Training & Education
The right to reasonable adjustments doesn't begin when you qualify. It applies from medical school onwards. If your deanery or TPD isn't supporting you properly, that's not just frustrating, it's a failure of their legal obligations. This page provides general peer‑support information and does not reproduce BMA or NHS England guidance.
Training & Education
The right to reasonable adjustments doesn't begin when you qualify. It applies from medical school onwards. If you're a trainee and your deanery or TPD isn't supporting you properly, that's not just frustrating, it's a failure of their legal obligations.
Flexible & Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training
Less Than Full Time training lets you train at 60%, 80%, or another agreed percentage. Disability and long-term health conditions are a valid reason to apply, and applications made on those grounds should be treated favourably.
Your pay reduces proportionally. Your training period extends to compensate. The clinical requirements stay the same, you just have more time to meet them. For many disabled doctors, it makes the difference between staying in training and leaving it.
How to apply for LTFT training, eligibility criteria, the application process, and implications for pay and progression.
BMA.org.ukPeer guidance on LTFT from doctors who have been through the process, what to expect and what to watch out for.
DisabledDoctorsNetwork.comDeanery Issues
Deaneries and NHS England have obligations to support disabled trainees. The problem is that how well those obligations are met depends heavily on the individual TPD, not on any consistent institutional process. Some are excellent. Others require repeated chasing, formal escalation, and occasionally a formal complaint before anything moves.
If your TPD isn't engaging, start documenting everything in writing. Dates, what was said, what was promised, what didn't happen. The BMA and DDN can both advise on how to escalate within the deanery structure.
Support by training stage
Issues during medical school, adjustments, assessments, and support.
DisabledDoctorsNetwork.comFoundation year adjustments, rotations, and support routes.
DisabledDoctorsNetwork.comManaging disability through specialty training rotations and exams.
DisabledDoctorsNetwork.comRights and support for qualified doctors, SAS grades, and consultants.
DisabledDoctorsNetwork.comWhat the BMA is pushing for
The BMA's Annual Representative Meeting passes formal policy motions that shape what the BMA lobbies government and NHS England to change. The 2026 ARM included motions on disability support in medical training. Read what came out of it.