In 2008 the English Deans agreed that SST undertaken in another host deanery would be managed using the ‘out of programme training’ (OOPT) process rather than arranging an inter-deanery transfer (IDT). SST undertaken in the home deanery is managed within programme. GMC has required deaneries to apply for prospective approval for time in OOPT that is to count towards CCT. As SST curricula were already GMC approved, it seemed anomalous that further prospective approval was required for SST managed using the OOPT route.
Following consultation, GMC have reviewed the regulations, and the RCOG has received confirmation that in the specific circumstance where a trainee is undertaking an SST post in another deanery, they do not need to seek prospective GMC approval. For all other types of OOPT, where a proportion of the time is to count towards CCT, prospective GMC approval must still be obtained (with confirmed RCOG support).
Before applying for a subspecialty training post in another deanery, the trainee must discuss this intention with the Training Programme Director or Head of School of the home deanery. The trainee would be expected to give 3 months notice unless there was an agreement with the home deanery for an earlier release. OOP for subspecialty training would not normally be extended beyond 3 years although an extension would be considered on an individual basis.
SST undertaken in another host deanery only needs support from both deaneries (home and host deanery) and the RCOG should be informed (please send a copy of the OOP application form approved by the Deanery to Tania Chambers for placing in the trainee’s RCOG file – send to: tchambers@rcog.org.uk) This type of OOPT does not need GMC approval as the SST is within the approved curriculum/programme for the specialty.
The home deanery retains responsibility for the ARCP but may decide to devolve this process to the host deanery for convenience. If the latter is the case the home deanery should receive appropriate documentation so they can issue the ARCP outcome certificate for the year.
The host deanery remains responsible for the period of grace for SST – i.e. the six months following CCT. However this can be negotiated between the Schools and Deaneries.
For further information on posts and programme approval, please follow the link below.
http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/postgraduate/approval_post_and_programme.asp
July 2010