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The 2014/15 census carried out by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) saw a fifth of consultants raise concerns about the high number of gaps in trainee rotas. 

Those surveyed said that these gaps were so frequent that it was causing ‘significant problems for patient safety’. The census also found anxieties around the shortage of consultants who had received specialist training on caring for frail and elderly patients.

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: 

“The Patients Association is concerned about the findings of the RCP survey and calls for an increase in the number of frontline staff caring for patients in hospitals. Services across the NHS are struggling to maintain safe levels of staffing, which directly impacts on the quality of care that patients are receiving. It cannot be sustainable for consultants to plug these gaps themselves, particularly given that 40% of consultant positions were not filled last year.

“Doctors must have the relevant specialist training to enable them to deal effectively with the changing demographics of hospital care. 65% of patients admitted to hospital are over the age of 65, and this survey shows that there is a growing need for specialists in frail and elderly care. Addressing these issues now will not only improve patient care, but also relieve pressures on other health and social services.”

Further information available at: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/one-fifth-consultants-state-rota-gaps-are-causing-significant-problems-patient-safety

Notes to Editors:

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system.

For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com or call 07779 004898

Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk