North West School of Ophthalmology - Supported Return To Training (SuppoRTT)

North West Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT)

SuppoRTT (Supported Return To Training) is a national programme designed to improve the experience for all resident doctors, dentists and public health practitioners who are returning to training. Many resident doctors take time out of training for a number of reasons which can often vary in duration. This can include; parental leave, OOPs, career breaks, carer's leave and sickness.

NHS England understands that regardless of the reason, returning back into training can be a challenging and stressful time. However, you are not on your own; NHS England, your School and your host organisation are here to support and guide you through this process.

Please see the NHS England - North West SuppoRTT pages for more information.

The SuppoRTT Process

Ideally the SuppoRTT process should start before a Resident Doctor begins their time out of programme (where possible) and should end post-return when the Resident Doctor and their supervisors feel that they are ready to resume the full responsibilities of their role.

It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the North West SuppoRTT Guidance, a summary of the process and the timelines are shown in the graphic below.

Further details and the forms required for each stage can be found on the 'SuppoRTT process' pages of our website.

No SuppoRTT: Some people who take a break from training may not require additional support from this programme when they return, for a number of reasons including returning from OOPT or continuing clinical practice whilst not in training.

Please discuss this with your training programme director, and if you decide not to access SuppoRTT please complete the No SuppoRTT Form (avalabel on the 'SuppoRTT process' pages of our website). This will prevent us from contacting you unnecessarily and will help give us an accurate number of people who require SuppoRTT.

School of Ophthalmology SuppoRTT Champions

The North West School of Ophthalmology two SuppoRTT Champions who work with the School, Trust SuppoRTT Champions, Trust Specialty Training Leads and LTFT Leads to ensure that resident doctors in ophthalmology training and trainers are aware of the RTT process and that every ophthalmology resident doctor has access to relevant RTT activities (RTT-A) including speciality specific return to training days.

Mrs Ade Garrick,
Ophthalmology SuppoRTT Champion for Cheshire and Merseyside

Based at Southport and Formby District General Hospital
Email: adesuwa.garrick@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk

Ms Nadia Chaudhry,
Ophthalmology SuppoRTT Champion for Greater Manchester and Lancashire

Based at Stepping Hill Hospital
Email: nadia.chaudhry@stockport.nhs.uk

Last updated: 13 February 2025