Census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees 2015-16

Published in full today, Focus on Physicians, is the latest census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees in the UK (2015/16). Produced by the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the census highlights the growing pressure in the NHS and the effect this is having on an aging workforce.

The annual census measures the number of UK consultants and higher specialty trainees in all medical specialties, as well as capturing the views of those in the profession.

As part of the census, consultant physicians were asked about their retirement plans. From the findings it is expected that 24% of the current workforce will reach the age of 65 in the next ten years - with many stating that they planned to retire at the age of 62. Of those who stated they planned to retire early, the most common reasons were the ‘pressure of work’ and ‘dissatisfaction with the NHS’.  This factor also seems to be reflected in the current increase in the levels of less than full time working (now standing at 20%), which is especially strong for those of over the age of 60.

This year also notes the changes in the demographics of those in the profession and the trends we are likely to see in future. At present 34% of consultant physicians are women, however among trainees over half (53%) are now women, underlining that the profession in the coming years will become much less male dominated.

The consultant census also notes, along with previous years, the growing need for consultants who can meet the needs of frail older patients. Following trends noted in last year’s census, the greatest increase in consultant jobs advertised have been in geriatric medicine (222) and acute internal medicine (188) suggesting a need for  more generalist roles treating acutely ill patients.

Other key findings from the census include:

• Reporting of rota gaps has increased, with 28% of consultants reporting them ‘frequently, causing concern for patient safety’ and 51% ‘often’.
• Across the UK 44% of advertised consultant appointments could not be filled, mostly because of a lack of trained applicants. 8% fewer appointments were made in the last year.
• Satisfaction rates remain high, with 77% of consultants and 78% higher specialty trainees reporting to enjoy their jobs ‘always’ or ‘often’.
• 13% of consultants report ‘acting down’ regularly to cover trainee rota gaps.

At the time the data were collected, there were 14,674 consultant physicians working in the UK.