Moonlighting

 

What Is Moonlighting?

Moonlighting is defined as any professional activity arranged by an individual/resident/fellow which is outside the course and scope of the approved training program. For example, engaging in locum sessions on top of your GP training programme.

 

What's the BMA View on Moonlighting?

 

In order to do additional work those GP trainees in practice will need to obtain the consent of their trainer and educational supervisor. This is specified in the BMA GP model contract, which also states that such additional work "must not compete with the trainer/educational supervisor’s practice or impinge on your contracted duties with the practice, or upon your GP vocational training. “ Hospital contracts allow locum work provided there is not a breach of the EWTD.

 

What's Deanery's View on Moonlighting?

 

All doctors must adhere to the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) and locuming may easily jeopardise this for full timers. Part timers are not likely to breach the EWTD but Deanery feel that as part timers have been granted to work less than full time for specific reasons, the extra work as a result of moonlighting will break the spirit of this agreement.

 

The Deanery would discourage all GP trainees from doing locums including those less than full time. If a GP trainee wishes to do a locum they should get permission from their trainer, educational supervisor and training programme director. The trust must be informed if in a hospital post.

 

Deanery believes that doing extra work on top of a full time workload would usually impinge upon your performance in the post and/or your ability to learn. Imagine if a GP trainee fails the last sitting of the CSA in ST3 and the panel find out that (s)he has been doing locum work that we feel has impaired their ability to learn and meet the GP curriculum. What would be the panel view be of the granting funding for further training to someone who has compromised the training that they have received? Do you think they will be willing to spend taxpayers' money on extra training as a result of you compromising your own training?

 

It is our responsibility to ensure that the workload and education balance for GP trainees puts them in a position to complete GP training and progress to CCT whenever possible within the current three-year programme.

 

 

I Would Still Like To Do Extra Work on Top Of My Training Programme.

Whilst we would again emphasise we discourage it, we cannot stop you from doing it. But before you do decide to do it, please discuss it with your trainer, educational supervisor AND your training programme director first. Please, if you are under an enormous amount of financial or other pressure which necessitates you needing to do extra work, talk to your trainer, educational supervisor and programme director. You'll find that we're approachable people who will listen, provide support and discuss other possibilities before you embark down this route which could otherwise jeopardise your training programme.