Foundation doctors can, in exceptional circumstances, take time out of the foundation programme. The duration of time out will usually be one year between F1 and F2. Foundation doctors who want to take time out of the foundation programme should first discuss this with their educational supervisor and Foundation Programme Director.
F1 doctors should be aware that the length of time doctors are allowed to hold provisional GMC registration is limited to a maximum of 3 years and 30 days. Further information can be found at GMC | Provisional Registration.
Approval for TOFP must be granted by the trust Foundation Programme Director and the Head of Wessex Foundation School. Applications for TOFP should usually be received at least 6 calendar months before the start date of F2.
A foundation doctor who takes TOFP is guaranteed an F2 post back within Wessex, but there is no guarantee that the F2 post will be in the original F1 location. Wessex Foundation School will contact foundation doctors taking TOFP 6 months before they are due to return, in order to plan their return.
To apply for TOFP, please use the from provided on the UKFPO website.
Further guidelines for taking TOFP can be found in the Gold Guide and UKFPO website.