After the foundation programme you may decide
to locum for a time, in order to gain more experience before
deciding to apply to specialty. Some specialty trainees may also
consider taking some time out of training to do a locum job e.g.
between Core and Higher in uncoupled specialities. There are two
types of locum jobs: Locum Appointments for Training (LATs) and
Locum Appointments for Service (LASs). See below for more
information.
Locum Appointment for Training
(LAT):
LATs are temporary posts whereby the trainee
is assigned an Educational Supervisor, so they can plan for
training opportunities within the post. The trainee will also be
given appropriate clinical supervision.
According to the Gold Guide 2010:
‘If a doctor is subsequently appointed to a
relevant specialty training programme through open competition, the
documented competencies achieved through one or more LAT placements
may be taken into account by the Training Programme Director.’
The Gold Guide goes on to say:
‘GMC does not have limits on LATs except that
they can only count towards a CCT if the doctor subsequently enters
an approved specialty training programme…A doctor cannot obtain a
CCT with only LAT appointments. They, can, however, use LATs
towards their CESR application.’
Locum Appointment for Service
(LAS):
LASs are temporary posts without a recognised
training component. This means that the employee will not usually
be assessed for competences required in a foundation or specialty
programme. The doctor is appointed a Clinical Supervisor but not an
Educational Supervisor.
According to the Gold Guide 2010:
‘LAS posts cannot count for CCT award but may
be used as part of the evidence for a CESR application.’
General advice on LATs and
LASs:
LATs and LASs jobs are available from F1
level, and also in basic specialist and higher specialist
training. You can find these appointments on the NHS Jobs website. For F1 LAS and
LAT jobs you need full registration with the GMC.
Specialty trainees would not be allowed to
take time out of programme to do locums. In the uncoupled
specialties then there is a natural break between core and higher
training when some trainees do locums e.g. whilst trying to get
Royal college exams.
LAT posts are fine providing there are not too
many of them. There used to be a restriction on the length of time
in LAT posts and although this has gone it is of concern if most of
the training had been done in LATs. One year is however very
acceptable.
Foundation doctors who do not get posts need
to read person specifications very carefully as 18 month’s
experience whether a LAT or LAS may mean that you cannot apply for
ST1. As most of the posts advertised are in ST1, then this needs
careful thought.