Return to Work

Navigate your return to work with our comprehensive guidance on pregnancy, maternity and paternity leave, and training options

Taking time out of the surgical environment for a number of reasons is very common, and the return to work in surgery has both technical and non-technical challenges. Confidence, knowledge and surgical skills can all be affected and the pace of life within theatres can be daunting to those who have just returned. This webpage aims to link you to current information to support those returning to work, and to highlight areas of best practice.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is committed to supporting its Members and Fellows at all stages of their career, and whilst we recognise that most of the current initiatives are aimed at trainees, we are trying hard to extend this to Consultants and SAS doctors. We welcome any feedback at comms@rcsed.ac.uk and are keen to promote any resources or evidence of best practice.


We have in-depth guidance on the following

Pregnancy and Surgery

Find essential information for pregnant women working in surgical environments, including guidance on managing radiation exposure, adjusting work schedules, and taking necessary time off. It also addresses common challenges during pregnancy, maternity leave entitlements, and where to seek support while balancing a surgical career.

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Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, and Shared Parental Leave

Find information on parenthood and the resources needed to navigate this significant life transition.

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Returning to Training

The Returning to Training page offers guidance for surgeons re-entering training after an absence, emphasising the importance of planning ahead to reduce stress. It also highlights key advice and practical tips to ensure a smooth transition back to clinical practice.

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Less Than Full-Time Training

Find details on how surgeons can opt for LTFT training to better manage personal commitments and facilitate a healthier work-life balance. The page also highlights available options for academic trainees and their eligibility to apply for LTFT training.

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Advice, Resources and Helpful Documents

The Advice, Resources and Helpful Documents page highlights key resources on: Returning to Clinical Practice, Less Than Full-Time Training (LTFT), Maternity Leave Information, and Guidance on Working While Pregnant.

Advice, Resources and Helpful Documents

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Returning to training after an absence

Around 10% of postgraduate doctors in training take approved time out-of-programme at any time. (HEE Supported Return to Training Report) There can be a number of reasons why trainees take time out. Absences may be planned or unplanned and can be for differing lengths of time.  Some of the most commons reasons for having time out of training are:

  • Parental leave/caring responsibilities
  • Illness
  • Further study/research

Further information regarding taking time out of programme and who is eligible can be seen in "A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK (Gold Guide 2022)".


Planned absence / Requesting time out-of-programme

All requests need to be agreed by the Postgraduate Dean in advance, so trainees are advised to discuss their proposals as early as possible.

To find local guidance for applying for time out of programme you should look at the websites of the HEE Local Education and Training Boards, NHS Education for Scotland (NES), the Wales Deanery and Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA).


Support for those returning to training

There is help and guidance available for planning your return to training. RCSEd is here to provide you with support and information in addition to the information available from your Deanery/LETB.

There is information available on this website, links to further information and if you would like to discuss specific issues about returning to training you can contact your local Regional Surgical Ambassadors (RSAs).

Any trainee who has had a period of more than three months away from work can be considered for support on return to training. Many returners have concerns regarding their clinical competence, current knowledge and colleagues’ perceptions when returning to training Additionally, many returners experience a lack of confidence after taking time out Putting in place a comprehensive returning to training plan and talking to others who have been through the process can alleviate these worries.

HEE outline the following periods associated with time out of work, where you should speak to your Educational Supervisor and / or TPD to get the support you need:

  • Pre-absence period (if absence is planned eg parental leave or research)
  • Absence period
  • Prior to return
  • Transition period back into training
  • Return Review Meeting

It can be difficult for surgical trainees to take up the option of having regular ‘keeping in touch’ days until immediately prior to returning to training due to caring or research commitments, or due to illness. It is therefore necessary for trainees to have a bespoke package, suited to their circumstances and skills. Different Deanerys/LETBs offer different forms of support and you will need to find out what is available to you locally.

Many regions will already have one of these plans in place and may have a formal Return to Work programme. Even if this is in another speciality, there may be overlap (eg Human Factors workshops) so it is worth investigating what is on offer.