.

Cover for the absent partner should be provided in the same way as that for other absent full-time GPs in the partnership. Occasionally I have known a job-sharer to be prepared to cover extra surgeries in return for the usual locum fee but this should be an entirely voluntary and separate arrangement. The practice will almost certainly benefit from having job-sharing partners because they each usually end up doing more than half the job. In effect, the two of them together may do 110% because of the handover period and any de-briefing sessions. Increasingly, GPs are finding job-share an attractive option, particularly but not exclusively women doctors who are bringing up a young family. With the current problems in the recruitment of partners to general practice, it is worthwhile for a practice to encourage job-sharers to apply for any vacancy as they can be a decided bonus. - Question 6: GP registrar The partners have told me that they wish to apply to be a training practice. Can you tell me just what this means and what will be involved?|