Frequently Asked Questions
This page covers our most frequently asked questions from Trust Grade Drs and international medical graduates. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, or on the other tabs on this website, please get in touch with PGME Coordinator, Caitlin Taylor
How do I apply to attend courses and conferences?
To attend any learning events you will need to apply for study leave through the study leave process. This includes submitting an application form to the Junior Drs Study Leave inbox at least 6 weeks in advance complete with digital signatures from your rota coordinator and educational supervisor. Please see the study leave tab above and select your specific staff group for a copy of the digital form as well as further information regarding the process.
How do I attend a Life Support course at the Trust?
The Life Support Training team provides courses such as ILS, ALS and ATLS, for the Trust. You will need to contact the team directly to enquire about these courses and be added to the waiting list for any you are interested in attending. You will need to follow the study leave process in order to attend any courses and claim back any expenses/fees.
If you cannot secure a place at Derriford in the timeframe you need, then you can book yourself onto courses at other venues around the country and use your study leave allocation for this. Please do be mindful of costs at some private training venues if you are a Trust Grade Dr as you are only entitled to £577 pro rata per contract year in study leave expenses. For reference, the Derriford ALS course cost is currently £250 but some venues can charge up to £700.
What do I do if I am unwell?
If you are unwell and unable to attend work you should firstly contact your department and let them know you will not be attending. It is important to give them as much notice as possible so they can arrange cover for you.
You should then keep your department updated across the course of your absence.
Once you are back at work, your service line manager will arrange for you to have a return to work meeting where you will discuss any support you might need following your absence. Please familiarise yourself with the sickness policy, which is available via StaffNet or the G: Drive.
Please always ask your department if they have additional requirements for reporting sickness absence.