HCSA wholly condemns the imposition of new restrictions on the use of study leave budgets for resident doctors in NHS Scotland. NHS Education for Scotland (NES) must reverse this discriminatory and unnecessary provocation immediately.
The updated NES study leave policy prevents use of funds for overseas events, severely curtailing opportunities for resident doctors in Scotland to develop their clinical skills.
This policy also has a disproportionate impact on less-than-full time trainees, who would have annual budgets reduced in relation to their working hours. This disregards the necessary requirement for all mandatory training to be completed regardless of hours worked. It is unclear whether this policy has gone through an Equality Impact Assessment. If it has not, it is essential that the plans are withdrawn and an EIA is undertaken immediately.
The changes have been imposed unilaterally without consultation and have been brought into effect immediately, including for those who have already had attendance at overseas events approved but where receipts have not yet been submitted.
HCSA will press for urgent answers from NES on this unjustifiable policy.
Dr Alanah Proctor, HCSA Council member for Scotland, said: “Study leave budgets are already extremely meagre in Scotland with £600 per annum assigned.
“Most resident doctors find themselves out of pocket, paying to attend training events that are necessary to gain the key knowledge and skills required in our specialisms. We effectively pay for our own development so that we can qualify as the senior doctors which the NHS so desperately needs.
“International events give trainees insight on the most cutting-edge research and clinical developments. There is a major risk of standards slipping if Scottish doctors can no longer tap into insights from specialists across the globe.
“It is shocking that NES have imposed these restrictions without notice, ignoring the proper consultative processes. HCSA will be contacting NES immediately. Our message is clear: reverse these unjustifiable and unfair changes”.
Notes:
1. The communication from NES states that those who had already submitted receipts for reimbursement at the time of announcement will remain unaffected. However, under its policy those who have not yet submitted receipts will be impacted as follows: “If you have applied for attendance at an overseas event, this has been approved, but no costs have yet been incurred, you should seek virtual attendance or seek an alternative educational activity within the UK. Receipted costs submitted for reimbursement beyond the date of this communication will not be paid.”
2. The policy and operational guidance can be accessed via the Scotland Deanery website