Resident Doctors’ Responsibilities When Exception Reporting (February 2026 Contract)

Resident Doctors’ Responsibilities When Exception Reporting (February 2026 Contract) 

The 2026 contract reform introduces major changes to how resident doctors record variations from their Work Schedule. These reforms aim to simplify processes, improve wellbeing, strengthen rota safety, and ensure pay and TOIL are delivered consistently and transparently. 

Guidance on how to Exception Report can be found in the video at the bottom of the page.

Below is a clear summary of your responsibilities under the new system. 

When to Exception Report: 

Report any variation from the agreed Work Schedule including extra hours, missed breaks, lost training opportunities, and safety concerns. 

Submission Timeframes: 

Submit within 28 days (extended under the 2026 contract), but ideally within 24 hours. 

Electronic Submission: 

All reports must be submitted electronically via Allocate. Paper forms are not permitted. If systems fail, use email or another electronic method. 

New Reporting Routes: 

Additional hours reports go directly to the Verification Manager and the Guardian of Safe Working Hours (GoSWH). 

Educational reports go directly to Directors of Medical Education (DMEs). 

Information Required: 

Provide accurate dates, times, duration, description of variance, and any impact on safety or training. 

Pay and TOIL Rights: 

Residents choose PAY or TOIL for additional hours unless safe working limits are breached—then TOIL is mandatory. 

Follow-Up Responsibilities: 

Engage with system emails or GoSWH if clarification or meetings are required as part of the new review pathway. 

Culture of Safe Working: 

Report consistently to support safe staffing, rota improvement, and wellbeing. 

Confidentiality: 

Protect ER data and report any improper access. 

Escalation: 

Escalate to GoSWH or DME if reports are not processed, patterns persist, or safety concerns remain unresolved. 

Links

To access the system please follow this link - https://www.healthmedics.allocatehealthsuite.com

Key Trust Contacts 

Guardian of Safe Working Hours (GOSW) 

philip.weston@liverpoolft.nhs.uk 

shahed.ahmed@liverpoolft.nhs.uk 

john.taylor@liverpoolft.nhs.uk 

System Access Contact

MedicalCompliance@liverpoolft.nhs.uk