BMA press releases archive

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING CONFIRMED FOR SAS DOCTORS IN SCOTLAND

(issued by BMA Scotland Thursday 29 Mar 2012)

The leader of staff, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors in Scotland, Dr Sue Robertson, has today [Thursday 29 March 2012] welcomed confirmation that £1.4million of funding for training and development opportunities for SAS doctors in Scotland has been awarded by the Scottish Government.

The funding will be allocated over three years and will allow SAS doctors the opportunity for personal and professional development. This comes three years after similar funding was made available in England.

Dr Sue Robertson said:

“I am delighted that this funding has been awarded for the training and development of SAS doctors in Scotland. The contribution of SAS doctors is often overlooked in the health service despite the growing numbers of our group. We make up a significant proportion of the NHS workforce and the NHS benefits from the service we provide. It is therefore imperative that the NHS demonstrates its commitment to the support and development of this important group of doctors and this funding is a positive step in the right direction.

“It is vital that Scottish Health Boards improve the attractiveness of the specialty doctor grade. By offering the opportunity for career development and progression they will attract and retain good quality doctors in these roles and continue to provide a high quality service for patients in Scotland.”

ENDS

Note to editor

The funding which was awarded by Scottish Government Health Directorates will be allocated by NHS Education Scotland.

The £1.4 million will be awarded as such:
£400,000 from April 2012, £500,000 from April 2013 and £500,000 from April 2014

The SAS Sub Committee of the RCPE is pleased to announce an Evening Medical Update for SAS doctors. This event is free, focusing on career development and management, and is open to all SAS doctors, regardless of their specialty. It will be held at 18.30 on Wednesday 16 May 2012, in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Queen Street, Edinburgh. For further information please go to http://events.rcpe.ac.uk/events/190/sas-educational-evening