Paternity/Maternity

The JCPTGP will allow time off from the training programme for maternity and paternity leave in the same amounts as is allowed for sick leave. That is one week in any six month post and six weeks over the three year period. However the total allowance for sick leave and maternity/paternity leave must not exceed this amount. Any sickness and/or maternity/paternity leave taken in excess of this must be made up in full.

As with sickness absence, where a period of paternity or maternity leave has shortened part of a planned training programme by a small amount, the GP director may exercise discretion and decide to endorse a VTR form attesting to the complete period of training. In exercising this discretion the GP director must be assured, after appropriate inquiry, that there has been no educational detriment to the programme resulting from the absence. Advice from the relevant educational supervisor(s) should be sought in every case. The Joint Committee will also, on similar grounds, exercise discretion in cases where there is disagreement between an applicant for a certificate and the GP director.

This policy was adopted at the JCPTGP meeting in August 2003 and is subject to change pending guidance from the Department of Health.