Trainees sometimes find that their circumstances change during their training. Should this happen, you may wish to consider a change to LTFT training.
The intention of LTFT programmes is to keep doctors within the NHS who might otherwise leave due to an inability to work on a full time basis. LTFT is available to all training grades in GP training.
LTFT training is subject to eligibility, the identification of a suitable placement and availability of resources.
The key aims of LTFT training are:
- To retain doctors within the NHS workforce who are unable to train on a full time basis
- To promote career development and work/life balance for doctors training within the NHS
- To ensure continued training in programmes on a time-equivalent (pro rata) basis
- To maintain a balance in LTFT arrangements with regards to educational needs and those of the service
Please refer to the Wessex Deanery webage for up to date information on the process:
Requests for LTFT training will only be considered as detailed in the Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK (Gold Guide 10th edition August 2024)
Requests to train LTFT or to change training percentage must first be discussed with the relevant Patch AD and their written support must be included before submitting an application via TIS Self Service.
Trainees are encouraged to apply as far as possible in advance of wishing to undertake Less Than Full Time Training, but no later than 16 weeks before the anticipated start date of your LTFT training. Resident doctors should submit applications to train Less Than Full Time (LTFT) through TIS Self-Service. Where a proposed start date is less than 16 weeks away, TIS Self-Service will ask for details of the exceptional circumstances.
Trainees should refer to the less than full time guidance document if they are considering returning to full time training.