The RCGP welcomes the review of MTAS announced
by the
Department of Health. Although the situation in general
practice is not generally problematic, we are very concerned about
the overall operation of the scheme for junior doctors and
understand the distress it is causing.
The RCGP welcomes and supports the AoMRC in
its stated
approach to resolve the situation. The RCGP is working with the
Academy of Royal Colleges to ensure that the situation is closely
monitored and our analysis of the issue suggests three overall
crunch issues for MTAS. These should be considered by the
review.
- The criteria and policy for selection for specialist training
for disciplines other than for general practice. There is
an agreed and accepted process for general practice since general
practice has developed and validated a national selection
methodology over the last five years( consisting of a machine
markable shortlisting assessment followed by selection
centre).
- The availability of training places in relation to the number
of applicants
- The operation of the IT systems and communication issues.
Whilst there may be a major problem with MTAS
in other disciplines, the RCGP strongly believes that the
arrangements for general practice must proceed as planned. In light
of the information we have to date, we do not support suspension of
the Round 1 process for general practice – the process for general
practice must proceed as planned with refinements made as necessary
for Round 2.
The situation regarding general
practice applications
Evidence suggests that of all the specialities
the national application policy and process for general practice
has been operating satisfactorily. There is an established and
accepted national policy and methodology for selection which has
been in operation prior to the introduction of MTAS, by COGPED
(Committee of GP education directors).
The previous method of GP recruitment has
integrated with Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) the
new online recruitment system. The GP national recruitment
office had already piloted an on-line recruitment system. The RCGP
is pleased with the number of applications and the quality of the
applicants in the first round of recruitment. All applicants to GP
posts will have been notified by yesterday (Tuesday 6 March 2007)
as to whether they have been shortlisted.
The GP recruitment process has ensured that
80% of applicants have been equitably matched to Deaneries across
the UK for interview.
As with any new system, there will be teething
troubles and the national selection process for GP recruitment
seems to have fared better than for other specialties thanks to the
efforts by COGPED, the National Recruitment Office, the
Postgraduate Training Committee of the RCGP and the individual Post
Graduate Deanery offices.
We are encouraged by the number of
applications to general practice using the new online system - and
with the quality of the applicants. This means we will be able to
recruit from a wide and diverse pool - which is very good news for
the future of patient care and demonstrates that general practice
is valued and viewed as a good career choice. However, we must
support those doctors who are experiencing difficulties and ensure
a speedy solution.
As with all recruitment systems there will be
disappointments and we are sympathetic with those who have not been
successful on this occasion.
RCGP Chairman Professor Mayur Lakhani, said:
“We can understand the distress of junior doctors caught up in
this. Amongst all the gloom, however, it is important
to state that thanks to careful planning and preparation, the
general practice aspect has fared well and we must now proceed to
the next stages.”
Ends
For further information contact Gillian Watson
on 0207 3443135 or email press@rcgp.org.uk