More part time consultant posts within obstetrics and gynaecology should be created, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is encouraging all hospital trusts to designate and advertise specific part time consultant positions which will appeal to those who wish to work flexible hours such as doctors nearing retirement or men and women with young families.
Currently, those wanting such positions must apply for full-time posts and then elect to go part-time after being appointed. The trust is then left with the decision to either appoint a further consultant to undertake the remaining work, or rely on the consultants it already has. In reality, the intention of these doctors to opt for part time work is often already known by the trusts, so they are reluctant to offer them employment.
Professor Shaughn O’Brien, vice president is calling for trusts to designate certain posts as part time from the outset. This would make the specialty more attractive to those groups of doctors who have been deterred in the past and the individuals would compete more strongly.
Until recently, Deaneries provided funding for the training of flexible SpRs. Unfortunately this is no longer available and it will have a detrimental effect on the ability of those wishing to train flexibly. The RCOG sees this as a major step backwards.
Obstetrics and gynaecology is a specialty which is particularly suited to flexible and part time consultant posts and the College is doing everything it can to support this.
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