🥁 The votes are in… 🥁
We’re delighted to announce Professor David Oliver
@mancunianmedic
has been elected the 122nd president of the Royal College of Physicians 🎉!
We're devastated to announce that our registrar, colleague & friend Professor Donal O'Donoghue died last night from
#COVID19
.
Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. He will be missed terribly.
#RCPremembers
We have written to
@ActAsOneBDC
to express our concern at their ‘It’s a GP Practice Thing’ campaign. It is not only completely misleading for patients and the public for PAs to be described as physicians, it is against the law.
Due to concerns about the impact of climate change and nature loss on human health, we are joining
@UKHealthClimate
in signing a letter to the PM urging him to withdraw the decision to issue new licences for North Sea oil and gas.
Read the full letter👇
Today we announce an independent review into
#RCPEGM
#PhysicianAssociates
and acknowledge how we should have been better at listening and responding to our members and fellows. We need to reset the organisation, restore trust and refocus on delivering on members’ priorities.
We are deeply disappointed to hear this important service is set to close to new NHS staff referrals from secondary care and are sharing our concerns with
@NHSEngland
. Mental health support is as vital now as ever 1/2
We're delighted to announce that our president
@bodgoddard
has been knighted in the
#QueensBirthdayHonours
.
We could not be more proud of his incredible achievements at the RCP and throughout his career.
Congratulations Sir Andrew Goddard!
Dr Peter Tun, an associate specialist in neurological rehabilitation
@RBNHSFT
who died of
#COVID19
, will receive
#FellowshipRCP
. We believe Dr Tun is the first person to have died actively in service to be posthumously nominated for the award.
54 years ago, HM the Queen opened our London HQ in 1964, here she is with former RCP president Sir CharlesDodds. We are honoured that she will return today to celebrate our landmark 500th anniversary!
@RoyalFamily
#RCP500
We've co-signed an open letter to the leaders of UK political parties, calling for a rapid review of what needs to be done to prevent and prepare for a second wave of
#COVID19
.
Read the full letter in
@bmj_latest
below 👇
Leaders in the medical community, including heads of royal colleges and The BMJ’s editor in chief
@fgodlee
have urged political parties to join forces and commission a cross party review into how the UK can prevent and prepare for a covid-19 second wave
With 370,000 care cancellations confirmed & no sign of junior doctor pay resolution, we’ve joined medical royal college colleagues in calling on govt to begin meaningful negotiations now. Patients & NHS staff deserve better
@DrSarahClarke
@AoMRC
@TheBMA
RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke has today informed RCP Council of her intention to step aside from the role of president following a challenging time for the college. Dr Clarke will step down as president in September following a transition period:
We've sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, signed by 16 other leading health organisations, calling for the NHS and wider health and care system to be at the heart of
#Brexit
negotiations.
Read the full letter here: 👇
We are calling for
@NHSEngland
to review its projections for growth in the physician associate workforce until issues of regulation, standards and national scope of practice are addressed.
Read our full updated statement to the Long Term Workforce Plan:
Lovely news to share! Our president Professor Jane Dacre has been awarded a damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Congratulations
@DacreJane
#BirthdayHonours
Islamophobia Awareness Month shouldn't need to exist, but sadly many Muslim healthcare professionals have faced discrimination in their careers.
This needs to end.
The diversity of our workforce should be a cause for pride and celebration.
#IAM2021
“Had the NHS been better prepared, through proper pandemic planning, adequate supplies of appropriate PPE & simply by being better staffed, it would have made a world of difference,” says
@bodgoddard
as the public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic begins:
Published today, our latest report Talking about dying: How to begin honest conversations about what lies ahead, explores the reasons that doctors and other healthcare professionals find it hard to talk to patients about dying. Read now:
We're delighted to announce the appointment of our new registrar, Dr Cathryn Edwards.
Dr Edwards takes up post in May and is the first woman to be appointed as RCP registrar in over 500 years.
We can't wait to work with you,
@CathrynmEdwards
!
We’re delighted to have
@MichaelMarmot
delivering our annual Christmas lecture this year 🎄❄️
Aimed at 12–18 year olds, the lecture will focus on social justice, health equity and
#COVID19
.
When: Tuesday 22 December, 3pm
Register for free here:
We're incredibly excited to announce that The Spine, the new northern home of the RCP, is now officially open!
Based in
#PaddingtonVillage
@KQLiverpool
, The Spine is designed to be 1 of the healthiest buildings in the world 🌎
Learn more about The Spine:
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human health.
Our Green physician toolkit brings together key actions physicians can take in their day-to-day practice to adapt and help mitigate the effects of climate change:
We’re pleased to announce that following an extraordinary meeting of RCP Council yesterday,
@DrSarahClarke
, the current clinical vice president, will become the 122nd president of the RCP in September:
We are so very sorry to hear of the death of Dr Sa’adu, a much loved Fellow for over 20 years. He was a valued member of the RCP family and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Today there is an interview with RCP president
@DrSarahClarke
in The Times. Please read our statement that clarifies both Sarah and the RCP’s view on the right of union members to take industrial action.
“Many challenges lie ahead but I know that, together, we will meet them and continue the RCP's long and proud success story."
Introducing our new president
@DrSarahClarke
, consultant cardiologist at
@RoyalPapworth
, who took up office yesterday:
Today and every day we stand in solidarity with our BAME members, fellows, colleagues and friends.
Racism of any sort is abhorrent and has no place in our society.
For useful resources on ways to support the
#BlackLivesMatter
movement, click here:
‘I am humbled that the fellows of the RCP have elected me and I will do my best to live up to their expectations. There are challenging years ahead but we have a great team here and we can achieve a great deal.’
@bodgoddard
We're delighted to have appointed Dr Ash Birtles as our new clinical fellow in health inequality.
Dr Birtles' focus will be on developing practical advice and guidance to help doctors address health inequality in their practice.
Find out more here: 👇
A big thank you and farewell to our outgoing clinical vice president Prof. David Oliver (
@mancunianmedic
) on his final day at the RCP.
David's passion for medicine and vast experience has been invaluable to us over the past 3 years, and we wish him all the best for the future.
RCP Council has today agreed to hold an EGM to debate the issues being raised with us around physician associates. Thank you to all Council members for the thoughtful debate. Next steps here 👉
“We’re not being honest as a country with the public about the potential risks of a no-deal Brexit when it comes to medicines.” Our president
@BodGoddard
"very worried" in
@RosamundUrwin
's latest
@thesundaytimes
story:
We’ve ended all investments in fossil fuel companies 2 years ahead of the deadline we set.
We can say even more loudly that everything possible must be done to limit global temperature rises in line with the
#ParisAgreement
, to protect public health.
We welcome this letter from
@NHSEngland
, making clear its position on PAs.
"PAs are not a substitute for doctors; they are trained to work collaboratively with other health professionals as supplementary members of a multidisciplinary team." 1/3
Today we're proud to launch the new Inequalities in Health Alliance - a coalition of nearly 80 organisations brought together to press for urgent action to address health inequalities.
#HealthyLivesForAll
Find out more here 👇
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mr El-Hawrani’s death. Our thoughts are with his family.
This is a stark reminder that
#COVID19
is not a disease that only effects the old & infirm.
NHS staff are putting their lives on the line right now, & must have access to suitable
#PPE
.
Congratulations Sir Peter Ratcliffe, Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine 2019: ‘an impressive story of how a clinician scientist can combine ground-breaking basic science with caring for patients within the NHS.’
To mark
#WomenInScience
day, we want to say a big thank you to the amazing female doctors, researchers, nurses and other medical staff working for our NHS. 🩺🔬🙏
“If the UK leaves the EU without an agreement, there will almost certainly be a negative impact on the health of your constituents and the NHS.”
We have today written to all MPs asking them to vote against a
#NoDealBrexit
, to protect patients.
Read more:
We have published ethical guidance for frontline staff dealing with the
#COVID19
pandemic, supported by more than a dozen other royal colleges and health organisations.
Learn more:
"We have to be very careful when we think about how to manage the backlog, that we don't just create physical space - it's human resource that is the most important," said RCP president
@bodgoddard
, giving evidence to the
@CommonsHealth
yesterday.
It can be hard to think of your own wellbeing when working in such challenging conditions.
That's why we wanted to create a conversation around the importance of physicians' physical and mental health.
Watch the full wellbeing documentary here:
The court of appeal has today unanimously overturned the ruling
of the high court that Dr
#BawaGarba
be struck off the medical register.
Read the response to the judgment from our president
@DacreJane
here
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Dr Anton Sebastianpillai who died on Saturday. Another valued member of the RCP family, our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time.
This year saw the deaths from
#COVID19
of many healthcare workers including some of our own members and fellows.
Please join us in remembering their great achievements and the lives they dedicated to helping people.
#RCPremembers
For the first time we describe in detail the medical staffing levels needed to provide safe care for patients. Essential reading for all frontline
#NHS
providers, see the new guidance here
#SafeMedStaffing
We are happy to announce the new senior censor and vice president for education and training,
@Mumtaz_Patel_1
As well as five newly elected councillors:
@EileenBurns13
@RowanHarwood
@parthaskar
Ganesh Subramanian
Victoria Tippet
Read the full story:
"We have defined seven characteristics of professionalism in 2018. Every doctor should embrace these characteristics, and should feel proud to be able to demonstrate them."
@DacreJane
in
@bmj_latest
on our new report
#RCPUnderpin
:
Our President
@bodgoddard
:
“
@djnicholl
is as far from Andrew Wakefield as you can get. He is evidence based, passionate about the NHS and a highly valued fellow of
@RCPLondon
. His treatment by JMR has been outrageous.”
I have had to watch this unfold from Zambia as at
#ECSACOP
Thanks BMJ for this summary
@djnicholl
is as far from Andrew Wakefield as you can get. He is evidence based, passionate about the NHS and a highly valued fellow of
@RCPLondon
His treatment by JMR has been outrageous
'We simply cannot wait until the next tax year for a solution. Every week the issue remains, more hard-working doctors will reduce their hours, driving up waiting times for patients and driving down staff morale.' says
@bodgoddard
in today's
@MailOnline
:
“It is very sad that a colleague has felt the need to resign during this crisis. The NHS needs all the doctors it can get.” -
@bodgoddard
in today's
@guardian
:
'You are your barrier...'
Following our Racism in Healthcare webinar we are thrilled to launch our new ‘Lets talk about...’ series. Join
@EAnionwu
as she interviews Professor Dame Donna Kinnair on her experiences with racism in medical leadership.
Thank you to all our members and everyone working in the
#NHS
right now. We're so unbelievably grateful for everything you do. 🙏
Here's our London building, lit up in your honour.
#clapforNHS
A huge thank you to the
@RoyalFreeNHS
for giving us a glimpse into their 'The Royal Freeze' swimming club.
This is a wonderful example of healthcare professionals supporting each other's wellbeing - particularly important during these difficult times.
#RCPMed2021
Tragically several of our members died from
#COVID19
this year.
Tomorrow we'll be publishing their obituaries & paying tribute to the lives they led.
To echo
@bodgoddard
's words below, please join us tomorrow in sharing your own memories of those who died.
#RCPremembers
After what was a very difficult winter, and as stretched doctors continue to go above and beyond, news that the Theresa May vetoed increasing the number of visas available to NHS doctors is deeply disappointing.
@DacreJane
Today we unveiled the O’Donoghue Wall at the The Spine, Liverpool.
This will be a lasting memorial to our friend and colleague, Professor Donal O’Donoghue OBE.
@kidneycareuk
@UKKidney
“Donal improved the lives of so many patients, friends and colleagues just by being there for them and using what tools he had to their benefit."
Our president
@bodgoddard
's touching tribute to Donal O’Donoghue is available to read in Commentary Magazine:
We have established a new oversight group for our work related to physician associates (PAs).
Chaired by Dr
@HilaryWMedic
, the group will put patient safety front and centre and oversee all PA-related activity and guidance moving forward:
"Burnout, burnout, burnout. We shouldn't be talking about burnout. This isn't a failure of individuals but the system they are working in." A call from
@bodgoddard
at
#RCPMed2019
for us to change the rhetoric.
“We can’t let our guard down. Wear a mask, don’t mix, wash your hands. Until vaccination comes in and does its job that’s what our best defence will be.” RCP president
@bodgoddard
and Dr Ami Jones on the
#COVID19
impact on hospitals.
@BBCBreakfast
08.24.
Published today, our new report
#RCPOutpatients
shows the current model of outpatient care is not fit for purpose.
It puts unnecessary financial and time costs on patients, doctors, the NHS and the public purse.
Find out how we think it can be improved:
We’re moving this year’s annual Christmas lecture online!
Join
@MichaelMarmot
as he explores the causes of health inequalities and how taking action across the whole of society can tackle the health gap.
We hope you can join us. Register for free here:
Health care staff in India are caring for overwhelming numbers of patients with
#COVID19
, often with inadequate resources.
We're sending them our support, & asking anyone who's able, to contribute to
@BAPIOUK
's India COVID fund:
"Whilst I am uncomfortable admitting it, I have felt overwhelmed myself a couple of times in recent weeks. I’ve not felt like this since I was a houseman being on-call every other night," says RCP president
@bodgoddard
, commenting on the survey.
We are extremely proud to be 500 on Sunday! If you're passing Trafalgar Square fountains between 6:00-10:30 on 23/9 and you see the fountains light purple- tag us with
#RCP500
It's in celebration of our incredible history
#medicineisbrilliant
Trainee doctors are an invaluable part of our health service, and they must be treated as such. It is imperative we look after doctors’ wellbeing if we are to retain them and help them provide the best possible care for patients.
We have written to
@NHSEngland
to ask about stakeholder consultation on their plan to develop four-year undergraduate medical degrees.
Read more about our concerns to this approach in our full statement:
Today’s memorial event for Donal O'Donoghue has begun with
@CMO_England
’s inaugural O'Donoghue lecture on health disparities and inequalities streaming now
#UKKW2021
@UKKidney
We've written to the Prime Minister, along with
@theRCN
,
@unisontheunion
, and
@TheBMA
, asking for clarity and confirmation that all health and care workers and their families will be exempt from the international health surcharge on a permanent basis.
Find out more here 👇
Doctors have complained of a “kick in the teeth” as the immigration health surcharge is still being enforced, despite the prime minister vowing to scrap it for NHS and care workers
Today we published a resource in collaboration with
@acutemedicine
to support hospital doctors in improving the care and choices provided to people at the end of their life.
View the end-of-life care resource here:
"We need to change the rhetoric."
Watch our president
@bodgoddard
on why when talking about 'burnout', we should be talking about how doctors are being failed by their working environments.
Do you agree? Join in the conversation using
#RCPMed2019
Today marks the first day under our new president Dr Andrew Goddard - the 101st and youngest president in our 500 year history. Hear from him below on the challenges we face - such as workforce shortages and Brexit - and why he's so excited to tackle them
"Frontline NHS and care staff must be vaccinated in the next couple of weeks as a priority as the current pressures on the NHS will be impossible to withstand without a fit and protected workforce," says RCP president
@bodgoddard
in the
@Independent
👇
We're thrilled to introduce our new SAS Lead, Dr Jamie Read
@drjread
!
Find out more about Dr Read and his new role representing SAS doctors' views and interests within the RCP, here:
Our new report recommends that smokers should be routinely provided with help to stop smoking
The recommendation is one of a raft of measures designed to put an end to tobacco smoking in the UK.
Read more here: 👇
We have published the results of our assisted dying survey, based on responses from almost 7,000 of our UK fellows and members.
The RCP will now adopt a neutral position on whether there should be a change in the law, reflecting members' range of views.
We're delighted to have appointed Dr Sarah Logan
@sarahlogan76
as director of our Medical Workforce Unit.
"I could not be prouder to be leading the unit & its work to support the physician workforce through the most challenging of times,” said Dr Logan.
"Ultimately, workforce shortages are the root of most problems facing the NHS right now. Increasing the workforce, and so reducing workload, is what will make the biggest difference," says RCP president
@bodgoddard
in his piece for
@timesredbox
today:
Delighted to publish this article by HRH The Prince of Wales
@ClarenceHouse
as part of our special issue on
#inequality
and
#preventativemedicine
, highlighting the importance of social prescribing and an integrated approach to health. Pic courtesy
@uhbNHS
In a follow up to her 2019 blog post, Dr Nina Muirhead discusses a recent surge in clinical interest in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Read more here:
We are delighted to announce a new leadership program for female leaders in medicine - now open for applications! Successful candidates will receive a mentor, access to RCP meetings and much more. Apply now:
Today
@TheKingsFund
has published the findings of its independent learning review into the RCP EGM in March.
We fully accept the report and its 10 recommendations. We have pledged to learn and, more importantly, to act, improve and rebuild for fellows and members.
Read our full