Out of Programme Pause (OOPP)

Time out of programme for a pause (OOPP) is applicable to postgraduate doctors in training in NHS England only.

OOPP is a new form of “out of programme” (OOP) initiative that is currently being piloted in post-graduate medical training. The scope of the pilot has been supported by the GMC.

OOPP allows trainees to step out of formal training for up to 12 months to undertake an NHS or other patient facing UK based non-training post. This flexibility initiative can be a vital tool to support trainee wellbeing.

OOPP also gives trainees the opportunity to have any capabilities gained whilst out of training assessed upon their return to the training programme, and these may contribute to their CCT (a key difference from OOPE). This would be subject to the agreement of faculty and ARCP panels that these capabilities have been demonstrated once back in training.

To go on OOPP trainees will need to:

• Discuss their intention with their Training Programme Director (TPD) to gain their support. 
• Contact their deanery to obtain application forms and approval. 
• Send the JCST a fully completed and signed OOP request form confirming the exact dates. 

More information on OOPP can be read here.