LTFT

Less than full time training is growing and changing with more than 70 trainees now in the North West Deanery. With more and more people finding out about the exciting opportunities that less than full time training offers, hopefully this is your one stop shop for all the information you could need.

People

If you would like any information regarding LTFT training please contact one of the people below.

LTFT training adviser: Dr Karen Kidner - Karen.KIDNER@lthtr.nhs.uk

North West LTFT Trainee Rep: Dr Matthew Stokes - matthewstokes@nhs.net

Mersey LTFT Trainee Rep: Dr Emily Robinson - emilyr518@yahoo.co.uk

Guides & Links

The North West Anaesthesia Less than Full Time guide should be your first stop for any queries with regards to less than full time training.

HEE Guidance has also been written which contains more general information on less than full time training. The HENW LTFT Website contains further info and a separate link to the eligibility form.

The RCOA have produced their own guide specific to LTFT training in anaesthesia.

The A to Z guide by the RCOA to LTFT training is available here

This Study Leave guidance explains the process for LTFT trainees.

This E-Learning Package is designed for trainers and staff involved in supporting trainees in their LTFT roles.

Rota

For information regarding rotas please view the NW LTFT guide further up the page. Additionally there is an excellent video at the bottom of the page from Maddy Fogarty Hover BMA LTFT Rep explaining all things rotas.

For calculation of your hours you can use this LTFT rota template created by a LTFT trainee.

Pay

An excellent video from Maddy Fogarty Hover BMA LTFT Rep explaining all things pay can be found at the bottom of the page.

Guide for people on the 'old' pre-2016 contract.

Guide for people on the 'new' 2016 contract.

Pay protection has caused problems for LTFT trainees but it is a complicated area. Here is a link to FAQs from NHSE.

The BMA have a page explaining pay protection including an interactive tool to identify which section you are in.

The BMA have also explained the updates to the 2016 contract incuding changes to pay protection and a further nodal point at ST6.

Eligibility

There are 3 'categories' of LTFT training. Category 1 is for people with childcare or health reasons. Category 2 is for people who have a unique interest in an area which doesn't need to be medically related. Category 3 is new and is explained below and is open from August 2022.

Under this scheme all trainees will be eligible to train at 50%, 60%,70% or 80% by requesting Category 3 status, without having a specific reason, the current window of opportunity to apply will be open between Monday 14th March until Monday 18th April.

To simply the process below are several points which will activated for everyone in the future.

LTFT will commence only at rotation points – unless an unexpected reason is identified during a placement for example health, carer, parental leave.
Increasing back to full time will only be allowed at a rotation change and with notice unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Initial application for LTFT will be in 2 windows mid March to mid April and mid September to mid October. The form will ask for the reason as it does now and in the case of health as for conformation of engagement with health care /OH (duty of care)- this will allow us to monitor the situation.

Here is the link to application form

From august these categories will disappear, but you will still be asked in the NW your reason for applying, in case you need any further support.

The LTFT Checklist is a step by step guide to those applying for a LTFT post.