Many Fellows suggested that the staff of the NHS- across all services and at all levels- should be celebrated in a significant way and be at the forefront of commemorations. They commended the resilience and fortitude of staff in delivering care to patients despite the huge ongoing challenges and emphasised that none of the aims of the NHS can be achieved without the unremitting dedication of its staff.
The College believes that addressing the significant workforce challenges within the physicianly sector and all across health and social care is vital if our health and social care services are able to support effectively those using health services. The most recent annual physicians’ census which we conduct with our colleagues in the Royal College of Physicians of London (RCPL) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) indicated that more than half of advertised consultant physician posts in England and Wales went unfilled last year. 74% of these were unfilled because of a lack of any applicants at all, emphasising the critical situation within the workforce.
