Census 2016-17
Focus on Physicians is the 2016–17 census of the consultant physician and higher specialty trainee (HST) workforces in the UK. The report and associated data is available to view.
Produced by the Royal College of Physicians of London, 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 ageing 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.
Previous reports
Focus on Physicians 2015-16 is the census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees in the UK in 2015/16.
Rota gaps in 2017
In addition to the annual census, there will also be a number of smaller snapshot surveys undertaken in 2017 to sections of the physician workforce. The first of the snapshot follow up surveys took place in January of this year on the issue of rota gaps, with a third of UK consultant physicians surveyed.
Highlights of the results are:
- A minimum of 58% (and up to 100%) have advertised more than once to full consultant posts
- 42% expansion posts not filled
- 71% respondents stated that colleagues are asked to cover work rota gaps
- 54% responded that management and committee work was being sacrificed
- 40% report that formal and informal teaching was stopped
The results indicate that consultant responsibilities are becoming increasingly compromised by rota gaps, with a concerning loss of consultant engagement in critical activities including management and committee work, and in both formal and informal training. Succession planning is under threat in particular specialties, notably acute internal medicine, respiratory medicine, and endocrinology and diabetes. We are also seeing a rise in demand for geriatric services in keeping with our ageing population.
As this concerning trend continues, this creates enormous challenges for not only delivery infrastructure, but training and supervisory infrastructure of both trainees and emerging supporting roles within the acute environment. The College is committed to supporting the medical workforce in a range of ways including extensive online teaching and mentor schemes for new consultants. However these findings highlight the daily challenges faced by our members in providing a first class sustainable and consistent seven day-service in our NHS. It demonstrates the necessity for short and long term actions to both plug these gaps and change the way that care is delivered where this is realistically possible.
Full results are available here.