By Harkesh Chahal 21 st September 2011 GTVTS HDR teaching

Aims Study leave Examination leave What to use study leave for

Study leave Is intended to allow trainees to address areas of professional development relevant to their chosen career that will enhance the learning and experience from their training programme Is ‘courses or other learning activities to achieve the GP curriculum competencies required for CCT’

Study leave Excludes professional development focussed on post CCT work such as GPwSI status in a specialty or completing other qualifications commenced before starting the GP training programme The focus of study leave should be addressing learning needs rather than the acquisition of qualifications e.g. family planning skills would be appropriate but not necessarily via the DFSRH route

Study leave Where officially organised and suitable day release courses are available in the East Midlands, approval will not normally be given for attending courses outside the Region unless special circumstances exist Retrospective applications will not be considered

Study leave Funding is £500 per 12 month contract Therefore £325 left for those who went to Eastwood 30 days available per 12 month contract 20 days taken up by HDR teaching Therefore 10 days left Unused study leave cannot normally be carried over to a subsequent placement

Study leave Study leave time is defined within contractual arrangements with the employer Study leave funding is provided by the deanery through the programme The two should be considered separately and on occasions ‘non-funded’ study leave may be granted Leave available but no funds Day before exam

Study leave approval procedure GPSTR and Educational Supervisor identify learning needs and record in PDP on e-portfolio GPSTR identifies course which should fulfil that need GPSTR completes study leave form and submits to Office for approval along with course details and a copy of PDP (at least 6 weeks in advance) Leave approved and signed by PD GPSTR receives notification of approval by along with relevant reimbursement forms GPSTR will receive expenses after the course from East Midlands Deanery

Signatures required Clinical Supervisor or GP Trainer: Where: Study leave form Why: they agree this episode of study leave is appropriate for you Rota co-ordinator (for hospital posts): Where: Study leave form Why: your absence has been recorded and approval is given for your absence Educational Supervisor: Where: PDP Why: PDP has been reviewed and this episode of study leave contributes to an identified objective.

Successful application You will receive confirmation from the Office together with an expenses claim form All receipts or proof of payment and attendance must be attached to your claim form and forwarded to the Office All payments will be made by cheque or BACS A record of your study leave should be made in your e- portfolio Prompt payment of expenses may not be possible unless claims are received within 4 weeks of attending the course

Unsuccessful application You may appeal to Head of North West Academy (Dr Kevin Hill) to review the decision Appeal should be made within 5 working days of the receipt of the refusal to ensure that due process can still take place as regards leave planning

Examination Leave Examination fees are not reimbursable Examination leave will normally only be granted when an examination is taken as a natural culmination of an approved course of study or a stage of GP Training Examination leave will be approved with pay and expenses for the first two attempts at any one part of an examination. Salary, travelling expenses to the examination centre and subsistence may be paid but not examination fees Private study will not be covered by study leave except for one day prior to an examination

Category 1 study leave Mandatory CPR (Basic Life support & AED, or ILS) Child protection level 3

Category 2 study leave Core CSA preparation (basic deanery courses for all) Family planning (provided within deanery-we have to find provider-recommended to do in 2 nd year) Developmental paediatrics (3 days – 3 rd year) End of life care (2 days – 3 rd year) Leadership development framework

Category 3 study leave Relevant pre-CCT CSA additional course e.g. Deanery, RCGP or other after first fail AKT preparation (only after first fail) Cervical cytology – Deanery online theory module only

Category 4 study leave Relevant post-CCT Minor surgery training Cervical cytology ALS/ATLS

What to do? Anything you’re interested in RCGP courses Statistics & Critical Reading - £80 ENT for the GP curriculum - £165 Dermatology in Primary Care - £180 RCGP Annual Conference

Key points Use it or lose it Get forms in early (at least 6 weeks in advance)

References Study leave update - July 2011 (September 2011) Study Leave Application Process Study Leave Application Form Study Leave Flow Chart Study Leave Guidelines