BMA(NI) Response To Publication Of The Review Of Recruitment Into Specialty Training, Northern Ireland

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 23 Oct 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The British Medical Association in Northern Ireland has welcomed publication by the DHSSPS of 'The Review of Recruitment into Specialty Training in Northern Ireland'.

Chairman of the BMA's NI Junior Doctors Committee (NIJDC) Dr Rajesh Rajendran, said: "NIJDC is happy that its involvement with the review group has laid a foundation to the recruitment process for junior doctors here for 2008. We are pleased that the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, has accepted our recommendations as part of the review process. We now look forward to the changes being implemented regarding the job application format and workforce planning.

"BMA(NI) and NIJDC in particular, will continue to lobby Government for appropriate expansion of training numbers and consultant posts, which are long overdue. We hope that our involvement with the review will ensure a smooth transition for junior doctors through the specialty grades in 2008 within the framework of Modernising Medical Careers."

The Association's Chairman, Dr Brian Patterson, welcomed the NI Health Minister's prompt approval of the recommendations in the junior doctors' recruitment review. He said: "This should ensure that a more appropriate interview and appointment process can be implemented in a timely manner for the 2008/09. BMA(NI) was intimately involved in rescuing the flawed system of last year and worked very hard with the Chief Medical Officer and DHSSPS officials to try and sort out last year's debacle. Hopefully, no repeat of the rescue exercise will be needed in the coming year."

British Medical Association

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