James Plaskitt

From Mmc

20th March 2007

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the Modernising Medical Careers applications process. I have read your email carefully and fully understand your concerns.

As you may be aware, EDMs are a means for backbenchers to raise issues with ministers. Unfortunately, in my role as Minister in the DWP I am therefore unable to sign EDMs, even if I am in agreement with their content. I have read EDM 737 and hope to reassure you that the government is reviewing and improving the MMC programme as a matter of urgency.

It is clear that the new system has not worked as well as is should do. Government ministers recognised this and an independent review group was established. Following their initial recommendations, the DoH has made changes to the system. Changes will continue to be made if required.

I can assure you that work was carried out, especially in the second half of last year, to ensure that the system was as robust as possible. However, in certain parts of the country and for certain specialities there have been significantly more applicants than were anticipated. This has caused problems and, as Secretary of State Patricia Hewitt said yesterday, “lessons will be learnt”.

As I understand it, and as the Secretary of State explained in Parliament Yesterday, the system is currently as follows;

“The review group decided that round 1 should continue, with a number of changes to strengthen implementation at every level. All eligible applicants for level 3 and 4 speciality training will be guaranteed an interview for their first or second choice of training post. All applicants at ST1 who have not been shortlisted for an interviews will have their applications reviewed and may be offered an interview in round 1. If not, they will be offered career guidance and support to enter round 2. All applicants for ST2 who have not been shortlisted for interview will be offered a face-to-face review with a trained medical advisor to determine whether they meet the shortlisting criteria. Those who meet the criteria may also be offered an interview in round 1. Those who are not selected for interview will be offered support to enter round 2.”

As I have explained, there have clearly been problems this year, despite a great deal of work that has gone into the MTAS process since 2003 and, more broadly, into MMC. More work is required, and lessons have already been learned for both round 2 this year and the process next year.

I hope my comments address your particular concerns. If you require further advice or information please contact me at my constituency office. I assure you that I will continue to monitor the situation and raise your concerns with my ministerial colleagues.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Yours Sincerely,

James Plaskitt MP