This is what we stand for
Recovering the healthcare workforce and service for our patients
The Covid pandemic has magnified a number of problems that already existed in our health service. These include:
- workforce shortages
- high levels of stress and burnout
- poor staff wellbeing
- health inequalities
- demand that outstripped capacity, resulting in increased waiting times for patients
Our workforce is extremely fatigued. Many are suffering from psychological distress and mental health disorders, and there is a huge backlog of patients waiting for care across all specialties. While treatment has continued for most patients in the highest risk groups, there are high levels of morbidity among patients in lower risk groups, which impacts on their function and quality of life. Also, due to reduction in our diagnostic capacity, there is a burden of undiagnosed pathology yet to manifest.
The need for workforce recovery and the remobilisation and renewal of services are inextricably linked and should be seen as intersecting areas. Action to address workforce recovery must begin immediately, to support remobilisation, and to allow capacity for renewal and transformation through innovation. Only then will we be able to create the sustainable healthcare service that patients in Scotland will need for the future.
‘Recovering the healthcare workforce and service for our patients’ sets out the actions we believe are most urgent in supporting workforce recovery to ensure we are prepared to remobilise, innovate and transform the health service for the future.
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My job is to be on your side
Founded in 1599 our College has existed to support the medical profession to deliver the highest possible standards of care for their patients. Today, as our health service faces great challenges, we are actively working to support our medical profession.
As an inspiring College community, we are standing up for your interests at work. Together we are demanding action to address workforce shortages and implement solutions to help reduce staff burnout.
Together we’re a force for good, determined to deliver positive progress for healthcare professionals. The challenges of working in modern medicine are complex and demanding. These have been made even harder by the COVID-19 pandemic. The profession needs a 21st century College up for the challenges of 21st century medicine.
Our community is made up of the expertise and experience of our fifteen thousand outstanding members. We are proud to say we are the only Royal College in the UK who welcomes healthcare professionals across the range of medical and surgical specialties across the UK and worldwide. We are a truly multidisciplinary organisation working together as one to build a better health service for all.
Add your voice and help us speak up for the profession. Work with us to deliver positive progress for the healthcare profession. We are on your side.
Who we are
We are a worldwide community of inspiring health professionals working together to advance our profession and improve patient care.
What we do
Over the past year we’ve made great advances in professionalising our approach to engaging more effectively with government, parliament and the wider health sector.
Join Us
Add your voice and help us speak up for the profession. Work with us to deliver positive progress for the healthcare profession.