The UK Government has announced plans to make the UK more “self-sufficient” in the recruitment of doctors. In response, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has said that the UK Government must recognise the significant contribution that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals from overseas countries currently make to the NHS and ensure that it continues to welcome them here in the future.
In a joint statement from the College, Prof Derek Bell, President, Dr Katherine Walesby, Chair of the Trainees and Members’ Committee, and Dr Catherine Labinjoh and Dr Marion Slater, Co-Chairs of the Recently Appointed Consultants’ Committee, said:
“Doctors from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.
“A significant proportion of NHS staff are from outside the UK. The recent rhetoric around this is damaging to morale and will do nothing to promote the NHS as an attractive career choice.
“The NHS has benefitted substantially from the contributions from international medical professionals, in terms of their skills and expertise and also in the valuable exchange of ideas and learning.
“While we welcome the plans to increase the number of medical school places in England, this is merely one part of a complex solution necessary for the long-term sustainability of healthcare in the UK.
“Doctors from overseas should be recognised for the positive contribution that they make to the functioning of our NHS and should be a central part of our future workforce planning.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
