Reponse to GMC SAS survey
While the GMC survey contains some shocking statistics about how SAS doctors are viewed and treated, sadly this information comes as no surprise. Our FOI earlier in the year showed that the NHS is failing senior SAS doctors by not offering them the same training and career development opportunities as others. The data from the GMC shows the same story - 58% of specialty doctors in anaesthetics said they are eligible for a specialist post but have not been able to access one compared with 42% of all specialties.
The Association of Anaesthetists SAS Committee Chair, Dr Emma Wain said:
“It is disappointing to see that access to specialist contracts is so patchy. While Scotland and Wales are making progress in this area we again call on the UK Government to make this opportunity available to qualifying specialty doctors in England. We can’t bring down waiting list without the right workforce – and while shortages have a significant part to play in this – getting those in the NHS on the right contracts has to be a good first step”