In a pre-election manifesto, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is calling on the next government to ensure that the promises made in the NHS Long Term Plan can be delivered.
Ahead of the general election next month, the RCP is asking the next government to place patient safety and protecting the nation’s health at the heart of Brexit negotiations.
The college calls for an immigration system and environment which “welcomes the skills and talents of people from overseas” who want to work in the NHS. Measures should be introduced to support the NHS workforce, including expansion of the Medical Training Initiative.
The government must ensure that the UK’s exit from the EU does not negatively impact patients’ ability to participate in and benefit from high-quality research, it says.
Professor Andrew Goddard, RCP president, said: “Clinicians are putting our faith in the next government to get to grips with the health and care workforce crisis.
“The next government must deliver for the hardworking and dedicated NHS staff. We need to rapidly increase the numbers of doctors, nurses and other clinicians in training while also creating an environment where our people are valued, recognised and rewarded.”
“The challenges are stark, but we stand ready to work with the next government in partnership to create a sustainable workforce fit for the future,” Prof Goddard said.
