Clinical in ST4 = 213 Clinical sessions

Over 2 years = 431 Clinical sessions = 43 weeks + 1 session

GP workign week is based on 10 sessions.

7 Clinical

1 Educational

1 independant learning

1 day release

43 x 7 = 301 Clinical sessions over 2 years

Some Practices combine educational and clinical sessions and so could calcualte no. of sessions in Practice based on 8 sessions or week.

43 x 8 = 344 sessions over 2 years.

A clinical session is 4 hours.

TPDs July 2017

 

 

What should the registrar do during their day in GP?  Do they need a tutorial?

Trainees should have a morning and afternoon surgery with appropriate debrief time. There is no requirement for a formal tutorial as they should receive this in the hospital based part of the post.

^{_{(TPDs June 2017)}}

 

 

How should leave or sickness be recorded, during a community post?

Annual Leave and other kinds of leave (unpaid, compassionate, parental) should be agreed by both the community post and host GP practice.

All leave, including sickness leave, should be reported to the GP practice and the training practice is responsible for recording this, and (for trainees starting from August 2013) forwarding this on to the lead employer i.e. St. Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust.

Trainees would be advised to ensure that their records regarding illness and leave are complete otherwise this can lead to delays at CCT, if it becomes apparent that further training time is required due to more than 2 weeks leave (other than annual leave) arising in a year period.

All leave apart from Annual and Study Leave should be recorded on form R and uploaded to the ePortfolio prior to the trainees ESR.

^{_{(st Jan 2014. updated st hm Nov15. updated TPDs June 2017)}}

 

 

Who are the clinical and eudcational supervisor(s) in Community based posts?

Generally the clinical supervisor is allocated by the community side of the posts.

The GP practice should allocated a named trainer or AT for overall clinical supervision whilst in practice and they may contribute to the ePortfolio through educators notes.

Generally the educational supervisor is whoever is educational supervisor prior to the arrival in that post who is usually the ES for all 3 years.

^{_{(st Jan 14. updated st hm Nov15. updated TPDs June 2017)}}

 

 

What day of the week should the trainee attend the GP placement?

This is negotiable between the GP practice and the community placement.

Ideally it would not be a Wednesday as this would result in the trainee only being in Practice once a fortnight due to Day Release teaching.

^{_{(st Jan 2014. updated st hm Nov15. updated TPDs June 2017)}}

 

 

How do I arrange leave when in community posts

Whilst is community (e.g. Comm Psych, Public Health) posts, GP Practice Placements, the GP practice is the over-arching employer. When you wish to book leave, you will need to ask permission for leave from both the GP practice and either the community post. Even if you will not be absent from the practice, you must keep St Helens and Knowsley, the lead employer, informed so that they may record the amount of annual leave taken, and avoid any potential delays to CCT if there were to be uncertainty about annual leave taken.​

_{^{(ST Nov15.  Updated TPDs Jul17)}}

I am doing extended training after the 3 year period - do I need to do OOH?

The ARCP panel will confirm whether you need to do further OOH shifts.  If your ES feels you that you have demonstrated competency in OOH you will not need to do further OOH shifts.  However, if your local educators feel that it would form an appropriate part of the learning plan to help you meet he required competencies, then it would be appropriate for you to do so.

 

 

Is there a even year limit for completion of GP training?

If you have a lot of time away from training e.g. with pregnancy, sabbatical, OOP experience or illness etc. you will be pleased to hear that there is no longer any time limit for validity for CSA or AKT, nor is there a seven year time limit for completion of training.

It is wise to keep up to date with any shifts in requirements for WPBA and the ePortfolio during this time.

_{^{(ST Jun11, reviewed Nov15. reveiwed TPDs Jun17)}}

 

 

I'm an extending trainee offered LTFT - can I do locum work?

Your contract as an extension trainee differs from that of a GPST1-3 and you may undertake locum work. You should consider if locum work is in your best educational interests and discuss with your Ed. supervisor.

_{^{(ST Aug15. Reveiwed TPDs Jun17)}}

 

 

I am an extension trainee and am re-sitting exams - do I need to attend day release? 

If you are an extension trainee re-sitting CSA then we would expect you to attend, as available, in order-

1: Group E (Extension Group) sessions as these are special sessions for this circumstance
2: Group C (Exam Phase) sessions if there is no Group E session
3: appropriate external CSA or comm skills courses on a day release day
4: any relevant Group Session you choose, if there is no Group C or E session

If there is no Group C or E session and you do not wish to attend another group session, you should discuss in advance suitable activities with the PDs. We may be able to fund actors, etc. There is also the option to work in Practice.

If you are an extension trainee re-sitting AKT only then we would expect you to attend, as available, in order-

1: Group D sessions
2: any relevant Group Session you choose, if there is no Group D session

If there is no Group D session and you do not wish to attend another group session, you should discuss in advance suitable activities with the PDs. We may be able to fund question practice materials, etc. There is also the option to work in Practice instead of attending Day Release.​

_{^{(ST Nov15.  Reveiwed Jun17)}}

To whom should cremation and other fees be paid in GP posts?

1: Any private fees or work performed during working hours (e.g. crem fees, patient medicals, private sicknotes, notifiable diseases etc.) are the property of the employing practice. It is suggested that registrars familiarise themselves with the practice fees and procedures for handling private monies during their induction. It is advisable that registrars, when seeking payment on behalf of the practice, request that monies are paid directly to the practice and preferably via a cheque made out in the practice name.

2: There are a minority of practices that operate a different policy, whereby all such fees are paid to the registrar. Registrars should then be aware that this generates them a personal tax liability which they alone are responsible for reporting and paying to HMRC.

_{^{(ST Oct13.  Nov15.  TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

How much leave am I entitled to in a GP placement?

The annual leave entitlement for a full-time doctor is as follows, based on a standard working week of five days:
a. On first appointment to the NHS: 27 days

b. After five years’ completed NHS service: 32 days.

These leave entitlements include the two extra-statutory days previously available in England under the 2002 Terms and Conditions of Service.

https://sharedservices.sthk.nhs.uk/lead-employer/policies-and-forms/

_{^{(HM Jan20)}}

 

 

What happens to my rota if I take maternity leave during a GP placement?

If you take maternity leave during a GP post, your planned future GP and hospital placement rota will alter. It is best to contact Hayley who will look at the rota and suggest rota possibilities.

HEE is obliged only to offer you appropriate training posts in approved jobs in either hospital or GP to make up a suitable onward rota. Norwich GPSTS aims to find appropriate jobs and GP placements within the Norwich scheme.

Please note that if you require extra time for whatever reason, the next person scheduled to any particular GP or hospital posting is not bumped from, or delayed into that posting.

Trainees are advised to join and remain members of the BMA during their GPST training, as they are a valuable source of advice regarding rights and responsibilities in this area.

_{^{(ST Feb09.  updated Oct13. Nov15)}}

 

 

What is the National GP Performers list and why do trainees have to be on it?

Medical performers may not perform NHS primary care services in England unless they are included in a national performers list held by NHS England. It is a requirement of your General Practice placement to be registered on the list as a trainee.

 

 

What happens if I take time off to care for a sick child or other emergency?

Employers are required to provide clear guidelines on the length of special leave for domestic reasons and whether it should be paid or unpaid. All employees, regardless of service length, have the right to reasonable time off work to deal with emergencies involving a dependant. Payment may be made by local agreement, but the expectation is that relatively short periods of leave for emergencies will be paid.

Circumstances when employees can take time off would normally include:

if a dependant falls ill or has been injured or assaulted

where a partner is having a baby (although this may be covered by paternity leave arrangements)

to make care arrangements for a dependant who is ill or injured

to make funeral arrangements or attend a funeral of a dependant

to deal with an unexpected disruption or breakdown in care arrangements for a dependant, e.g. when a childminder fails to turn up

to deal with an incident involving the employee's child during school hours, eg if a child has been involved in a fight or suspended from school.

It should be noted that such leave is for 'domestic emergencies' and so it would normally be expected to be for a very short period, probably not in excess of three consecutive days. The normal expectation is that other arrangements will be made by the employee after this period (which may include granting request for annual leave at short notice)

** Be aware that if more than 2 weeks absence in addition to annual leave accrues, then this will require an extension to training, and the completion of unscheduled change to training forms etc with the deanery

_{^{(GR Jul17)}}

 

 

I don't drive.  What are my responsibilities?

During the application process, you will have signed your name against the statement below:

I do not drive. Should it be necessary in the course of my training programme to provide domicilliary care and I have not yet obtained a full driving licence, I agree to provide a car and driver at my own expense so that I may fulfill this requirement.

_{^{(ST Sep10, reviewed Oct13.  Nov15.  TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

What happens if I would like time off to take a child/relative to a hospital or other non emergency appointment?

There is not entitlement for paid leave for these purposes.

Trainees should negotiate with their host practice, and it would normally be expected that this time is taken as either annual leave, or as unpaid leave. Practices may have their own policies on such leave, details of which are usually contained within the staff handbook isued to trainees at induction.

If you will be away from all/part of a Day Release day, then this must be advised in advance, and it would normally be expected that this time is taken as either annual leave, or as unpaid leave.

(other FAQs cover leave for emergency care for a relative or child and leave for the purposes of attending maternity care)​

_{^{(ST Oct13.  Nov15.  Jul17)}}

 

 

I can no longer drive.... what are my responsibilities?

If you have had your licence revoked on health grounds:

under the DDA you will need to negotiate with your practice some mechanism for doing home visits. This could be to take a share of the visits to which you can cycle or walk, or could be that you are allocated a 'ward round' at a residential home, and you are dropped/ collected or can take the bus.

If you have lost your licence for an offence/ totting up of points, etc.

you agree when you sign your contract with the deanery that in such a circumstance you are willing to provide yourself with a car and a driver, and must make an arrangement to that if you are on-call for the practice, or will have visit obligations that this is available to you.​

_{^{(ST Jan11.  Updated Oct13.  Nov15.  TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

I have been unwell and absent from work, what certificates should I supply to my employer/trust?

You should supply certificates to Southend as the Lead Employer and details regarding this can be found at

https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/gp_lead_employer

If the employing trust declines to accept an SC2 form, and requests you to obtain a private GP statement of illness, please discuss with the programme directors before embarking on this action.

You also need to inform your place of work or the GP Office if it is a teaching day.​

_{^{(ST updated Nov15.  Update TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

What is the snow policy?

Whether your GP placement is in central Norwich, or in deepest rural Norfolk, you can be affected by the snow.

Half of the Norfolk winters result in driving conditions that are very difficult. When the winter comes you should ponder how you will get to work in such conditions- is your car in good order and appropriately prepared? -have you factored in the extra time to clear your car of snow and ice? If you have a difficult driveway, might you be better parking on the street?

Some practices have a snow policy and you should familiarise yourself with this. If you do not feel confident about driving in the snow, might it be worth having a chat with the practice or your fellow trainees to see if you can get a lift with somebody in a large 4x4 vehicle?

If you are unable to get to work because of the snow, you should advise practices as soon as possible.

As speciality trainees you receive more than the statutory minimum of holiday, so if you are unable to get to work, the practice or hospital can determine that this day is taken as annual leave. The practice may also determine that this is a day of unpaid leave.

If you cannot go to work because you have children and the school is closed, then you should inform the practice or hospital as soon as possible. In law you have the right to short term unpaid leave to make alternative arrangements. If the school closure is prolonged, you would be expected to make arrangements to cover care for children and dependents​

_{^{(ST Feb13.  Updated Nov15. Reviewed TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

I'd like to move from my current training practice, is this possible?

If you would like to move training practice during a placement, this is our process

1: Can you resolve any issues that have developed in your current training practice? Discuss things with a trainer, practice manager, senior partner or associate trainer if you can.

2: Email Hayley advising of the issues and that you are looking to move practice

3: The programme directors and Hayley will look at the issues and consider meeting with you and/or the practice to see if there are things that can be resolved.

4: We will look at the rota and see if there are any training practices available that meet your needs. Sometimes practices cannot accommodate trainees even if the slot is listed as empty. Sometimes trainees will need trainers with particular skills, or we are aware of particular pressures within a practice that means that your needs can't be met by any given practice.

5: We will then write to the practice and see if they are willing to take you on. Practices do not have to accept any individual trainee to any placement, and may say no without giving any reason.

6: If the practice is willing to take you on, you will need to work your notice period with your current practice as per your contract.

7: If there is no suitable training practice vacancy locally, we are happy to approach the deanery and neighbouring schemes to see if there any GP training vacancies that they have that are suitable. It is sometimes possible to remain with the Norwich scheme in this instance.

8: It is also possible to request time out of programme through the deanery whilst waiting for a new training opportunity, although this is unpaid.

We would ask you to consider very carefully if a move is right for you. Often people following an exam failure feel like only a fresh start will enable them to move forward, but bear in mind that moving practices will mean that you will be spending 2 or 3 weeks familiarising yourself with a new practice and its systems, and this may not be to your advantage.​

_{^{(ST Fbe13.  Nov15. TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

May I do locum work whilst in a GP or hospital placement?

from the Gold Guide:

6.25 Before a training number is issued trainees will be required to indicate formally that they accept the Conditions of taking up a training post (Appendix 3). In addition, trainees awarded a training number should:

...
not undertake locum activities which compromise their training or make them non-compliant with Working Time Regulations
...

The Norwich Scheme requires you to inform the programme directors if you:
make an agreement with an employer to opt-out of the EWTD
are performing locum sessions in Hospital whilst in a GP placement
are performing locum sessions outside of your current speciality whilst in a hospital placement
are performing any locum sessions if you are a LTFT trainee​

_{^{(ST Oct13.  TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

Can I take time out from my GP placement to be an examiner at the UEA (or elsewhere)?

We encourage GPST to become assessors and examiners as part of post graduate professional development. You can do this under one of two arrangements;

1) You may take annual leave for this purpose, subject to agreement with your practice and trainer.

2) You may use a private educational study session(s) up to a maximum of two and a half days per year, which is the minimum required by the UEA. This is subject to the agreement of your practice and trainer.

We request that trainers giving authorisation for use of a private educational study or other practice time for this purpose email Hayley so that the scheme may monitor this activity and liase with the university.​

_{^{(ST Nov13. Nov15. TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

How do I get intouch with occupational health?

Whether you are working in Hospital, a community post or a GP post, occupational health is now covered by St Helens and Knowsley, the lead employer.

Information about referral, and referral forms are available at

https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/gp_lead_employer​

_{^{(ST Nov15. TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

Am I entitled to time off got my/my partner's antenatal appointments?

Fathers, partners and civil partners of a pregnant woman are entitled to unpaid time off during working hours to accompany her to 2 ante-natal appointments. This includes the intended parents if they're having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement.

There is no legal right to paid time off for antenatal appointments. However, employers may allow this time off with pay under the terms and conditions of employment, or allow employees to take annual leave, swap shifts or make up time.

Pregnant employees are entitled to reasonable time off with pay for antenatal care made on the advice of a registered medical practitioner.​

_{^{(ST Nov15.  TPDs Jul17)}}

 

 

Who do I tell about sick leave in GP posts? 

All leave, including sickness leave, should be reported to the GP practice and the training practice is responsible for recording this, and forwarding this on to the lead employer i.e. St. Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust.

It is also possible and advisable to directly report ill health leave to St H and K through the ESR system.

Trainees would be advised to ensure that their records regarding illness and leave are complete otherwise this can lead to delays at CCT, if it becomes apparent that further training time is required due to more than 2 weeks leave (other than annual leave) arising in a year period.

All leave apart from Annual and Study Leave should be recorded on form R and uploaded to the ePortfolio prior to the trainees ESR.

_{^{(TPDs Feb17)}}

How do I apply for an IDT

A form is available on the HEOE website:

see: http://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/nationalIDT

 

Can I swap a hospital post or GP post with another registrar?

Yes, but

1: if it is within 12 weeks of changeover, then no. Any swap requested within 12 weeks of changeover must be approved by the Head of School.

2: both parties must agree. You must both email TPDs and Hayley stating which posts you both agree to swap. It must be a straight swap.

3: the resulting programmes must be suitable for CCT, if the PDs deem otherwise, then no

4: any of the following may veto your proposal; medical staffing, the departments concerned, the programme directors, the deanery

_{^{(ST HM Nov13.  Update TPDs Jun17)}}

 

 

I have been summonsed for Jury Service, what does that mean for training?

Trainees may be called for Jury service. Some brief information is provided below.

When responding to a jury service summons, you would be advised to think carefully about any intended exam attempts and mark these dates down as unavailable.

https://www.gov.uk/jury-service

If any trainee as a result of any absence from training (including jury service) is absent for more than 2 weeks in a 12 month period they will require further training time.

(Updated TPDs Jun17)

Teaching attendance

Non attendance at teaching

Details of attendance at teaching in terms of percentage attended, authorised absence (work, sick, AL, nights etc), unauthorised absence etc. on to each registrars ePortfolio in the educators notes. Please be aware that you will have 1 week following a missed teaching session to contact Carol with the reason for non attendance. After this point it will be counted as an un authorised absence. You will not be chased to account for absence.

 

 

Lateness to teaching

Norwich GP Teaching – start time 09:00
If you arrive to teaching after 09:00 please come to the office to sign the register. You will be asked to wait until the 1st coffee break to enter the teaching rooms to avoid disrupting the speakers/presenters.
Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive for teaching as this does form part of your normal working week.
Lateness will be added to your ePortfolio. If you feel that you have a reasonable reason for your lateness please let us know and we will refer this to the Programme Directors.​