Almost half of GP training staff will retire this year

Almost half of GP training staff are to retire this year following the transfer of responsibility for training from the HSE to the ICGP, it has emerged. Out of 77 programme directors and assistant programme directors previously employed by the HSE, 35 have said they will step down before the end of December. The remaining 42 staff have indicated they wish to remain in post. In a statement to the Medical Independent, Dr Martin Rouse, ICGP National Director of GP Training, said all staff transferred on 6 March.

“Thirty-five have indicated their intention to resign from training on an agreed basis between July and December 2021.The process to replace these as scheme directors will commence this month [June] when the ICGP will be advertising for suitable candidates.”

He added: “Under the SLA [service level agreement], each of the existing schemes becomes a constituent part of the ICGP National Programme, ensuring that the training experience will be both uniform and of the highest international quality. While the transfer is proceeding the trainee education and training experience will be preserved.”

The transfer is being completed in three phases, with the first part involving the transfer of staff due for completion at the end of June. In phase two (June 2021 to December 2021), most programme directors and assistant programme directors who do not wish to continue as ICGP employees will leave the College’s employment.

“This will be managed by close engagement with each person to stagger departure alongside recruitment activity. During this phase the College will scale up its capacity to manage the training and begin to develop the structures, systems and processes required,” said Dr Rouse.

“The full implementation of the new model of training will begin in phase three in January 2022 onwards. GP training places will be expanded to meet the growing popularity of this speciality and continue to provide the high-quality GP training that the College and the GP community expects.”