The three Royal Colleges representing physicians from across the UK are publishing updated guidance for NHS trusts and health boards on how to alleviate pressures on the acute medical unit (AMU).
We recognise that there are increasing demands on the AMU as a result of rising admissions through the acute medical take. Specifically, we are aware that the shortage of core medical trainees applying for acute medicine or dual accreditation is leading to a shortage of trainees at ST3 and above capable of supporting the acute take. The attached statement provides guidance to NHS trusts and boards on actions they can take to alleviate these pressures.
It is essential to emphasise that, in addition to these shorter term solutions, the Royal Colleges of Physicians remain committed to seeing more doctors entering dual training in internal medicine alongside their chosen specialty.
In the meantime, we issue the guidance to ensure that Trusts and Health Boards are aware of how they can safely and effectively provide support to the acute take.
