Message from GMC to APPNE
Thank you for taking the time to speak to my colleague, Claire Light, our Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, about how we’ll run PLAB tests in these challenging times.
We understand that this is an extremely difficult and uncertain period for some international medical graduates who want to practice in the UK. We’re exploring all options to run as many PLAB tests as possible, but we must do this in a way that’s safe for all candidates. Like organisations and people across the UK, we have to comply with guidance from the four UK governments on social distancing.
Below is a summary of the changes taking place over the coming weeks. We’re doing everything we can to support the doctors affected, including the doctors you’re working closely with.
PLAB 1 tests
Some PLAB 1 tests scheduled in June 2020, are currently going ahead. We’re working with the British Council and suppliers to introduce measures that comply with guidance in the host countries, so as many tests as possible can continue. Measures will depend on local circumstances at individual venues, but may include mandatory face covering, splitting candidates into smaller groups, or developing a shorter test.
Unfortunately, the British Council has told us that some tests can’t go ahead. They’ve cancelled tests in a range of locations, including in Pakistan and Nigeria, because venues in these locations can’t safely run the tests, in line with local guidance.
PLAB 2 tests
The layout of our PLAB 2 test centre, which is in a multi-occupancy building, makes it very difficult for us to comply with the latest government guidance. Unfortunately, this means we’ve had to cancel all existing bookings for PLAB 2.
We’re doing everything we can to get PLAB 2 up and running, by looking again at the format and length of the test, how we can create more space in the centre, and whether other venues could offer the safe environment we need. We hope to restart PLAB 2 tests in autumn, and we’ll let candidates know as soon as we reopen bookings.
Supporting international medical graduates
We know that this will be distressing news for many doctors who are waiting to progress into UK practice. We emailed candidates yesterday and updated our website to let doctors know about these changes, and what will happen next.
We’re also in touch with many of the candidates who are already in the UK, and the organisations supporting them. We recognise the significant challenges they’re facing, and we’ll do all that we can to help them. We’re also happy to provide a letter to help doctors explain their circumstances to the Home Office, if they need to for their visa.
Overseas doctors have long played crucial roles in delivering excellent patient care in the UK. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help this continue and to build a sustainable workforce for the future. This includes looking at alternative ways that doctors can demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to practise safely in the UK; and if other organisations are able to offer a sponsorship programme. And we’re expediting our work on alternative routes to registration for international medical graduates.
I hope this information has been helpful. We’ll keep you updated on our plans, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Our PLAB team are also happy to talk to you about these changes at any point - you can contact my colleagues Richard Hankins ([email protected]), Head of Assessment, and Abi Boyson, Assessment Project Manager ([email protected]).