The RCGP has long believed that all doctors in training should spend time in general practice.
Since the introduction of the Foundation Programmes in Modernising Medical Careers1 there have been some local pilots, but wider introduction has been difficult because of lack of funding. The Minister of Health has now announced new funding for Foundation Year 2 (F2) posts in England, of £70 million. This will fund, from August 2005, 55% of all Foundation Year 1 (F1) doctors (pre-registration house officers), who from 2005/2006, will spend 4 months in general practice during their F2 year, rising to 80% in 2006/2007. The funding is calculated to fund a trainer's grant and the salary of these doctors. The split of funding …