Frequently Asked Questions
We have an answer to every question...
Is CMH VTS entirely located at Central Middlesex Hospital?
No. Our VTS jobs vary in location. Please see the Rotations Page for specifics.
How often does the VTS group meet?
Our group meets has three yearly ‘terms’ when we meet weekly on a Thursday between 2-5pm at CMH, at the education centre. We also have socials outside of work - once per term at least!
What happens at weekly VTS teaching?
Normally we start with a special talk for an hour, then we break into smaller groups for different activities like press rations, ethical debate, CSA practice and end with a group debate. About once each term we might combine with other nearby VTS schemes for a group teaching session at Northwick Park.
How long is the training?
Training at full time consists of three years. Two clinical and the last year exclusively as a GP. The clinical years are typically 6 months but some have mini rotations in them. See the rotations page for more details.
What is an ITP post?
ITP means Innovative Training Post – it is essentially shared between GP and a speciality – half time in each – these are very popular posts and give a good balance of exposure to different areas.
What do I need to know about HEE?
Health Education England’s GP team oversee our training. Amongst other things, they are responsible for the administration of the ARCP process. They should be informed about any changes relevant to your training programme.
What do I need to know about GP LEO?
GP trainees in London are employed by a ‘Lead Employment Organisation’ (LEO) on behalf of host trust and practices. For all trainees in North London, including CMH trainees, your LEO is the Royal Free NHS Trust. This means you will only have to fill in joining paperwork once.
You can contact GP LEO for all payroll, employment, Occupational Health and HR services by emailing rf.gpleo@nhs.net or calling 02037582059.
How does the job pay?
The pay varies on commitments and hours therefore A&E would pay more than Public Health - for example. You will be paid by the Royal Free NHS Trust throughout the 3 years, although you will work across a variety of host sites. Royal Free Trust pay on the last Wednesday of the month. Payslips are only available online via the Self Service portal.
Who is my Guardian of Safe Working?
For GP Trainees in secondary care posts, your Guardian of Safe Working is based at your host site. During your local induction before starting each post, you should be told who this is and you should also be introduced to the local exception reporting mechanisms.
To exception report, go to DrRealTimeRostering and log in using the account details sent to you at the start of your employment. If you have not received this, please contact rf.gpguardiansw@nhs.net
Once submitted, exception reports (ERs) are read by your CS/ES – additional hours worked will be recompensed with time off in lieu or payment or closed with no action. If there is a repetitive pattern within a post, a work schedule review will be requested to identify rota gaps/enact changes. Trainees can also submit ERs for missed scheduled educational activities (e.g. missing your VTS teaching).
What is my study leave and study budget allowance?
You are allowed a maximum of 30 days study leave a year. GP VTS Teaching Sessions are automatically taken as study leave and thus deducted from this allowance. This leaves roughly 12 days to be allocated for other educational activities, subject to the prior approval of your educational supervisor.
The application for study leave is made locally – i.e. with your rota co-ordinator or GP supervisor.
The Study budget in GP Posts is £500 – applications for this is made via GP LEO.
The study budget in hospital posts varies according to the host organisation and applications for this allowance are made locally with said organisation.
What is the performers list?
This is a national list for medical practitioners working in primary care. It provides an extra layer of reassurance for the public that GPs are suitably qualified, have up to date training and have appropriate language skills and have passed other relevant checks such as with the Disclosure and Barring Service and the NHS Litigation Authority.
HEE will supply NHS England with the details of all GP trainees who will need to be added to the list each August and February. NHS England will confirm their inclusion to Primary Care Services England (PCSE – the body that oversees the list) and PCSE will notify each GP trainee by email once this has happened. You will only need to be on this list when you start working in a primary care post.
