Message from the Associate Dean / Deputy FSD’s

All FDs can apply to work less than full time for a wide variety of reasons. This can improve work life balance while enabling doctors to maintain a fulfilling career. However, both FY1 and FY2 are time and competency bound. Therefore, working less than full time will extend your training. The Foundation Programme takes 2 years to complete when working full time. If you start working in FY1 at 0.5 WTE – this means that your FY1 year will take 24 months to complete (12 months /0.5 = 24 months). If you then chose to work in FY2 at 0.8 WTE this will take a 15 months to complete (12 months/ 0.8 = 15 months). In this example the whole Foundation programme would take 39 months.

The School will manage your placements to ensure that LTFT doctors have an educationally balanced programme. We will also liaise with Trusts regarding the timing of ARCPs.

You can apply to work LTFT via the portal.

If you have any queries about working LTFT please contact us via the portal.

Dr Fionnuala Crummy

Deputy Director NW London

Lead for LTFT

New Updates

2024 Shadowing Confirmation

All FY1 doctors should attend a minimum of 4 days induction, including 2 days shadowing, 1 week before their formal training starts on Wednesday 7th August. Funding for this is paid to trusts as part of the placement fee.

FY1 doctors who did not graduate from a UK Medical School (International Medical Graduates, IMGs) or who are UK graduate and been out of the NHS for longer than 2 years, should also be offered extended induction/shadowing. Up to an additional £1300 per FY1 doctor will be available to trusts to fund this extended shadowing (to a maximum of 10 days). We will provide trusts with a spreadsheet to record extended shadowing for their IMG FY1’s and UK medical graduates out of the NHS for two years, to be able to claim this money. This will be sent to trusts in August.

F1 Withdrawals

Please can we ask trusts to ensure that we are advised of any new F1’s who have withdrawn from training (if you’ve not already advised us already). Unfortunately, we aren’t always made aware by trainees themselves.

Please use the PDMDE Support Portal to inform us click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

**Highly Important ARCP**

Foundation doctors must sign their ARCP on Horus.

This does not constitute you accept the outcome or affect your ability to appeal but shows you acknowledge receipt of the outcome.

Furthermore, for Outcome 1 this is a requirement for the school to process the F1CC which is required for the move to Full licence to practice. For Outcome 6 we cannot release your FPCCs without trainees signing their outcome.

PSA Sittings 2024/25

Please note the dates for all PSA sittings (all held at 1pm):

• Tuesday 10 September 2024
• Thursday 20 March 2025
• Thursday 1 May 2025

Reminders & Guidance

URGENT REMINDER: Full GMC Registration and Responsible Officer

Dear F1 Colleagues, 

As we approach the F1 ARCPs we wanted to draw your attention to the Full GMC Registration application process. If you are not due to complete F1 this summer please refer to this information at the point you are due to complete. 

Information for UK Graduates: 

https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/application-guides/full-registration-for-uk-graduates-moving-from-f1-to-f2 

Information for Non-UK Graduates (IMG’s): 

https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/application-registration 

It is your responsibility to ensure you apply for full registration in time for commencing your F2 training and it is important you understand the implications of failing to do this so please ensure you read the instructions from the GMC carefully.  

Please be mindful of the timings involved as every year we have a number of Doctors who leave it too late to apply and this impacts on their F2 training. 

Once you have your Full Registration in place you must connect to the relevant Responsible Officer for Revalidation. It is essential you do not connect to an NHS trust and do not contact the Responsible Officer asking them to connect to you. You must do this yourself by following the guidance on the GMC website: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/revalidation/my-db-tool  

Current Responsible Officers for London:

• Dr Gary Wares – NHSE Education North London (North Central and East London and North West London)
• Dr Gary Wares – NHSE Education South London

This information has also been sent to your trust PGMDE Staff so they can support you. 

REMINDER: ARCP – Learning Log

Dear all

I am sorry to hear that some foundation doctors have been finding it difficult to interpret the national guidance on completing their personal learning logs. I have discussed this with all of my fellow directors, and we felt that the guidance and intention is clear, however hopefully I can clarify.

As I am sure you are aware the guidance is national so not in my gift to change, but I am sure the UKFPO would welcome feedback for future editions.

The personal learning log is clear that a minimum of 60 hours training must be entered. Important to emphasise that this is a minimum and foundation doctors should be encouraged to enter all learning they have completed. Of this a minimum of 30 hours must be core but it can be more, indeed all 60 hours could be core. 

Core learning is clearly defined covering the curriculum and should be predominantly face to face and interactive. This can include a 2-way video link. E learning modules that have been specified by the LEP/foundation school can be included here with no limit.  This is where confusion may have arisen if the document has not been read carefully. The 'no limit' applies only to modules specified by the foundation school as core. The London Foundation School has not specified as core any modules. Only if LEPs (trusts) have specifically identified e-learning as part of core teaching, can e-learning count towards core learning.

For total learning up to 10% can be eLearning modules i.e. 6 hours can be included in non-Core.

I hope this clarifies the situation. This has been copied to all your local TPDs who will be able to help you with any further queries.

Best wishes

Dr Mark Cottee

Deputy Foundation School Director – South West London

London Foundation School Lead for Teaching

REMINDER: F2 GMC Responsible Officer

There are still a number of F2 doctors who have not connected to their Responsible Officer. F2 doctors are responsible for ensuring they are connected to the correct Responsible Officer, this is your Post Graduate Dean.

For more information or guidance please see: https://lonkssfoundation.hee.nhs.uk/gmc or please contact us via PGMDE Support Portal click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

REMINDER: SCRIPT – supporting safer prescribing practices

The SCRIPT programme is a collection of innovative eLearning portfolios designed to encourage safe and effective prescribing and medicines management among healthcare professionals.

SCRIPT will enhance your knowledge and confidence in prescribing correctly, improving patient safety, therapeutics and medicines management. You will receive a certificate for each module that you complete, which can be used in your online learning portfolio. SCRIPT is easy to use. You can access the modules at a time which suits you and revisit them even after completion. SCRIPT modules are particularly useful in preparation for the PSA Exam.

You can learn more about the SCRIPT eLearning programme and how to sign up by visiting Medicine & Surgery | Safe Prescriber

For the London Foundation Doctors, SCRIPT is not mandatory but highly advisable. The London Foundation School recommend 6 modules are completed per year as a minimum.

REMINDER: How to request discretionary study leave 

Please see below the steps of how F2 Doctors can apply for Discretionary Study Leave.

1. Foundation Doctor (FD) seeks support from Educational Supervisor and trust (local) Foundation Training Programme Director (FTPD).
2. Local FTPD seeks approval from the area deputy Foundation School Director (FSD)
3. Deputy FSD replies to trust TPD, including study leave team.
4. Local TPD can then reply to FD with outcome. 
5. If approved, FD completes study leave form on the study leave portal. 

We are not able to reply to direct emails about Study Leave, but if you have any questions please do contact the school via the PGMDE Support Portal click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

An email with guidance for FTPDs has also been sent.

REMINDER: Provisionally registered doctors (F1) must not undertake formal locum posts or activities.

Provisionally registered (PR) doctors can undertake occasional ad hoc additional/overtime shifts on their current FY placement or previous F1 placements that have formed part of their F1 rotation, where such work is undertaken only within the limits of their current competence and with the support of their educational supervisor. When undertaking such occasional ad hoc additional/overtime work PR doctors should be clear with other members of their team about their current experience and level of competence.

REMINDER: TiS Checks

Please can we remind Trust Medical Education colleagues to work with their Medical Staffing teams to regularly check Foundation Doctors’ posts on TiS, against internal records. Early recognition of any discrepancies can help us all to resolve issues quickly.

REMINDER: Contacting the London Foundation School

Please be reminded that contact with the Foundation School Team should be through the PGMDE Support Portal, rather than to individuals email addresses or shared mailboxes. This will ensure that your query can be directed to the correct person and dealt with as quickly as possible. Please click here to be directed to the PGMDE Support Portal.

Please do not use F1.LASE@Hee.nhs.uk, F2.lase@hee.nhs.uk, FPEnquiries.lase@hee.nhs.uk or personal HEE email addresses.

GUIDANCE: Foundation Doctors taking Parental Leave

Please can all foundation doctors who will be taking a period of Parental Leave, inform BOTH the Foundation school and the employing trust. Please use the following FAQ as guidance:

HEE Parental Leave FAQ's

Please also see the NHS employers Maternity guidance using the link below:

NHS Employers Maternity Guidance (rotational doctors and dentists)

GUIDANCE: Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training for London

Please click the link below for guidance regarding Less Than Full Time (LTFT) training. Please note Foundation training is both time and competency based. As a result, pro rata training must be undertaken in Foundation. When an LTFT request is approved then the end date will be recalculated and additional posts added to the timeline.

E.g. a F1 doctor working LTFT 0.6 will undertake F1 over 20 months (12/0.6 = 20 months).  In the London Foundation school, posts remain 4 months long, so this would be undertaken as 5 x 4 month blocks and the timeline extended accordingly.

LTFT Guidance         

GUIDANCE: Foundation doctors in GP and psychiatry placements contributing to acute services

Please see below link for guidance regarding Foundation doctors in community placements contributing to acute services Foundation doctors in GP and psychiatry placements contributing to acute services

GUIDANCE: Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities

Please use the following link to the updated ‘Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities within the Local Education Provider and Minimum Requirements for Clinical Supervision of Foundation Doctors’ document.

Foundation Doctor Role and Responsibilities

GUIDANCE: NHS employers’ guidance on induction for international medical graduates

Please find below link to guidance from NHS employers

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Welcoming-and-Valuing-International-Medical-Graduates-A-guide-to-induction-for-IMGs-WEB.pdf

UKFPO Bulletin

To read the latest UKFPO Bulletin access the link below:

UKFPO Bulletin        

Courses, Events, Research and Competitions

NHS Learning Hub: Foundation eLearning programme – June 2024 update

Welcome to your June 2024 update from the Foundation elearning programme.

Throughout your career you will work in a team and sometimes that teamwork will cross traditional boundaries. It’s worth taking time to consider effective ways of working with other teams across secondary and primary care. The sessions highlighted in this month’s update cover the basics of cross boundary working. 

The Foundation elearning programme covers key areas in your Foundation curriculum. It has been developed specifically for Foundation doctors by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in partnership with NHS England elearning for healthcare (NHSE elfh), and is approved by the UK Foundation Programme (UKFPO). 

Please also look out for our posts on Twitter (@NHSE_TEL) and help us to share the message where you can.

With best wishes

Marketing and Communications Team

Technology Enhanced Learning

NHS England

Access the point of care tool BMJ Best Practice for free

BMJ Best Practice takes you quickly and accurately to the latest evidence-based information, whenever and wherever you need it.

Our step-by-step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention is updated daily using robust evidence-based methodologies. 

This tool is freely available to all healthcare professionals who work for the NHS in England. You can register for free here https://www.bmj.com/company/hee/

If your institution would like to receive further information on BMJ Best Practice, please contact Dr. Kieran Walsh, Clinical Director at BMJ. Dr. Walsh can deliver talks for Foundation Programme doctors at their training sessions or provide information on areas such as the local HEE/BMJ clinical champion scheme. Contact Dr. Kieran Walsh at kmwalsh@bmj.com.  

New video resource for foundation doctors

A new video for all foundation, foundation schools and trusts, helping them to understand more about the Foundation Programme Charter, has been shared.

Please click here to launch the Foundation Programme Charter video.

Further videos including Foundation Programme Review and Self Development time can also be found here

NHS Induction Programme for International Medical Graduates - e-learning for health

The National Induction programme has been designed to ensure that all international medical graduates (IMGs) recruited to the NHS are welcomed, valued, and supported as they transition to UK clinical practice.

Please use the following link to access the programme:  https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/nhs-induction-programme-for-international-medical-graduates/

Foundation Careers & Coaching Events Team

Careers Conversation

All foundation trainees have the opportunity to have an individual careers conversation with one of our career coaches which can be arranged by completing the application form at the following link:

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-support-and-development/careers-unit/apply-careers-advicecontact-us/careers-application-form

Self-Awareness | London (hee.nhs.uk)

Career Exploration | London (hee.nhs.uk)

Please find links to revised Career Planning webpages for Foundation doctors in training containing new content, resources and videos. 

Foundation Doctors | London (hee.nhs.uk)

FY: Choosing specialty - making a self aware and informed choice | London (hee.nhs.uk)

FY: Exploring medical specialties and other options | London (hee.nhs.uk)

FY - Arriving at a Decision | London (hee.nhs.uk)

FY: Speciality Applications and Interviews | London (hee.nhs.uk)

FY: Taking an F3 | London (hee.nhs.uk)

All current FY1/2 Trainees in London can also access up to three 1-2-1 careers appointments with experienced PSU careers consultants. Application form can be found here:

Careers Application 2024 | London (hee.nhs.uk)

Please note current London foundation doctors in training who are taking an F3 can still access 1-2-1 PSU careers appointments up to 3 months after they complete their FY training

School Foundation Reps

The UKFPO has asked us to pass on the following:

• They have created new UKFPO-run webinars to share important information and cover essential training topics https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/resources/ukfpo-webinars/.
• E-learning for healthcare is an excellent resource providing additional modules for professional development and reflects HLOs https://www.e-lfh.org.uk.
• The UKFPO is starting a new programme called “Enhance” which aims to improve generalist skills: https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/enhancinggeneralistskills?nodeId=4992.
• The UKFPO is conducting work to analyse how variations in Foundation Year training results in differential attainment in specialty training applications and postgraduate exams. This work could be used to improve the provision of training opportunities during Foundation Years. Please do help by completing this survey: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_bw3UuWbF6nyppHg
• Taster days are an important part of the UKFPO curriculum and are available to all Foundation Year doctors, including F1s. Trusts should allow Foundation doctors to take Taster days as study leave, and if issues arise these should be raised with the local Training Programme Director (TPD).

The Foundation School team are exploring improvements to the support available to trainees returning to work after a prolonged time out-of-training. A key part of this is learning about trainees’ experiences in returning to work. If anyone has had any experience with this and are happy to discuss it, then please email one of james.harkness1@nhs.net, melissa.matthews11@nhs.net, anum.zahra@nhs.net.

The current support available to trainees returning to work can be found here: https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-development/supported-return-training

If you wish to contact us as the Foundation School representatives, please email us.

Please contact the Foundation School via the online Portal. This can be found here: https://lasepgmdesupport.hee.nhs.uk/support/home

London Foundation School Representatives

Please see contact details for appointed School Reps below:

Sub-Region	Grade	First Name	Surname	Email Address
North East London	F1	Rimsha	Khan	rimsha.khan2@nhs.net
North East London	F1	Francis	Elechi	francis.elechi@nhs.net
North Central London	F1	Zina	Al-Kaisy	Z.alkaisy1@nhs.net
North Central London	F2	Mickaela	Nixon	m.nixon1@nhs.net
North West London	F1	Melissa	Matthews	Melissa.matthews11@nhs.net
North West London	F2	James	Harkness	james.harkness1@nhs.net
North West London	F2	Syeda	Zahra	anum.zahra@nhs.net
South East London	F1	John	Gillespie	john.gillespie3@nhs.net
South East London	F2	Lily	Scourfield	lily.scourfield@nhs.net
South West London	F1	Ellinor	Raby	e.raby1@nhs.net
South West London	F2	Gabriela	Barzyk	gabriela.barzyk1@nhs.net
IMG Pan London	F1	Nina	Seylanova	nina.seylanova@nhs.net
IMG Pan London	F2	Sanduni	Kotinkaduwa	sanduni.kotinkaduwa@nhs.net

Useful links

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-development/courses-and-conferences

FAQS

Horus - Changes and updates