GP training posts in the UK

Recognition of posts for the purposes of GP training in the UK

In Ireland, there are approximately 80 approved posts in structured vocational training schemes recognised by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP). Demand for these places far exceeds supply. A large number of doctors therefore complete their own self-structured training, outside the auspices of the ICGP. These doctors undertake their GP year in the UK after they have completed their hospital-based training in Ireland.

The Medical Council, as the competent authority under Council Directive 2005/36/EC, provides evidence to the GMC that the hospital posts held by these doctors were approved for training under Article 28 of Chapter III of Council Directive 2005/36/EC. Any doctor who undertook self-structured training before 1st July 2002 may have their hospital posts recognised by the ICGP. The ICGP does not recognise any self-structured training posts after this date. In these cases, the relevant training body is responsible for informing the Medical Council whether or not these posts were approved for specialist training. The Medical Council then confirms that these posts are approved under Article 28 of Chapter III of the Directive.

In order for a Doctor to have posts approved, the Medical Council will require the relevant training body to complete a form for each training post occupied by a doctor, certifying that the post is approved for training under the Directive. This form may be downloaded below by the doctor and/or training body, as required. Please ensure that each form is completed in full by the training body as incomplete forms cannot be accepted by the Medical Council and will be returned to the doctor.

Important: Doctors who were not on the RCSI Surgical Training Programme must also provide a letter from the Medical Manpower Manager of the hospital confirming that they occupied a recognized training post on the specific dates. Doctors will only receive accreditation from the RCSI for posts occupied for 6 months. The doctor will be responsible for obtaining the completed forms from the training body (either on vacating the post or at a later date). The doctor must then forward all completed forms and a service fee to the Medical Council, who will in turn issue you with a letter confirming that the posts are approved under the Directive. Please note that the service fee for processing applications is €65.00

Further Information

The relevant application form can be downloaded below
Application form UK GP training.pdf