Will the Minister confirm whether there is a pathway that GPs and other health professionals, especially surgeons and consultants, could follow in order to return to the profession after a period of not practising, such as after a career break?
In terms of General Medical Practice, Wales has a well-established and effective pathway enabling GPs to safely re-enter the profession after a career break. The GP Further Training Scheme in Wales has been in place for around 15 years. This scheme provides good geographical coverage; appropriately prepared and supportive supervisors; and proportionate assessment prior to and during practice attachments.
There is also the GP Refresher scheme which supports the re-entry of GPs into NHS general practice. It provides support for UK qualified GPs who have not worked in UK general practice for two or more years, this scheme forms part of a package of measures to support the recruitment and retention of GPs in Wales. Nursing and Allied Health Professionals are funded and supported by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to return to practice, and any secondary care consultants that return to the profession are currently managed by individual health boards and trusts.