Shortage of anaesthetists could threaten patient safety, RCoA warns

The number of consultants joining the anaesthetic workforce in the NHS is insufficient to meet patient demand, according to the latest figures from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA).

The RCoA Medical Workforce Census Report found that, while their was an annual average increase in anaesthesia consultant numbers between 2007 and 2015, the number is still less than half the levels required to deliver safe and effective healthcare, as outlined by the Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI).

The report also found that 98 percent of anaesthetic departments are relying on internal locums and 74 percent use external locums to cover staff shortages, with the RCoA claiming that anaesthetic workforce levels need to rise by more than 300 consultants per year to meet demand.

Additionally, RCoA highlighted the future threat of an ageing workforce, with the number of consultants aged between 50 and 59 increasing by 29 per cent over the last 12 months.

Dr Liam Brennan, president of the RCoA, said: “Today’s report, highlighting rota gaps, vacant posts and an ageing workforce, in an acute, high-pressure specialty such as anaesthesia is very concerning. These workforce shortcomings combined with spiralling service pressures suggest that we are heading for a perfect storm with implications for the welfare of both patients and clinicians. These data, representing the most comprehensive census of the UK anaesthesia workforce, demonstrates a compelling case for additional training posts in anaesthesia and ICM [intensive care medicine] if we are to avert detrimental effects on future access to vital services and safe patient care.”