Prolonged Study Leave
Doctors who are performers of primary medical services are entitled to apply for prolonged study leave, subject to approval by the Prolonged Study Leave Panel of GP Directors and funding availability from PCTs. In principle, doctors are entitled to an educational allowance and a locum allowance, for a minimum period of 10 weeks and a maximum periof of 1 year, to undertake study which will enhance the contribution they make to the local health economy on return to practice. In practice, since responsibility for funding was devolved from the Department of Health to PCTs, there are significant cost pressures on PCT Administered funds. Commonly only applications for shorter and part-time studies are being approved. Application for Prolonged Study Leave View or Download PSL Step by Step Guide View or Download Application Form Frequently Asked Questions Question: What types of study would qualify for prolonged study leave? Answer: In the first instance see the new regulations and make an appointment to see your educational supervisor or a member of the DPGPE’s department for advice and guidance. Study which enhances the NHS Plan objectives eg achieving trainer status or GP specialist may be particularly beneficial, as well as meeting objectives in a Personal Development Plan.  Ideally PSL will both develop the individual and benefit primary care in the NHS. Question: Will the PCT pay my course fees? Answer: No, not directly.  The financial support available is a contribution toward locum fees and an educational allowance as detailed in the regulations.  The educational allowance can be used for fees.  PSL is only allowed if the PCT has identified funding. Question: I will be studying part time, what allowances will I be entitled to? Answer: You will be entitled to a contribution toward locum fees and an educational allowance as detailed in the guidance.  You will need to be aware that the locum allowance will be paid on a pro-rata basis for part-time study. ie if you are studying one day per week, you will most likely be paid one fifth of the maximum of the locum allowance. The education allowance will be paid in full, as this allowance is a contribution towards the extra cost of study ie extra book and travel expenses.  It is also pro rata for part time principals and job shares. Question: If I approach other organisations for funding how will this affect my application? Answer: If part or all of your expenses or locum expenses are paid by another organisation, or other payment is received during the period of absence, this is likely to affect the allowances paid by the PCT by abatement.   If any payments or grants are received after the application has been accepted it is essential that they are discussed with your PCT.  Failure to do this may result in the repayment of all allowances paid or be viewed as fraud. Question: Is any other funding available? Answer: No. Question: How much time should I apply for? Answer: Make an appointment to see your educational supervisor or a member of the DPGPE’s department for advice and guidance, they should be able to look at your course prospectus and advise you of the additional time you will need. Question: Can I have PSL more than once? Answer:  Currently no, but Directors hope to have this discretion in the future. Question: Can I use PSL to undertake Membership by Assessment of Performance (MAP) of the RCGP or Fellowship by Assessment (FBA)? Answer: No, the NHS does not currently directly fund membership of professional organisations.  However, there is nothing to prevent you from presenting the outcome/evidence of any study undertaken through PSL in support of an application for M/FRCGP. Question: Can I have PSL if I am in a PMS practice? Answer: Yes, as with GMS, funding is granted via your PCT and applications should be made in the same way.  Directors can advise on academic suitability, but decisions on the availability of resources will lie with the PCT .  With all applications the PCT must first agree availability of funding. Question: Is there discretion in interpretation of allowances? Answer: No, the Panel of Directors and PCT cannot authorise payments outwith the provision of the new regulations. Question: Does PSL fit with the new allowances for Higher Professional Education (HPE) in the first 2 years post VTS? Answer:  HPE is available to new GPs in the first two years of practice.  HPE is intended to fill any non-clinical gaps post vocational training; it is for the personal benefit of new GPs to allow them to develop the confidence to work as independent practitioners.  PSL allows GPs to undertake further study in particular areas as part of their continued professional development, and more closely links to the needs of the service and patients as well as the individual practitioner. In deciding funding availability PCTs are likely to examine the relevance of PSL to improving health care provision in their locality.