Junior doctor application changes

Junior doctors have claimed the selection process is flawed

Junior doctors in Scotland who fail to get a training post will have their contracts extended, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

They will be paid until 31 October so they can apply for posts in England if they fail to get a job when Scottish recruitment ends on 1 August.

Ms Sturgeon also gave assurances that further measures will be considered.

She said they would help those who still do not have a job when the recruitment process ends in England.

The health minister added that by extending contracts, the terms being offered to junior doctors in Scotland will be consistent with those in England.

I am determined to do what is right for Scotland and will look to adapt the selection and recruitment process so that in future it better serves Scottish interests Nicola Sturgeon Health Secretary

She acknowledged concerns the controversial Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) system could jeopardise service delivery and leave many junior doctors without jobs.

Giving evidence to Holyrood's Health and Sport Committee, she said she believed in the principles of the MMC system.

"In Scotland we opted to recruit trainees in one round, as opposed to two as in England," she added.

"That means we have currently filled about 98% of all run through training posts, and about 65% of the shorter fixed term speciality training appointments.

"The process is not yet complete, but this level of recruitment will already ensure continuity of patient services across NHS Scotland from 1 August."

She said an estimated 450 junior doctors currently in Scottish training programmes had yet to secure an offer of continued training, but that about 240 posts were still available.

'Shambolic process'

"I am determined to do what is right for Scotland and will look to adapt the selection and recruitment process so that in future it better serves Scottish interests and ensures that we continue to attract the best possible candidates for our NHS," she said.

Lib Dem health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "I am pleased that the cabinet secretary has bowed to pressure and finally acted to secure the uncertain future for junior doctors who have yet to secure training posts."

Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the British Medical Association' s Scottish Council said: "I am reassured by the health secretary's decision to extend existing contracts for those junior doctors facing unemployment as a result of the shambolic medical training application process.

"This decision has been reached in partnership with BMA Scotland, a flexible approach that has driven implementation in Scotland."

However, Dr Terry also urged the Scottish Executive not to veer away from the long-term strategy for health, which was introduced in 2005.