Response to public accounts committee report on NHS hospital consultants

‘Far from refusing to work at the weekend; the majority of surgeons already do so. A seven day service which is led by consultants is vital for patients. However it is not just about consultants working weekend. It is also about making sure there is seven day access to the right facilities in hospital and support available in the community for the next steps in the patient’s treatment. It is vital that we focus on the productivity of the whole hospital, and not just consultants, if we are going to deliver a high-quality seven-day service for patients regardless of when they are admitted.’

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact the RCS press office on:

• 020 7869 6047/ 6052
• communications@rcseng.ac.uk
• Out-of hours: 07966 486 832
• 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