23 May 2012
The RCS welcomes the Health Select Committee’s report and their call for more detail on the reform of NHS education and training. We support the Government's proposals to establish Health Education England (HEE) and the opportunity it offers to bring together all those involved in the planning, delivery and assurance of high quality education and training.
To deliver these opportunities we believe there needs to be a stronger independent professional voice within the HEE through direct involvement of the Colleges’ and professional bodies. This will provide the autonomous professional input that is essential to maintaining and enhancing standards.
Locally, postgraduate deans should link with the professions by working closely with the Colleges.
The report is right to highlight the impact of the working time regulations on trainees’ access to training, but this doesn’t provide a solution for trainees missing out on vital training time now. And, doesn’t address the issue of safety and continuity of care for patients.
Notes to Editor:
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808. For more information please visit www.rcseng.ac.uk.
- If you have any queries please contact:
Esther Williams – Email: ewilliams@rcseng.ac.uk; T: 020 7869 6047
Katie Bennett – Email: kbennett1@rcseng.ac.uk; T: 020 7869 6052
Out-of-hours: 07966 486 832
