GP Training
The Scheme aims to help registrars acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes required for modern General Practice. We encourage participants to take responsibility for their own learning in training posts and GPSTP groups.
The scheme offers a wide variety of hospital posts and general practice placements. Half-day and day release programmes complement these.
In Sheffield there are two pathways for training in General Practice which are commonly followed by GP Registrars:
Full-time Training
The scheme offers 3 year rotations for doctors. Normally new entrants start in general practice for their first 6 months, however because of availability of posts, or because of the registration requirements for some doctors, we sometimes start people off in a suitable hospital post.
These are advertised in November/December of each year via the National Recruitment Office for GP Training website, and selection centres are held in February/March to start training in August.
Less Than Full Time Training
Less Than Full Time (LTFT) training, previously called flexible or part-time training, is a well established feature of the Sheffield Scheme. Doctors choose LTFT training for a variety of reasons, including family commitments or health reasons.
Training may extend over 6 or 7 years and current regulations are that LTFT training is at 50% of whole time in ST1 and 2 with the option to increase to 60% in ST3.
Trainees wishing to change from full to LTFT training must notify the Sheffield GPSTP Office and submit an application form to the South Yorkshire Locality Office of the Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery. Full information is available on the Deanery website at:
www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/general_practice/trainees/part_time_training.aspx
We have a few trainers/training practices which specialise in taking LTFT trainees. Please note however that these trainers are themselves LTFT, and so work on certain days of the week. This can mean that for your first GP placement, where there may only be one part time training vacancy available, there is less flexiblity on which days of the week you will be working.
Hospital posts can be arranged in most specialties. This will be a slot share where possible, or a supernumerary post arranged via the South Yorkshire Locality Office.
If you require any more information about part time training, please contact Anne Murdoch at the South Yorkshire Locality Office on 0114 226 4409 or