Response
to GMC survey on SAS and LE doctors
Wednesday 22 January 2020
The GMC has published the results of their first survey of Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) and locally employed (LE) doctors. The results are based on a 2019 survey to which SAS members of the Association of Anaesthetists responded. As a membership organisation the Association represents over 10,000 Anaesthetists, over 20% of whom are SAS members. The wellbeing and career development of all our members is central to our work. The newly published SAS handbook is an example of supportive resources that we provide.
The Association is delighted that the survey highlights the vital but often overlooked role of SAS and LE doctors. They have in the past been called the ‘hidden heroes’ of the NHS and we welcome the spotlight this shines on them. The Association also welcomes the report’s recognition that for many being a SAS or LE doctor is a positive career choice, which allows them to undertake a different but equally rewarding career pathway from that of consultant.
However, it is saddening that the report also highlights the struggles and difficulties that many SAS and LE doctors face. Almost a third of respondents reported being bullied, with many of those not reporting the incident or even knowing how to. The survey also reported significant concerns around burnout with a quarter of all SAS doctors feeling burnt-out to a high or very high degree. Almost half reported difficulty in accessing continued professional development opportunities. A quarter did not feel their workplace was a supportive environment
There is a place on the Association’sBoard of Directors reserved for an elected SAS member to ensure that SAS interests are represented directly and with an informed point of view at the highest level in the organisation. The Association has an active SAS Committee, which has organised specific educational events for SAS doctors.
Other initiatives lead by the Association include wellbeing campaigns such as #fightfatigue to tackle the fatigue culture, and #knockitout to confront workplace bullying, and promote positive workplaces free from undermining behaviours. The Association also provides a very successful mentoring scheme, to support and empower mentees to make improvements and positive change. Along with the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Association is calling for the reopening of the Associate Specialist grade, to provide a route towards career progression for SAS doctors.
Dr Thomas James, Chair of the Association SAS Committee commented:
“It is most welcome that the report recognises and highlights the crucial role SAS and LE doctors play within the NHS, and that such careers can be very rewarding and positive. However it is saddening that so many doctors still report bullying, and feel marginalised and undervalued. It is particularly disappointing that this theme has been raised many times before in the past. Here at the Association of Anaesthetists we aim to support, promote and represent our SAS members, to support them in their development, and to ensure the SAS voice is heard and acknowledged. We provide a variety of resources for our members to help with career development and promote wellbeing and safe working spaces. I hope that along with our partner organisations we can use this report as a spur to redouble our efforts to stamp out such unacceptable behaviours, to recognise and value the work our SAS and LE colleagues do, and to continue to improve the support and career development of SAS doctors.”