Who is this for?

This guidance is for ANY trainee who has had a period of absence from training. This could include; parental leave, sickness, OOP, carers leave and any other reason where you have taken a break from training.

The SuppoRTT guidance is designed to be flexible and take into account the differing nature and length of absence, addressing your individual needs as you make the transition back into your training programme.  

Do I need to read the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) Guidance?

Yes, you should ensure that you thoroughly read this guidance as it defines both the exact rules and requirements that you are required to adhere to. This guidance has been put into place to support you, promote patient safety and quality of care.

The Key Points;

1. Any trainee that has a period of absence of 3 months or more is strongly advised to adhere to this guidance document.
2. If you have been absent for less than 3 months you can still ‘opt in’ to the guidance document.
3. Your supported return to training plan should be individualised to your needs.
4. If you have been absent for 6 or more months you will be eligible for a three-day supernumerary period on your return.
5. The relevant meetings and forms must be completed in conjunction with your Educational Supervisor and sent to your Training Programme Director

What should I do before I take a period of planned absence?

If you are about to take a period of planned absence you should ensure that you arrange a Pre-Absence Meeting with your educational supervisor to discuss how you might keep up to date and any concerns that you may have about returning.

You will need to complete the Pre-Absence Form detailing your discussion and then send a copy to your Training Programme Director and the SuppoRTT team.

What should I do If my break from practice in unexpected?

If your break from practice is unplanned then this meeting can be held at a later date at more convenient time for you dependent on your personal circumstances. This meeting can take place over the phone if you are unable to meet face to face.

What should I do prior to my return to training?

Approximately 8 – 12 weeks before you return to practice you will be required to attend an Initial Return Meeting to discuss what support you may require.

• For a period of absence that is between 3-5 months you should meet with your Educational Supervisor.
• For a period of absence that is 6 months and over you should meet with your Training Programme Director.
• If you have been absent for more complex reasons (sickness, personal reasons) you may request a 1:1 meeting with a SuppoRTT APD who may be able to offer additional support and guidance.

The aim of these meetings will be to create an individualised plan of return which will consist of identifying and discussing;

• Specific concerns
• Learning & training needs (including possible assessments or courses that the trainee should attend)
• Eligibility for supernumerary status
• A period of increased supervision if required

If you are unsure who your Educational Supervisor will be on your return you can contact your Training Programme Director for further advice.

Remember, returning to full duties, including on-calls without a re-introduction period, could potentially have negative implications for your wellbeing and patient safety. It is ok to ask for help and support.

What is the difference between a Supernumerary and a Supervised period?

All trainees (excluding GP trainees who are returning to a practice) who have had a period of absence of 6 months or more are entitled to a 3-day supernumerary period on their return which will be funded via SuppoRTT (you will still be paid via your normal arrangements). During this period the Trust will have backfilled your position to enable you to be an additional member of staff. This will need to be agreed during your Initial Return Meeting (recommended 8-12 weeks prior to return) with your ES or TPD where you will discuss what activities you will undertake during this time, this may include shadowing a senior member of staff.

All trainees who have had a period of absence for 3 or months (regardless if you are eligible for the 3-day supernumerary period) it is recommended that you should undertake a period of increased supervision which may include work-based assessments. This may affect your ability to undertake any out of hours work. This should be discussed and documented with your ES or TPD during your Initial Return Meeting.

Will HEE contact me while I am away from my programme?

Yes, please expect to receive emails from the SuppoRTT team inviting you to attend the activities within the YH SuppoRTT.

In order to improve collaboration and communication, the SuppoRTT team will contact you, your ES/TPD and Trust via email at the following stages prior to your return; 3 months, 2months and 1 month. The team will also contact you 1 month post your return requesting feedback regarding your experience of the supported return to training process. 

Don’t forget, you can also contact the team at any stage if you need further information or support; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk

What is an Individual Action Planner (IAP)?  

An IAP is a document that can allow you to plan what activities you will need to complete prior to your return. The IAP is divided into three sections to help you make a clear plan that addresses all of your needs. You can begin to fill this in independently or with your Educational Supervisor/Training Programme Director. Your ES/TPD can also make recommendations and record this on to your IAP.

The IAP will act as your record of support and should be linked to your E-portfolio and Trainee file. On completion of all planned activities a copy should also be sent to your Training Programme Director and the SuppoRTT team.   

What are Return To Training Activities (RTT-A)?

Return To Training Activities can include;

• Non-clinical activity days / workshops are provided specifically by HEE that are designed to;

• Build personal and professional well being
• Facilitate access to coaches and mentors
• Provide practical advice and sign posting
• Provide information/support for trainees who want to work less than full time

Details for these are located under the RTT-A tab on this webiste. These events are FREE to attend and are CHILD friendly.

• Clinical educational days and supported leaning activities that you access through either; YH SuppoRTT Programme, Trust, School or HEE. This can include;

• Clinical training including simulation
• Clinical shadowing days
• Educational update days

There’s no definitive list on what is or is not available to any specific trainee. You may find or be advised of other courses that you think will address your needs. You can discuss these options with your Educational Supervisor or Training Programme Director and request the necessary funding through the SuppoRTT CPD Funding process (please refer to Supported Return to Training CPD Funding guidance).

Please note, all YH SuppoRTT RTT-A are FREE to attend and you do not need to follow the SuppoRTT CPD Funding Process. All SuppoRTT RTT-A are detailed on the website.

If you have taken parental leave you may have access to 10 paid Keeping in Touch Days (these can be used to attend RTT- A if their employer agrees).

Details for ALL trainees regarding pay should be discussed with your employer.

When will I return to my normal duties?

Your supported return to training will end once you and your Educational Supervisor are satisfied that all of your needs have been met and you are happy to return to your programme. You will discuss this in your Return Review Meeting.

What should I do if my supervisor isn’t supporting me?

If you are not getting the required support from your Educational Supervisor then we would recommend that you contact your Training Programme Director at your earliest opportunity in order to address your concerns. Alternatively, you can contact HEE (SuppoRTT team) for further support and guidance; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk .

Below are the Return To Training Activities (RTT-A) we provide. Those that are baby friendly are indicated by the following symbol,. This means you can bring your little one along if you wish. For further information or to book your place please visit, Medical Maxcourse. If you haven't already created a Maxcourse account, please see these instructions.

RTT-A: Practical Advice & Signposting ​​

This event is facilitated by Dr Ros Roden (SuppoRTT APD) who can provide you with the help and advice in the practicalities of returning whether this be Full Time or Less Than Full Time. Each event includes different guest speakers who are happy to share their experience and knowledge to help make your return to training as easy as possible. These events are a brilliant opportunity to ask questions, meet with colleagues who are in a similar situation and begin to create your own individualised return to training plan.

Start: 0930hrs, Finish:1530hrs

Lunch and Refreshments are provided.

RTT-A: Building Personal & Professional Well-being ​​

HEE are excited to announce that following a successful pilot event Petros (professionals in resilience training) have agreed to work with HEE in supporting trainees back into training through their bespoke one-day resilience training programme ‘The Challenge of Change’. This day aims to develop and enhance your personal resilience in preparation for your return to training. This highly engaging and practical day will give you a clear understanding of what stress is really all about and the link between stress and poor health. You’ll discover how you can combat stress in work and home life, feel better, be more productive and content.

What you will learn:

• You will be provided with your own personal resilience profile
• A simple four-step strategy for enhancing your personal resilience
• Improved communication skills
• Strategies for relaxing both mind and body
• Your route to enhanced well-being and better performance

Start: 0930hrs, Finish: 1530hrs

Lunch and Refreshments are provided.

RTT-A: OOP Study Group

HEE have collaborated with Dr Laura Blakemore to develop a mixed speciality, child friendly, OOP study group for trainee’s who are OPP or have recently returned. These sessions will be facilitated by guest speakers from different specialities and all attendees are also welcomed to send in topics of interest so that speakers can incorporate into their session. These groups are a great opportunity to keep up to date with your CPD and spend time with colleagues who will be in a similar situation to you. Please be advised that this pilot will run for a period of 4 months and will take place at Weston Park Museum, Sheffield (opposite Sheffield Children’s Hospital).

If you would like to start your own OOP study group in your local area then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the SuppoRTT Mailbox.

Start: 1300hrs, Finish: 1500hrs

Refreshments are provided.
 

How to set up and run a Study Group in your area

OOP Study Groups are a Trainee led initiative which the SuppoRTT Team provide administartive and funding support for. If you're interested in setting up a Study Group on your area, we'd love to hear from you. Please see attached our guide for setting up a Study Group and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the  SuppoRTT Team via the SuppoRTT Mailbox.

RTT-A: Clinical Skills & Simulation

HEE are working in partnership with Mexborough Montagu Simulation Centre to provide a mixed speciality one-day course that will help doctors returning to practice, refresh their skills in undertaking a structured A - E approach when assessing and managing the acutely unwell patient. It will also cover the updated National Early Warning Scoring system and the SEPSIS 6 protocol.  Opportunity will be given for the knowledge and skills gained in the morning session to be put into practice using a number of simulation-based scenarios.

Objectives

• To provide those returning to work with a structured, needs-based programme.
• To rehearse a structured A - E approach to assessing and managing the acutely unwell patient.
• To recognise severity of illness using local/national scoring systems.
• To put theory into practice using simulation-based scenarios.

Please note that this is a supported event, there are no tests and it is only open to doctors who are in the process of returning or have recently returned.

Start: 0900hrs, Finish: 1630hrs

RTT-A: Human Factors and Communication

HEE are working in partnership with Mexborough Montagu Simulation Centre to provide a mixed speciality one-day course that will focus on a number of challenges faced by doctors when communicating with colleagues and patients.  It will also deal with the importance of Human Factors within the healthcare setting using a small group exercise and simulation-based scenarios.

Objectives

• To provide those returning to work with a structured, needs-based programme.
• To explore relevant aspects of communication within the doctor-patient and multidisciplinary settings.
• To stress the importance of Human Factors in the healthcare setting.

All delegates are expected to complete the Improvement Academy’s Bronze Level Human Factors training before attending the day.  This can be accessed on-line via the Improvement Academy website.

Please note that this is a supported event, there are no tests and it is only open to doctors who are in the process of returning or have recently returned.

Start: 0900hrs, Finish: 1630hrs

SuppoRTT Courses Facilitated by Dr Susy Stirling

Action Learning Sets for SuppoRTT
Half day sessions for different groups of returning trainees: OOPE, OOPR, Maternity leave, those who have had an unforeseen episode of time out of training (eg illness episode, new caring responsibilities etc)
 

Action learning is a way of working in a small closed group in order to work on real issues, and thereby solve problems. It is aimed at developing a skilled response in the person whose issues are worked on as well as in the other members of the set. Action Learning is a vehicle for problem solving, self-discovery and for finding solutions to 'wicked' problems - i.e. those which defy common sense or obvious solutions because every solution seems to cause a problem for someone or something else. Sets are useful professional networks and can become support systems in themselves. The SuppoRTT sets will meet once per quarter for a half day, starting at the beginning of 2019.

Please click here for the flyer and more information

The dates available are shown on our 'Year Calendar of RTT- Activities' tab.

SuppoRTT Workshop: Know Your ‘Why’

If you have ever found yourself questioning why you do the job you do, and feeling disconnected from the person who made that career choice in the first place, this workshop is for you. Come and meet others who have felt similarly, and reconnect with, or re-design, your career aims and aspirations. This is a relaxed, informal one-day workshop. The emphasis will be on exploring how you feel about your career in a non-judgemental environment. This day is completely independent from any discussion with faculty from your School or Trust.

Please click here for the flyer and more information

The dates available are shown on our 'Year Calendar of RTT- Activities' tab.

SuppoRTT Workshop: Imposter Syndrome – what is it and how can I manage it?

Imposter Syndrome or Phenomenon is defined as ‘a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evidence of success’. ‘Imposters’ suffer chronic self-doubt and are unable to internalise their accomplishments however successful they are in their field. This phenomenon is prevalent in trainees and doctors. It can get in the way of both professional progress, and job satisfaction. Time out of training can exacerbate it. Because it is common, it is usually helpful to discuss it in a group setting, explore what it is, how it affects you and what you can do about it. This one-day workshop provides support as well as understanding.

Please click here for the flyer and more information

The dates available are shown on our 'Year Calendar of RTT- Activities' tab.

SuppoRTT Careers Coaching Clinic

The SuppoRTT Careers Clinic provides pre-bookable 60-90 min appointments to review your career and explore your career plan in light of your time out of training. Sessions are bespoke and can include coaching, a psychometric tool, a careers diagnostic tool, 360 appraisal and feedback as necessary. These are confidential and independent from your School and educational supervision. Sessions can be stand-alone, or a series. They provide protected time to consider your career path.

They are free of charge and delivered by a trained coach, with extensive experience in careers coaching, use of psychometrics and delivery of 360feedback.

Please click here for the flyer and more information

The dates available are shown on our 'Year Calendar of RTT- Activities' tab.

Addtional courses which the SuppoRTT Programme support

Return To Acute Care Training (ReACT)

Organised by Bradford Teaching Hospitals, This course is for Trainees at any grade of training who work in acute hospital specialities. The course features, high fidelity emergency scenarios and clinical skills practice and much more. 

Please click here for the flyer

To book, please complete the attached booking form and return to facilities.administration@bthft.nhs.uk

Paediatric Supported Return To Training Study Day

The objective of this course is to help build trainee confidence, skills and knowledge in a supportive environment so that they can safely and confidently return to practice within thier training programme.

Running on 8 March 2019, 13 June 2019 and 24 October 2019

Please click here for the flyer

To book, please contact louise.pemberton@nhs.net

Any queries, please contact sunitha.sampath@nhs.net

An Introducation to Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment without judgement and with kindness and curiosity. Mindfulness helps you become more self-aware, feel calmer and less stressed, be more able to choose how to respon, copy with dificult or unhelpful thoughts and be kinder towards yourself.

Organised by Dr Sanjay Suri and facilitated by Rachael Garside from Tall Spaghetti ltd, this is a one day course 10:00-15:00

Running on numerous occassions from June-August. Please see the calander of events in the tab below for dates. 

Please click here for the flyer 

To Book, please visit Medical Maxcourse

Any queries, please contact sanjay.suri2@nhs.net or rachael@tallspaghetti.co.uk

Mentorship

HEE now have a cohort of trainee peer mentors who are here to help support trainees in their return to training. Mentorship can help you to; reflect on your current abilities, set out achievable as desirable goals, develop clinical skills, boost confidence and increase self-belief. It is also a brilliant opportunity to talk to a peer who can relate to your situation and share their experiences. If you would like to access a mentor then please contact the SuppoRTT team via their mail box: supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.

If you would like to become a mentor then please look out for further mentorship training days that will be announced throughout the year. Any doctor that wishes to join the SuppoRTT mentorship cohort must complete the mentorship modules on E-learning for health and attend a one-day initial course and then a half day refresher day. Please be advised that this is only open to HST’s.

Coaching

The aim of coaching is to increase potential and enhance the careers of those who access it. Sessions are confidential and do not form part of educational assessment. Coaching is time for you to think.  Your coach won’t judge you, or give you advice. This means it is ok to talk about anything that you feel gets in the way of you doing your best at work. You can really think things through in a way that is different to talking things over with a friend, partner, TPD or Educational Supervisor - all people who tend to have another agenda for you.  Your coach will support you, and challenge you if necessary, to help you reach a conclusion that is helpful and meaningful to you. If you would like to access a coach then please contact the SuppoRTT team via their mail box:supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.

For further information on coaching please visit the Coaching page on our website, here.