Step-by-Step Guide

Step1

Decide why you want prolonged study leave (PSL)

The old Statement of Fees and Allowances (paragraphs 50.1- 50.18) states that “In all cases the overriding considerations will be whether a practitioners application for PSL is in the interests of medicine in a broad sense or otherwise in the interests of the NHS as a whole”

The study should be different in scope and background from a normal refresher course and should be expected to extend a practitioners professional or administrative capacity in a significant way, but need not be of a strictly medical nature. Although study may lead to a higher qualification, it is not a primary purpose of the scheme to facilitate the acquisition of such qualifications, and applications with this solely in mind may be viewed critically. Studies could be accepted that lead to a career in some part of the health service other than the provision of general medical researches, or in teaching or research

Step 2

Go to the "how to apply" section and download forms

Step 3

PSL can only be granted if your PCT agrees it has funding available.

Maximum grants for locum coverage are currently £978 per week, together with an Educational Allowance of £133 per week.

Carefully read the sections in the new regulations that relate to PSL (Statement of Financial Entitlement, paragraphs 15.1 to 15.11). Contact your PCT to calculate exactly how much money you would be allowed for the purposes of employing a locum and how much you might receive in educational allowances. In most cases this will fall short of the amount actually needed to employ a full-time locum within a practice, and you will, therefore, have to consider whether you can tolerate such a loss in income over a prolonged period, or whether your practice can manage on a reduced level of income. If your application is for a course, then you should apply concurrently – make sure you have a place on the course before seeking PSL. If you are in a PMS contract your application is currently handled completely by the PCT, usually advised by the GP School.

Step 4

It is very important that you agree arrangements within your practice and with the PCT before applying for PSL. For example, who will cover you and for how long? What will their hours of working be? A letter of support from your partners and PCT is mandatory.

Step 5

You should indicate the length of the study period. Current arrangements stipulate a lower limit of 10 weeks and an upper limit of 12 months. PSL can be taken on a full-time basis for up to one year, and on a part-time basis for more than one year. State exactly what time basis you wish to take PSL. Be realistic in your estimate, ensure you include sufficient time to write up your experiences. Your choice should be substantiated by letters of support from the educational institution, your supervisor/ mentor, your PCT and your partners/GP colleagues. Under normal circumstances PSL should be for educational purposes in its widest sense. Therefore, it should benefit the personal development of the applicant and the quality of care delivered to patients. Retrospective applications are not considered.

Step 6

Do a literature search on the area you intend to study. This can be undertaken by contacting your local clinical sciences library, or the BMA or RCGP libraries, and will help to strengthen your case for PSL. Local departments of general practice, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, are often willing to provide advice on research based applications.

Step 7

When completing an application form, the purpose of the PSL should be explicit, and there should be an executive summary of your proposals. This should be followed by an introduction and background information that relate to the argument supporting your application and explain why your PSL is important to you. State how it will benefit others. Will it enhance your professional development? Where possible, the background information should be properly referenced, with due regard for literature in the area to be studied. Attach a full CV.

Learning from PSL will fit with your personal learning plan, portfolios and the practice professional development plan. All aspects of the standard application (including support from the PCT, practice partnership and Director) must be fully complete. PCT and practice approvals must be legible and authorised with a stamp or on letter-headed paper, and the names and job titles of all signatories must be clearly given in addition to their signature. Please supply the name and written assent of your educational supervisor.

Step 8

It is advisable, if your application is not for a standard course, once you have drafted your application, to contact the Head of School who may arrange to discuss your application. The application may then need to be refined, in the light of advice given.

Step 9

The next stage is to take or send the application to the Head of School, who will then forward your application to the PSL Administrator. Notification of approval is sent to the Head of School and you should expect to wait at least 6 weeks (or longer if the application is complex and requires consultation), so please be patient. Approval is by the PSL National Panel of Directors.

Step 10

If you are successful in obtaining PSL, you must contact your local PCT to reconfirm when you will be away from the practice and your locum cover arrangements will be (as it will be some time since your original enquiry). You will receive a letter from the PSL Administrator and from the GP School office confirming that you are now entitled to PSL. The finance department of the PCT will need copies of these letters before they release monies.

Step 11

If you are unsuccessful, you should receive a letter from the PSL Administrator giving reasons for the rejection of your application. The Head of GP School will receive a more detailed report and you should make an appointment to discuss this. It may be worthwhile submitting an improved application in light of comments from the PSL Administrator and the Head of GP School .

Step 12

The PSL Panel will expect a report of 3,000-5,000 words, summarising the work or study undertaken, to be submitted to your DPGPE. This should indicate how PSL has benefited you and the NHS. Obviously the PSL Administrator will wish to have used public money responsibly by funding education that has been worthwhile.