Briefing

The BMA has updated its advice for associate specialists' job plans. The advice largely follows that already adopted for consultantsÑthat workload should be calculated on the basis of a notional half dayÑthree and half hoursÑsuperceding calculations based on sessions, which were often longer than this. The guidance also makes clear that associate specialists should be part of senior on call rotas that enjoy SHO cover. Associate specialists have a lower than average uptake of study leave; the report urges departments to encourage participation.