There is a central focus on whole-practice working, tackling tasks such as Preparation for the New Contract, Working with Quality Indicators, and Implementing National Service Framework requirements for Coronary Heart Disease, Elderly Care, or Mental Health. Some separate skills-building and training is also integrated into the scheme, such as interpersonal skills training or looking at the Data Quality Audit system.

Sessions are held once a month, on an afternoon during which surgeries close and cover is paid for by Swansea Local Health Board. (Currently there is a choice of a Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday afternoon session each month). Central sessions provide input and discussion and the opportunity for participants to work with others in their occupational group on the topic areas - (e.g. sessions for receptionists) and the sharing of ideas and experience across practices is encouraged. Practices take the assignment forward in their own base as a team in the intervening months and report back to the central session at the end of each module. The aim is to build competence and confidence and there is an increasing focus on participant involvement and presentations.

Swansea Protected Learning Time Scheme (PLTS) Forum was established in December 2002, as a result of ideas which emerged from the pilot year, and clearly puts the voice of participants as central in determining the shape and direction of the Scheme, in partnership with members of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Swansea University's College of Medicine.  Alongside the programme, ongoing evaluation is undertaken by one of the two co-ordinators, Julia Cutmore, Lecturer in CPD.

Swansea PLTS is one of nearly 100 similar programmes established across the UK, and the evaluation work is set into that context.  It is funded from a variety of sources, including direct funding from Swansea Local Health Board, investment in terms of resources by local practices, and a range of sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies.  A programme of continuing medical education with a more clinical focus is provided for doctors, pharmacists and others during the year in a series of evening and day meetings, by co-ordinator, Dr. Bruce Lervy, Senior Lecturer in General Practice.

For information about joining the Scheme, contact Vicky Davies on +44(0)1792 513407 or V.I.Davies@swansea.ac.uk