Out of Programme

Applying for Out of programme (OOP) Experience for GP Trainees in Wales

The Gold Guide for Specialty Training sets out the circumstances when a trainee may seek approval for time out of programme. This includes any time out of programme, e.g. maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, compassionate leave etc. GP Trainees in Wales wishing to apply for OOP experience should follow the procedure below:

How to apply for OOP

Complete the OOP form making sure you, your Educational Supervisor and Training Programme Director have signed it. Also make sure the correct dates are on the form.

• Return the form to: General Practice Section, 8th Floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS
• This request should take into account a 3 month notice period if possible.

What happens after the OOP Form is sent in?

• Once the form has been received and checked it is passed to the head of the GP Specialty School to make the decision on behalf of the Postgraduate Dean.
• Once a decision has been reached you will be contacted and have a signed form sent back to you.
• Your Programme Director will also be informed of the decision.
• Our database is then updated with this information.
• Please allow a couple of weeks for this process.

Who is eligible to apply for an OOPC?

Gold Guide Guidance

6.112 OOPC can be taken with the agreement of the Postgraduate Dean, who will consult as necessary with those involved in managing the training programme. Limiting factors will include:

• the ability of the programme to fill the resulting gap in the interests of patient care
• the capacity of the programme to accommodate the trainee’s return at the end of the planned break
• evidence of the trainee’s on-going commitment to and suitability for training in the specialty.

6.113 If all requests for a career break within a programme cannot be accommodated, priority will be given to trainees with any of the following:

• those with health issues
• those who have caring responsibilities for dealing with serious illness in family members that cannot be accommodated through flexible training
• those who have childcare responsibilities that cannot be accommodated through flexible training options
• at the discretion of the Postgraduate Dean, those with a clearly identified life goal which cannot be deferred.

For further information please consult the Gold Guide paragraphs 6.66 to 6.96

Any time out of programme will now trigger a Back to Work review.