Funding for the NHS is welcome but without a commitment to workforce any attempts to cut the backlog will likely fail

Responding to the publication of the Spending Review 2021 Dr Fiona Donald, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said:

“The Government’s new funding to tackle NHS waiting lists is welcome but, unless some of the money is used to build the anaesthetic workforce, it will be near impossible to clear the backlog. Most operations need an anaesthetist, but we have a shortfall of 1,400 anaesthetists across the UK. This is a nationwide bottleneck in the rate at which operations can take place. It is vital that the government commits to boosting trainee numbers and retaining existing staff.

“With increasing workforce gaps and poor levels of retention, the announcements still leave us in the dark as to where the NHS will get the staffing capacity to support the urgently needed increase in elective surgery.  Promises of increased funding for medical school places are positive for NHS sustainability in the long-term, but to start making a dent in the backlog, we need more trained staff soon.

“If we are to recover from the pandemic, we must ensure that not only do we invest in increasing the capacity of the NHS, but also strive to overhaul how healthcare is delivered. Health is deteriorating in the country and the knock-on effects from an ever-increasing waiting list will see people getting sicker. Therefore, it was reassuring to see the Government reiterate its previous commitments to preventative and integrated care.  Tackling the waiting lists and lowering admissions in the future will require a strong focus on patient centred care, from public health to rehabilitation, including along the perioperative pathway.  

“We look forward to working with the government over the coming months and years and hope to get more clarity on funding for the NHS when the elective recovery plan is announced in November. Delivering on the recovery will require collaboration. With policy makers and frontline healthcare professionals working together we can deliver an efficient, fair and sustainable NHS.”