Tackling operational obstacles: Support for postgraduate doctors

In a major initiative aimed at enhancing the working conditions of over 50,000 postgraduate doctors, NHS England has announced a series of commitments to improve flexibility, reduce administrative burdens, and alleviate financial pressures associated with training

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS England

Transforming rota flexibility and training costs

Recognising the challenges faced by doctors in training—who frequently relocate between NHS trusts—NHS England is taking decisive steps to offer greater rota flexibility and reduce the repetitive nature of induction processes. This initiative is part of a broader workforce plan aimed at retaining skilled medical staff within the NHS.

A significant change is the alteration of the payment system for course fees. Under the new system, the NHS will cover these costs upfront, thereby preventing the financial strain doctors experience while awaiting reimbursement. This adjustment is expected to alleviate considerable stress and allow doctors to focus more on patient care and less on financial logistics.

Streamlining mandatory training

In response to feedback regarding the excessive time spent on mandatory training, NHS England is set to conduct a thorough review to potentially halve the time doctors spend on statutory training. By extending the intervals for refresher courses and implementing a unified national training framework, the NHS aims to reduce redundant training sessions, particularly when doctors move between trusts.

Enhanced payroll accuracy and support

The system for paying course fees will also be reversed so that the NHS, rather than the trainee, pays them upfront; avoiding the hardship caused by waiting for reimbursement.

NHS England will also be ensuring trusts are meeting requirements to provide choice and flexibility with rotas, and exploring the opportunities technology offers to enable greater self-rostering so doctors have more control over their lives while meeting the needs of the service.

While employers will be asked to pay specific attention to payroll accuracy for their staff, particularly for doctors in training because rotations and cost of training can make payroll errors more frequent.

New payroll governance will be put in place at each trust by the end of July and for employers with the most errors reported by staff, intensive support will be provided including a review and redesign of payroll processes where needed.

To help reduce errors like this happening during the rotation process, the NHS will also be exploring rolling out Lead Employer Models, so each doctor has a single lead employer throughout the whole of their training.

For practice managers, these initiatives signify a potential improvement in the efficiency of their healthcare teams, as streamlined training processes and reduced administrative burdens allow for greater focus on patient care. Additionally, the emphasis on payroll accuracy and technological advancements may alleviate some of the operational challenges, contributing to smoother daily operations within their practices.