RCS England response to findings of GMC national training survey

Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Ms Tamzin Cuming, Chair of the Women in Surgery Forum (WinS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England: 
  
"Nearly a year on from the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery's report, the GMC's national training survey is a reminder that there remains considerable work to do to eradicate abhorrent behaviours in our profession.  
 
“Women in surgical training are particularly affected with large numbers reporting sexual misconduct; insults and stereotyping; being ignored or excluded; or being intentionally humiliated. Fewer than half of women said that they feel confident about reporting discrimination where they work, without fear of adverse consequences. This is completely unacceptable. 
 
“We are sharing these survey results with our entire membership to be clear that our profession’s culture needs to change. Employers and those responsible for the oversight of training must review these findings and must take action to ensure surgical training is a positive experience for everyone. Given the 10 commitments in the NHS England sexual safety in healthcare charter have now been mandated, we want to see a reduction in the incidence of these behaviours in next year’s survey. Over the next week our College will also publish a new code of conduct which will set out expectations on professional behaviours.  
 
“Let us be clear: the appalling behaviours detailed in this survey have no place in surgery.” 
 
ENDS

Find out more about our work to tackle sexual misconduct in surgery

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients.  
2. For more information, please contact the Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6054/6047; Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.