As soon as you know you plan to take time out of training, make sure you familiarise yourself with HEYH's SuppoRTT programme

Inform your ES and College Tutor of your upcoming absence, and arrange to meet your ES to discuss your anticipated needs upon your return. Common needs identified from our survey included: 1) a plan for returning to confidently performing cataract surgery,  2) support with regaining skills and confidence in emergency ophthalmology, i.e. acute/casualty clinics and out-of hours work, and 3) support with regaining skills and confidence in subspecialty areas (more applicable to senior trainees and TSCs). Consider what is likely to be most relevant in your case and make a pre-departure plan with your ES.

Make sure you complete the SuppoRTT Pre-Absence Form with your supervisor, ideally within 3 months of the start date of your time away, and upload a copy to your e-portfolio.

Start thinking about this in the final 3 months of your time away. For shorter periods of time out e.g. < 6 months, it would be prudent to make all arrangements before you step out of training, and send follow-up emails to relevant parties in your department about 8-10 weeks before your return date to confirm that plans are in place. 

Arrange a meeting with your educational supervisor, allowing adequate time for plans to be put in place (allow 8-10 weeks minimum for plans to be actioned).

• We have made a checklist that you can download, which lists all relevant points for you and your ES to review when discussing your return. See ES checklist in the documents at the bottom of this page.
• Draft a timetable with your ES to plan your adaptation period using the planning tool at the bottom of this page.This period is typically 4-6 weeks, but we encourage you to come up with an individualised plan with your ES. 
• Make sure you complete the SuppoRTT Initial Return meeting form with your ES and upload this to your portfolio.
• You will need the support of your ES and College Tutor, who will need to communicate with your department managers and admin teams to organise supernumerary clinics, buddied on-calls and theatre lists. Your ES can approach the SuppoRTT team if any additional resources are needed for you. 

Contact the Simulation Lead to organise wet-lab dates you are planning to timetable in to your adaptation period.

Contact HR, medical staffing and clinic managers confirming your return date and timetable needs.

Contact Occupational Health if relevant for you.

Arrange to join SuppoRTT generic courses (RTT-A)

Peer support: Connect with other returning trainees in your specialty, and speak to trainees who have experienced this before. If a number of you are returning at around the same time, you might be able to timetable wet-lab sessions/courses together.