The BMA's response to plans to modernise the careers of staff & associate specialists
Press release
31 July 2003
The BMA welcomes the publication of “Choice and Opportunity” by the Department of Health as the first step in addressing the career progression and training problems faced by over 11,000 staff and associate specialist (SAS) doctors.
Responding to today’s report, Mr Mohib Khan, Chairman of the Staff and Associate Specialists Committee said:
“Staff and associate specialist (SAS) doctors provide a huge contribution to the NHS but, opportunities for career progression within these grades have been extremely limited. I very much welcome the approach of “Choice and Opportunity” as it is the first time that a career within the SAS grades have been put forward as a positive, viable career with proper recognition, progression and specialist status within defined boundaries.”
He added:
“The time for review of staff and associate specialist grades is long overdue and we now look forward to working with the DOH during the consultation process.”
Traditionally opportunities for career progression within these grades are extremely limited and very few SAS doctors are able to progress to consultant level. This is because the pathway to becoming a consultant is very inflexible. Would-be consultants must follow a formal training programme and have a Certificate of Completed Specialist Training (CCST). No account is taken of knowledge and experience gained outside this pathway, whether in this country or overseas. The coherent structure for career progression and improved training proposed in “Choice and Opportunity” should help the NHS make better use of this highly skilled group of doctors.
Note to editors
The plans laid out in "Choice and Opportunity" only apply to SAS doctors in England.