Am I eligible to access the SuppoRTT programme?
Access to SuppoRTT in the South West is available to all resident doctors in the region who are planning to take, or are already on, an approved period of time out of training for one or more of the following reasons:
• Parental leave exceeding 3 months
• OOPC/OOPE/OOPR/OOPT
• GMC suspension
• Sick leave or carer’s leave of 3 months or more
• Doctors who have been out of training for more than 3 months and have accepted a South West training post
Not on the SuppoRTT Database?
If you think that you’re eligible for SuppoRTT and haven’t yet completed a form (most of you will have already received a link by email), please complete our SuppoRTT Application form for the South West SuppoRTT database.
This will facilitate a supported return to work, both locally and provide regional and national information and useful links.
Are doctors returning to non-training posts (LEDs, such as trust grade doctors and clinical fellows) eligible to access SuppoRTT?
Locally employed doctors (LEDs) can access the SuppoRTT programme in the South West if they have had a break from clinical practice for 3 months or more. They should complete the online forms associated with the SuppoRTT process if they are intending to access the programme in any capacity. The meetings and completion of associated online forms should take place with an educational supervisor, or the local SuppoRTT Champion if they do not have an ES and their employer is unable to find one for them. We recommend that they undertake a period of enhanced supervision, with assistance from their clinical supervisor, line manager or SuppoRTT Champion. These doctors are not eligible for NHSE funding for RTTA days, but their employers may choose to provide a study budget to allow for this. LEDs are welcome to access the free SuppoRTT courses.
What SuppoRTT funding may be available to me?
Alongside the period of enhanced supervision and in-house clinical KiT/SPLiT days, attending local courses is the preferred method for re-developing competence and confidence. For those attending courses on KiT/SPLiT days, it should be possible to claim study leave funding from your employing trust, via the usual method. Salary equivalent funding is not currently available to residents who are returning from leave other than parental leave and decide to undertake KiT-equivalent RTTA days. However, please speak with your SuppoRTT Champion or MEM as there is funding available to cover for the expenses associated with attending RTTAs.
What is the period of enhanced supervision?
In order to rapidly regain clinical knowledge and confidence, doctors returning to training following a period of absence will be strongly encouraged to participate in a period of 10 working days of enhanced supervision immediately following their return to work. The resident doctor will work their usual days and hours during this period. During this supernumerary period;
• Resident doctors will participate in closely supervised work and by the end of the period resident doctors should be working at a level commensurate with re-entry into the training programme.
• Resident doctors will be surplus to the rota at their employing trust and will not be used to fill rota gaps
• Resident doctors can choose to “shadow” out-of-hours sessions, but will only work in a supernumerary capacity
• The resident doctor’s employing trust will pay the resident doctor for this period at their usual rate (I.e. their usual, ongoing salary), via payroll. The pay will be as if the resident doctor had returned to their usual working pattern.
How much supervision is required during the period of enhanced supervision?
At the pre-return planning meeting, an action plan should be agreed between the resident doctor and ES about what level of supervision is required and an appropriate support package, reflecting the duration and reason for absence, created. It may include amendments to the type of clinical activities undertaken. For example; resident doctors who undertake clinics may require a reduced number of patients with a named consultant available to provide help and advice when needed. Resident doctors in craft specialties are likely to require directly supervised lists. It is important that the responsibilities of the resident doctor are clarified and agreed with the resident doctor and their department before they return to work.
What if I need more or less than the standard ten working days of enhanced supervision?
In cases where there is any deviation from the recommended 10 working days of enhanced supervision, this must be variation reported through the SuppoRTT Champion. An email should be sent from the ES to the SuppoRTT Champion outlining why a reduced or extended period is required and approval granted by the SuppoRTT Champion before it can proceed. Once approved, resident doctors not requiring enhanced supervision can immediately return to all usual clinical duties, including out-of-hours commitments, upon their return to work.
How do I arrange enhanced supervision?
It is the responsibility of the Educational Supervisor (or SuppoRTT Champion if no allocated ES) to communicate with the rota co-ordinator about a returner’s period of enhanced supervision, so that the necessary rota amendments can be made before the resident doctor returns to work. However, it is the responsibility of the resident doctor to arrange a pre-return planning meeting with their ES, a minimum of 6 weeks before their return.
What if I’m asked to work without adequate supervision during this period?
Any resident doctor who encounters difficulties surrounding their rota/clinical commitments during their period of enhanced supervision should contact their SuppoRTT Champion. who has the authority to enforce our recommendations.
Think I may benefit from more intensive support. What should I do?
In the first instance, you can contact your ES (if you know who they are) or your SuppoRTT Champion.
Another option is to self-refer to the South West Professional Support Unit.