LTFT (Less Than Full Time Training)
Less Than Full Time training can be a mine-field for both trainees and trainers. There is a wealth of information to be accessed from HEWM, the RCoA and the AAGBI. If you need to seek advice contact either the LTFT Advisor or LTFT Trainee Rep.
If you are considering going LTFT, please discuss this with your Educational Supervisor and Employing Trust in the first instance, as they will need to support you and agree an appropriate timescale (because any changes have implications for eg on call rotas).
You should also inform your TPD as they will be required to plan your rotations and confirm that an appropriate placement is available. Sometimes this will require “slot sharing”, which is where two doctors occupy the same training post.
LTFT applications must now be made in a 3 week “window” commencing approximately 18 weeks prior to your next rotation date (usually August or February). You will only be able to apply outside of this window in exceptional circumstances, and the final decision will be taken by the Associate Postgraduate Dean for LTFT.
Please note that if you wish to go LTFT after parental leave, you should apply in the “window” for the rotation date immediately before your return to training. For example, if you are returning from maternity leave in June, you should aim to apply for LTFT in the preceding February’s LTFT window (which is 18 weeks prior to September). In practice you will need to start thinking about applying to go LTFT at the start of your parental leave to ensure it is approved in time for your return!
For details of the LTFT windows and for more detailed information about the LTFT application process, please see NHS England’s Freshdesk at Less than full time (LTFT) training : midlands.freshdesk.com.
Dr Stephen Norris and Dr Helen Daley have written a guide to LTFT within the Stoke School and West Midlands Deanery. Along with this the RCoA and AAGBI have released a guide for TPDs which is a valuable resource for trainers.
LTFT TPD and Trainers Guide 2019
Links
LTFT Calculator
Use this tool to input your Percentage LTFT and dates for each Trust/Grade. It will automatically calculate your full time equivalent and give a summary of your training.
(Created and shared by Murray Du Plessis & Anna Jordan from the Birmingham School of Anaesthesia)
Contacts
LTFT Regional Advisor
Dr Rebecca Micklewright – rebecca.micklewright@nhs.net
LTFT Trainee Representatives – Stoke School
Dr Stephen Norris – stephen.norris1@nhs.net
Dr Helen Daley – h.daley@nhs.net
LTFT National Trainee Network Representative
Dr Sorana White – whitesorana@doctors.org.uk
West Midlands Deanery LTFT Information Page
https://www.westmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/support/trainees/less-than-full-time-training