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'''College statement on the problems of the Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) - 7 March 2007'''

The College is dismayed by the problem arising out of the practical implementation of the MTAS at Deanery level. Despite many assurances before the process started from MMC and the Department of Health, that the MTAS system would work well and be fit for purpose, it is clear that some trainees seem to have been unfairly disadvantaged by failures in the system. We are acutely aware of the anxiety of those already committed to a career in ophthalmology who are applying through this process with seemingly only one chance of achieving Specialty Registrar status at ST2 or ST3. Many ophthalmologists are doing their best to deliver the scheme fairly and to select those candidates who will eventually become the best people to deliver ophthalmic care in the future for the people of this country. They are frustrated and angered by the various failures of the computer system, and the inadequacies of the scoring and short listing procedures.

Your College was represented at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges meeting on Monday 5 March. The points raised by many of you who have written either to me or to Peter McDonnell were used to inform the debate. The outcome was a meeting with the Secretary of State on Monday evening and she has called for an urgent review of the implementation of the scheme. We are not being given the option of reverting to the previous system or starting again.

I ask consultants leading training at Deanery level and trainees applying with the MTAS to keep sending the College information on specific problems. I will endeavour to keep you up to date on developments via the website.

The College is the guardian of excellence in the delivery of ophthalmology for the country. The development of the detailed MTAS process was carried out without any College consultation until late January, after applications opened, but we now have to find a way to make the scheme work effectively.

''Brenda Billington President 7 March 2007''