Search the website

Update – latest on MTAS and judicial review

23 May 2007

Following the outcome of the judicial review, we would like to update you on recent events affecting applications to specialist training, and address questions that have been asked about the BMA’s position.

What was the outcome of the Judicial Review, and what does it mean for my job application?
The High Court today (Wednesday 23 May, 2007) described the MTAS system used to appoint junior doctors to specialist training as a “dreadful mess”, adding that its premature introduction had “disastrous consequences”. It also ruled that the review group set up to make improvements to MTAS did not act unlawfully. The claimant, Remedy UK, has decided not to appeal. The ruling means that the first job offers will be sent to candidates, but the BMA today reiterates its concern for the thousands of doctors who will not get posts.

Announcement from the MMC team
The Department of Health have detailed the next steps for applicants applying for Specialty Training posts in England.
Important dates to note –

• 7th June, all outcomes of Specialty Training posts should be released by this date
• 23:59 10th June, deadline for responses to offers
• 11th June onwards, additional offers made
• 20th June Final offers
• 23:59 22nd June, second deadline – End of Round 1

Detailed information can be found on the MMC website - go there now

What happens next?
The BMA has written to the Secretary of State demanding:

• A guarantee that no junior doctor will be unemployed as a result of MTAS
• Substantial resources to ensure that junior doctors who have not been successful in securing a training post for August 1st are not disadvantaged
• A robust, fair and transparent CV-based process for round 2
• Increased flexibility in the early years of training
• A lifeline for doctors who don’t get into training posts
• A new group, led by doctors, to design the future of medical training

The BMA has also requested an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary to demand further action.

We will keep you fully informed of developments. Together we can seize the initiative, divided we can deliver nothing.

Why was the BMA at the High Court?
The BMA was most definitely not at the High Court to defend MTAS, although recent statements by the Secretary of State for Health may have given that impression. We were named as an interested party by the claimant, Remedy UK, and given the gravity of the issue, attended Court. We have consistently expressed our anger at the Department of Health’s appalling handling of these reforms, which is clearly apparent from our submissions to the Court. Full details of the BMA's evidence to the High Court can be viewed via the attached pdf documents on the right.

What is the BMA’s position on MTAS?
Our position throughout this mess has been to fight for both our members’ interests and patient safety. We believe it would be unfair on the thousands of doctors who have already been interviewed to take away what may well be their only chance of getting into a long-term training post. If posts cannot be filled by August, NHS trusts have made it clear that they will seriously consider filling them with non-training grade doctors. This would not be in the interests of our members and we therefore believe that the process for appointing doctors to run-through posts should continue, with all interviews that have taken place left to stand.

Why hasn’t the BMA done more to fight MTAS?
For years, the BMA was a lone voice warning at the break-neck speed at which MMC was being introduced. The options open to us in our campaign for a delay were limited and industrial action was not legally possible. Despite this, the BMA put enormous pressure on the government, generating extensive media coverage on shortages of SHO posts, the poor implementation of MMC, and the MTAS debacle. We also gave financial and political support to the public protests organised by Remedy UK in March.