Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Press Release

RCPE Comment on updated guidance for Consultant job planning in Scotland

Commenting on the new guidance [1] issued today by Paul Gray, Director General Health & Social Care and Chief Executive NHSScotland, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said,

“I welcome the updated guidance on Consultant job planning which has been issued today. This is a very important issue for the medical profession, as there has been deep concern that overly restrictive Consultant contracts lead to problems finding time for training and teaching the next generation of Consultants; patient safety improvement work and research among others.

This new guidance is an acknowledgment that if we want to recruit and retain the highest quality of medical staff, Scotland needs to be an attractive place for doctors to train and work. We look forward to working with NHS Boards and colleagues to ensure we take positive steps forward in order to see effective change, and we will regularly review progress.”

ENDS

Contact: Lindsay Paterson on 0131 247 3673

Notes to Editors

[1] Today all NHS Scotland Chief Executives and NHS Boards received a letter and accompanying guidance from Paul Gray about consultant job planning.  A letter from Ian Ritchie, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland was also sent on the same subject.