In the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
, a staff grade
doctor
Doctor, Doctors, The Doctor or The Doctors may refer to:
Titles and occupations
* Physician, a medical practitioner
* Doctor (title), an academic title for the holder of a doctoral-level degree
** Doctorate
** List of doctoral degrees awarded b ...
or
dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental doctor, dental physician, dental surgeon, is a health care professional who specializes in dentistry, the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. The dentist's supporting team aids in provi ...
(now called SAS grades) is the one who is appointed to a permanent position. Since 2008 this grade was closed and new appointees were called as specialty doctors/dentists. They will have been appointed into this position based on experience and their
CV and not all doctors will have done
post-graduate
Postgraduate education, graduate education, or graduate school consists of academic or professional degrees, certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications usually pursued by post-secondary students who have earned an undergraduate (bachelor' ...
examinations to reach this position. In the past, staff grades could be promoted to Associate Specialists after several years of service and development by either
interview
An interview is a structured conversation where one participant asks questions, and the other provides answers.Merriam Webster DictionaryInterview Dictionary definition, Retrieved February 16, 2016 In common parlance, the word "interview" re ...
and/or personal promotion. They may also apply to take up consultant posts through the GMC CESR route, or the GDC mediated entry route, which allows them to be registered on the specialist register after assessment of their experience. In order for a doctor to work as a SAS, they must have at least 6 years of experience. Their main duties may include:
* Ward rounds for inpatients.
* Two half-day or one full-day operating list per week.
* One or two outpatient clinics per week.
* Supervision of junior trainees.
* On-call as per rota.
* Review of emergency referrals.
* Emergency operating (when on-call)
Whilst historically they have been termed "NCCG" or "middle grade doctors", this is problematic and seen as a bullying and harassment term these days. The preferred term is SAS doctor.
[http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/medical-staff/sas-doctors/sas-joint-negotiating-committee/use-of-the-term-middle-grade Staff grade]
The staff grade was closed to new entrants from 1 April 2008 when many in this grade moved to the new '
Specialty Doctors' grade. This move was optional and some staff grades remain in-post. Although they represent about 3% of the SAS workforce.
References
Healthcare occupations in the United Kingdom
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