Less Than Full Time | Welsh School of Anaesthesia

Less Than Full Time Training (LTFT)

As a speciality, Anaesthesia has a very positive approach to LTFT training. The Welsh School of Anaesthetics has a strong history of support for LTFT training and up to 40% of our trainees at any one time train and work on a part time basis. We recognise that the demand for LTFT working is increasing each year.

We have been at the forefront of the integration of part time and full time working and have large numbers of LTFT trainees in a range of slot shares and reduced hours posts. Trainees usually work at either 60 or 70% of full time. This gives them enough clinical exposure to progress in training while still maintaining their work life balance. Posts are usually allocated based on the rotation the trainee was appointed to and may include placements in North and South Wales.

LTFT training is open to all anaesthetic trainees in Wales. In order to apply for LTFT, a trainee must already be in a post or be appointed to that grade in open competition.

Eligibility criteria include:

Being the parent of a young child
Caring for an ill or disabled relative
Having a disability
Having a health problem
Wellbeing or personal reasons for an improved work-life balance

LTFT training provides the same range of experience and education as full time posts but obviously takes longer to fulfil the educational requirement of the curriculum as set out by The Royal College of Anaesthetists. LTFT trainees are expected to work pro rata a percentage of the full timer workforce, including weekday and weekend days and nights.

Application for LTFT training in Anaesthetics is via HEIW website. Application forms are available to download from the website and can be found at the bottom of this webpage. The HEIW LTFT policy introduced in November 2022 clarified the eligibility criteria, removed the requirement for renewal of LTFT paperwork between placements and introduced application windows to support the process in a fair and transparent way. HEIW LTFT Policy

There are 4 routes to application for LTFT training:

Application Windows
Applications must be submitted in the following windows for any given training year:

1st February to 28th/29th February for start dates between the following 1st August and 31st January.
1st August to 31st August for start dates between the following 1st February and 31st July.

Trainees will be notified of the outcome no more than 12 weeks after the window has closed.

Exceptional Circumstances

Only maternity/paternity/shared parental leave and crisis applications will be considered outside of this timeline and an exemption form will need to be completed and discussed with your TPD.

Newly Appointed Trainees

Newly appointed posts will need to make applications within 10 days of their post offer.

Increasing Hours

Applications to increase hours must be made with at least 8 weeks notice and preferably as much notice as possible.

Applications need to be discussed with the Training Programme Director, the LTFT adviser in Anaesthetics and with the College Tutor of the department where the trainee is in post. A flow diagram in the information pack indicates the steps required before the LTFT trainee takes up their post.

Once eligibility has been assessed and LTFT training is approved the trainee will be required to fill out a LTFT training plan. This will include a job plan looking at the structure of their working week and on call commitments. It should include attendance at regular teaching sessions appropriate to their grade. LTFT trainees are expected to progress at a pro rata rate compared to their full time colleagues and take exams at appropriate times. They will be assessed at yearly intervals by the ARCP process to ensure they are progressing satisfactorily.

LTFT training has worked well in Anaesthesia in Wales with many trainees progressing to both part time and full time consultant posts. The Wales Deanery has won awards for its family friendly policies and in Anaesthetics we are always happy to discuss with individuals the option for LTFT training.

Contact list

Dr Liz Boucher, LTFT Lead for Anaesthesia, elizabethkaty.boucher@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Sonia Sathe, LTFT Lead for ICM, sonia.sathe@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Nia Williams, LTFT Lead for Anaesthesia in North Wales, nia.williams@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Jade Loughran, LTFT School Trainee Representative, jade.loughran@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Graeme Lilley Stage 2/3 Anaesthesia Training Programme Director, coretpdanaesthesiawales@gmail.com
Dr Mike Adamson, Stage 1 Anaesthesia Training Programme Director michael.adamson@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Bethan Gibson, FICM Training Programme Director, bethan.gibson@wales.nhs.uk