30 March 2007 Modernising Medical Careers In Scotland
From Mmc
From: SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE 30 March 2007
MODERNISING MEDICAL CAREERS IN SCOTLAND
Eligible junior doctors applying for specialty training jobs will be offered interviews for all posts applied to in Scotland, Health Minister Andy Kerr announced today.
The move follows concerns among some junior doctors over the short-listing process which is supported by the on-line medical training application system (MTAS) introduced this year. It is also in line with the statement made by the Douglas review group on 22 March. New recruitment procedures are part of the over-arching changes in the way doctors are being trained under Modernising Medical Careers (MMC).
Mr Kerr said: "Under MMC we're moving from a system where patients are treated by doctors 'in training' to one where they're treated by fully trained doctors. That principle remains sound, but it also involves a big shift in the way we work.
"The new recruitment and selection process for doctors moving into specialty training has had some success, although some difficulties have also arisen. What matters is that it delivers the right outcome to meet the needs of NHS Scotland, its patients and our junior doctors.
"We've consistently said we will do what is right for Scotland in light of local circumstances. Offering interviews to all eligible candidates for each post applied to in Scotland will ensure NHS Scotland gets the right people for the right number of jobs."
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harry Burns said: "MMC represents a transparent and fair way of training doctors for NHS Scotland. That's why we have been, and remain, committed to addressing the concerns of those involved in the application process.
"We have been working closely with the Royal Colleges, BMA Scotland, NHS Scotland and our junior doctors throughout this to ensure that a suitable solution is found. This announcement provides a great opportunity for us all to complete the work of recruiting high quality doctors who're set to become the next generation of consultants across NHS Scotland."
Today's announcement has also been welcomed by BMA Scotland's Junior Doctors Committee and the Scottish Royal Colleges.
Brian Williams, Chairman of the Scottish Royal Colleges said: "The Scottish Royal Colleges support these changes which are in line with the review group and the broad principles of Modernising Medical Careers."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Today's announcement does not affect the interview process for GP applications.
2. The Royal Colleges here includes the Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow).
3. The review group on MMC chaired by Professor Neil Douglas set out a statement on 22 March: http://www.mmc.nhs.uk .
Contact: John MacEachen 0131 244 4008
For immediate use: Friday 30 March 2007
Scotland?s juniors to be given a fair chance amid application ?chaos?
Welcoming an announcement today [Friday 30 March 2007] by the Scottish Executive that all eligible junior doctor applicants to NHS specialty training posts in Scotland would be interviewed, Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:
?The BMA is pleased that the Scottish Executive has recognised the urgent need to address the disastrous application process that has affected junior doctors across the UK.
?This process is part of the wider reform of medical training and it is vital that we do not lose sight of our goal of ensuring that doctors of the future continue to receive high quality training in a shorter timescale. The Minister has recognised that the application system is flawed and this commitment to a workable solution is an investment in the future of the Scottish NHS. Reform is vital if we are to be able to offer patients the kind of care and treatment they deserve.
?I am confident that the commitment of the Scottish Executive to resolve this situation will send a strong message to junior doctors that they are very much valued by the NHS in Scotland.?
The new proposals rely on the ongoing commitment of consultants to the interviewing process. Dr Terry added:
?Consultants have made a huge effort to meet tight deadlines in the short-listing and interviewing process and their contribution must be acknowledged. We are aware that the new proposals will require additional work on their part and I urge them to continue with their efforts to help complete the process.?
Dr Graeme Eunson, chair of the BMA?s Scottish Junior Doctors Committee added:
?Doctors across the UK currently face an uncertain future because of the chaos caused by this flawed system and many have lost confidence in the application process.
?The Scottish solution that has been announced today is, in my view, the only possible way out of the problems that exist. Scotland is doing what is right for its junior doctors and for that, the Minister should be congratulated. By ensuring that all eligible applicants to Scotland receive an interview, we can overcome the problems caused by the application and short-listing processes.
?In Scotland at least, we can be reassured that junior doctors will have an equal and fair chance and that the best candidates will be selected for the job, providing the best juniors for our NHS.?
Ends
Note to editors:
The announcement by the Scottish Executive is available online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Today
Scotland will offer interviews to all eligible applicants who have applied to Scotland for each application they have made.
Applicants who have already been interviewed for specialty training posts in Scotland will not have to undergo another interview for that position as previous interviews will count. However under new proposals all eligible applicants to the specialty will now receive an invitation to attend an interview. In the meantime, the current interview schedule will continue as planned.
Some specialties in Scotland are already interviewing all eligible applicants. These include: Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, ENT, GI and Plastic Surgery.
Interview panels will consist of consultants and others who have undergone training in the application and interview process. NHS employers have been advised by the Scottish Executive to ensure that they accommodate consultants work schedules to allow them to conduct interviews.
Further detail on the new process and subsequent information on the processes for job offers/acceptances will be available shortly. Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) Scotland website: http://www.mmc.scot.nhs.uk/ "
