Glasgow’s Royal College sets out its policy priorities for the next UK government

20 Nov 2019

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has set out its policy priorities for the next UK government in a new document published today. The document is published as the NHS takes centre stage in the general election campaign.

In the document, the college states that:

• We need to address our workforce crisis by increasing the supply of medical professionals, and taking action to retain those who already work in the NHS
• We need to take action to improve the wellbeing of existing staff, which will improve patient care and help retain NHS staff

The college also calls on its membership across the UK to contribute to the election debate by questioning candidates and political parties on their NHS policies, asking questions including:

• What action will you take to increase the number of medical professionals in the NHS and fill the current gaps in the workforce?
• Will you commit to increasing the number of places in UK medical schools in order to increase the supply of doctors to the NHS?
• Will you commit to ensuring that health care workers from EU member states do not face additional barriers to come and work in the UK after Brexit?
• How will you reform the NHS Pensions system to ensure that experienced consultants don’t face disproportionate tax bill for taking on extra shifts?
• Will you support the full implementation of the findings from the GMC Wellbeing Advisory Group, “Caring for doctors Caring for patients”?

Introducing the document, College President Professor Jackie Taylor says:

“Our College is committed to listening to our membership and standing up for their interests. That’s why we’ve put together this manifesto for the General Election to be held on the 12th December 2019.

“Combined with the ongoing squeeze on funding, the current workforce crisis facing our health service is a threat to patient safety and the future viability of the NHS itself. It’s vital that the next government takes urgent action to increase the supply of clinicians into our system, and to urgently address the retention of those who are already working in the NHS.

“At the same time, our membership has reported that they are under more pressure than ever before, and this stress is taking its toll on their ability to carry out their jobs and their life outside work.

“The next UK government needs to address these issues as a matter of urgency.”

Categories: Engagement, Workforce