Flexible options are available for doctors, whether part time of full time, helping to support a good work-life balance, prevent burn out and retain the medical workforce. This may be enabled by:
More and more healthcare professionals are working less than full time (LTFT), from trainees to those approaching retirement. Often LTFT working has been taken up by women and it is increasing, but the proportion of men taking up LTFT working patterns, particularly those nearing retirement, is also increasing. Noticeably differences in uptake occur between specialties – 67% of GPs work LTFT, 23% of physicians and 16% of those in anaesthetics.
The Academy looks at issues of flexibility in healthcare via its Flexible Careers Committee. Its membership has representatives from each Medical Royal College and Faculty from England and the devolved Countries, as well as from the BMA , BDA, DoH, NHS Employers, GMC and the Medical Womens’ Federation.
Career Refresh for Medicine, HEE, (CaReForMe) has been developed to help support doctors who have had a break in practice, including those new to the NHS, return more easily and safely. It is a facilitative programme, meaning eligible doctors are still responsible for finding an appropriate post
