Sheffield GPSTP Scheme Rules

It is important for all GPStRs to note that appointment to the Sheffield GP Training Programme should be taken very seriously. We are associated with all training practices in Sheffield and a large number of training posts in the hospitals. Although a month's notice is customarily all that you need in order to resign from a post at this grade in the NHS, membership of the scheme is a different matter.

We have a responsibility to provide continuity of doctors for all our posts, and last minute resignations by GP Registrars give the Scheme a very bad reputation.

Alteration to Programmes

Acceptance of a place on the programme is acceptance of a 3 year training programme.

It may be necessary to alter the individual posts offered on an individual programme as post availability and the rules related to certification and approval of posts change. We will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate individual needs and preferences but it may not be possible to meet all such requests.

The programme has a high percentage or people on Less Than Full time Training (LTFTT) programmes. If your circumstances change and you wonder if you need to change to LTFTT you should initially discuss this with your Educational Supervisor and Linda Latif at the GPSTP Office. You must also apply to the Deanery - full information is available at:

www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/policies/less_than_full_time

The timing and availability of LTFT hospital posts is outside the control of the programme and occasionally there may be gaps between these.

Slot shares of vacant full time hospital posts will be arranged for LTFT trainees.

Failure to take up a Post/Resignation from the Programme

Failure to take up or resignation from an individual post on the training rotation is effectively resignation from the programme as a whole.

Applicants who have previously completed part of a UK GP training programme/GP training programmeand resigned or been released will not be considered unless in extraordinary circumstances and they have a letter of support from either the PG Dean or GP Director of the Deanery in which they worked.

Unpaid time out of programme is possible and requires the approval of the Postgraduate Dean. This needs to be planned well in advance and applications must be submitted 12 months in advance - full information is available at:

http://www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/general_practice/trainees/special_arrangements/

Attendance at Day Release

Attendance at the Day or Half Day Release training is expected of all trainees. Reasons for absence must be notified to the GPSTP Office and the relevant Programme Director(s) as soon as possible. You are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the total number of expected sessions in any training period.

Participation is expected in the release programme. It is understood that not all members of the programme will participate in the same way, but avoidance of involvement is not compatible with effective learning on the programme and will be discussed.

Locum Work

Registrars are generally advised not to undertake any Locum work whilst they are in training. This is a training programme, and time needs to be spent on study. Some registrars need extra support during their training, and some need extensions to their time in practice, notably if they fail MRCGP. Any registrar who does locum work in addition to their normal post may no longer be eligible for an extension to their training for whatever reason.

However if a trainee thinks that doing locum work will not compromise their training and the trainee is making satisfactory progress then they can choose to do this. Their Clinical Supervisor, ES and the GPSTP office should be informed. They should also inform their employer: trust if in hospital post, GP trainer if in practice.

The trainee should ensure that the additional work must not put them in breach of EWTD either the total hours or rest time regulations.

Assessment and Revalidation

Members of the programme are expected to participate fully in the assessment processes of the programme. (This will regularly include their own formative assessment and reviews of training by the educational and clinical supervisors and the GPSTP Programme Directors but may also from time to time include assessment and feedback about their trainer or clinical supervisor or the programme.)

It is a requirement of the programme (and the NHS) that trainees take part in the revalidation process. Information can be found at:

www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/the_deanery/revalidation.aspx