Hi,

If you are offered a training job you do not have to accept it, you can leave and return to the NHS.

If you start training, then it's slightly different. For run through programmes (GP, psych, public health etc..) you sign a return of service on accepting the job. For the majority this is 4 years service after you finish training.

For other training posts that involve reapplying for a job during training (eg surgery), you don't sign a return of service until you start the next part of your training. So you could still leave up until that point (I think usually around ST3).

I hope that helps!

Worth noting that for cadets and bursars the initial commitment is 4 years, and if you leave at the start of specialty training then you will have only done 3 years, which may mean a small penalty. From what I know, this is very situation dependent. It doesn't happen very often so I'm afraid I don't know the details.

29 November, 2021 11:43

Thanks for your comments that’s really helpful. If one was to apply at the end of medical school before F1 and then what is the commitment of service here ?(being that you wouldn’t have been a bursar?) Is this still 4 years or would you be able to jump out after GDMO years ?

29 November, 2021 12:47

It would still be technically 4 years, but as far as I know there would be no penalty for leaving at the end of GDMO.

02 December, 2021 19:34