Absence from Training

Regulations require that no more than TWO weeks (14 days) absence is allowed per ST year during the three-year training programme. This includes weekends, whether or not the registrar was scheduled to work. Any time lost beyond these limits has to be made up through an extension to training.

Should experience in a hospital post fall below three months due to absence, this may still be accepted by the RCGP Certification Unit provided that the registrar's e-portfolio can demonstrate;

• Log entries relevant to the specialty
• Evidence of workplace-based assessments completed in the post
• A positive Clinical Supervisor's report

Although, under employment legislation, a variety of leave is allowed for employees for absence from training these are aggregated.  For calculation purposes this includes:

• Sickness leave
• Parental leave
• Dependent leave (compassionate leave)
• The first two weeks of Maternity, Paternity or Adoption Leave
• Jury service

As well as notifying their employer, GP Specialty Registrars are also required to inform their training programme administrator who should keep an accurate record of leave taken. 

GP Trainers, as employers, should also keep a log of Registrar absence.