RCS England response to new NHS Confederation report setting out priorities for a new government

Responding to the NHS Confederation report, ‘Building the health of the nation: priorities for a new government’, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

“The NHS Confederation is right to emphasise the increase in capital funding needed to get the NHS in England back on a stable footing.

“Our members have told us that in addition to continued support for establishing surgical hubs, the NHS needs more surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff, operating theatres and ringfenced beds for surgical patients to tackle waiting times - all of which cost money.

“We would like to see all political parties put forward long-term funding plans linked to reform and reduced waiting times.”

Notes to editors

1. RCS 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. Advancing the Surgical Workforce: 2023 UK Surgical Workforce Census Report (January 2024) includes the views of all members of the surgical team, including consultants, surgeons in training, specialty and associate specialist (SAS) surgeons, Locally Employed Doctors in surgery (LEDs) and members of the Extended Surgical Team (EST). It has sought information both across the team and specifically within the different professional groups.

3. For more information, please contact the Press Office:

• Telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047
• Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk
• Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056