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Modern Outpatient Care Redesigning Planned Speciality Care For People And Populations

Dr Theresa Barnes: Reflections from outpatients summits 2 and 3

There was a universal recognition that there cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach and that individual patients have different needs.

26/10/15

Varicella zoster virus: Occupational aspects of management 2010

This guideline focuses on managing varicella zoster virus (chicken pox and shingles) in the workplace, providing evidence-based guidance for occupational health professionals. Separate summary leaflets provide advice to employees and employers dealing with varicella zoster virus in the workplace, with specific advice for those in the healthcare sector.

26/10/15

Upper limb disorders: Occupational aspects of management 2009

The term ‘upper limb disorders’ covers a large number of musculoskeletal conditions that affect the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand. This national guideline offers evidence-based advice on the management of four upper limb disorders in the workplace: carpal tunnel syndrome, non-specific arm pain, tenosynovitis and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).The guideline is accompanied by summary leaflets for employers, employees and health care professionals.

26/10/15

Dermatitis: Occupational aspects of management 2009

This national guideline offers evidence-based advice on the management of dermatitis in the workplace. It provides advice on the risk of colonisation and transmission of infection from skin lesions, interventions to improve the condition of the skin, and workplace-based health surveillance for the early detection of symptoms and signs.

26/10/15

Latex Allergy: Occupational aspects of management 2008

This national guideline summarises evidence and is intended to assist occupational health professionals, managers and other interested parties in providing advice on occupational health interventions and to address the problem of latex allergy from both individual and institutional perspectives. The evidence based guideline is concerned particularly with issues relating to gloves, as these represent the main occupational use of latex.The guideline is accompanied by summary leaflets for employers, employees and health care professionals.

19/12/17

National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2

NEWS2 is the latest version of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), first produced in 2012 and updated in December 2017, which advocates a system to standardise the assessment and response to acute illness.

26/10/15

Hospital activity data guide for clinicians: Wales

This guide was produced in 2007 to support clinicians in Wales who have been presented with analyses of hospital activity data describing their practice. Specifically, to support the provision and interpretation of individual clinicians’ data.This guide was developed through a clinical coding project conducted across Wales, England and Scotland to examine the potential use of hospital activity data to support consultant appraisal.

02/07/19

Top ten tips for coding: a guide for clinical staff

This guide was produced in 2007 to summarise the 10 most important ways in which clinicians can assist the process of clinical coding. Each is based on the basic principles behind coding clear, accurate information about all diagnoses and procedures in order to produce a true picture of hospital activity.This guide was developed through a clinical coding project conducted across Wales, England and Scotland to examine the potential use of hospital activity data to support consultant appraisal.

21/08/18

Standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records

The standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records were developed through extensive consultation to ensure that they address the requirements of clinicians, patients, carers and health information technology professionals.

21/06/16

Standards for medication and medical device records – technical annex

This report, published in April 2013, sets the standards for medication and medical device records.

19/05/16

Standards for admission, handover, discharge, outpatient and referral – technical annex

This report, published in April 2013, is the technical annex to the healthcare record standards.

26/10/15

Example record templates

Example templates for admission, referral, handover and discharge records have been developed to capture the information defined in the record standards.

26/10/15

Editorial principles for the development of record standards

This document defines editorial principles to govern the development of standards for the structure and content of health records. The principles are needed to ensure that the future standardisation of paper and electronic health records (EHRs) – across professions, disciplines and specialties – properly reflects good practice and supports the growth of high quality, accurate, trustworthy and useful documentation about the health, healthcare and welfare of individuals.

26/10/15

Record keeping audit tools

Tools to audit patient records against the record standards have been developed to support patient safety and quality of care, professional best practice and assist compliance with Information Governance.

26/10/15

Professional guidance on the structure and content of ambulance records

National professional guidance for the structure and content of the clinical records of ambulance patients has been developed by the HIU.

26/10/15

Developing standards for health and social care records

This report summarises the deliberations and recommendations of a Joint Working Group established in September 2010 by the Department of Health Informatics Directorate in England. Its remit was to examine matters in relation to the development of Electronic Health Records and recommend how professional requirements and leadership could best support the development of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in line with national policy.

26/10/15

Generic medical record keeping standards

This document sets the standards for general medical record keeping by physicians in hospital practice. The purpose of these standards is to maximise patient safety and quality of care; support professional best practice; and assist compliance with Information Governance and NHS Litigation Authority (CNST) Standards. These generic medical record keeping standards are applicable to any patient’s medical record.

26/10/15

Record standards safety case

The standards for patient records developed have undergone a formal risk assessment process to ensure clinical safety. At each step of the consultations to develop standards – be they workshops, meetings, national surveys – hazards were identified, reviewed and mitigations/actions considered. Nevertheless, some risk is inherent in the standards but most has been:(a) mitigated by the development of the standards or(b) the residual risk has been transferred (with guidance) to the implementers.The Hazard Log provides guidance for system developers and implementers. It is important that this guidance in relation to these hazards become requirements for implementation.

26/10/15

Physical and Shift Work in Pregnancy: Occupational aspects of management 2009

The purpose of this national guideline is to enable consistent evidence-based advice to be given in relation to pregnant women who are exposed to hazards at work. The document is focused on a number of specific hazards, namely lifting/manual handling and heavy physical work, prolonged standing, long working hours and shift work (including night shifts). Recommendations have been made for employers to reduce exposure to lifting, heavy physical work and prolonged standing for pregnant employees. None of the risks were sufficiently strong to justify mandatory exclusion of pregnant women from work for any of the exposures that were considered.The guideline is accompanied by summary leaflets for employers, employees and health care professionals.

09/04/19

Diagnosis, management and prevention of occupational contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the skin, caused by an irritant or an allergy, and accounts for 70–90% of all occupational skin disease. Occupational contact dermatitis often has significant adverse effects on quality of life, including a potentially serious threat to employment.

26/10/15

Pregnancy: Occupational aspects of management

This concise guideline follows an extensive and systematic review of the evidence of certain common work activities (heavy physical effort and lifting, prolonged standing, working long hours and shift working) to see whether these might adversely affect pregnancy outcomes (eg miscarriage, pre-term delivery, delivering a small-for-dates baby).

26/10/15

Client experience survey 2012 – round 1

The survey aimed to assess variations in client satisfaction with their employer’s occupational health (OH) service, and enabled OH services to benchmark the care provided to their staff against other OH services. It also aimed to compare the results, where possible, against previous participation and a national benchmark.The survey subsequently formed part of the National Quality Improvement Programme (NQIP) and was available to all OH services in the UK from January 2014.

26/10/15

Completion of the Statement of Fitness for Work

This concise guideline has been developed to aid doctors in understanding when and how to issue a fit note to the greatest benefit for their patients.

26/10/15

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace 2011 – round 1

This report is a part of the first national audit that examines the implementation of six pieces of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) public health guidance relevant to the workplace, by NHS trusts in England. The public health guidance covers obesity, promoting physical activity, long-term sickness absence, promoting mental health and smoking cessation.It supports trusts to improve staff health and wellbeing in areas which are known to be cost effective, contributing to increasing productivity and reducing costs.

26/10/15

Back pain management audit 2009 – round 1

This national comparative clinical audit measures how well occupational health doctors and nurses are managing NHS staff in England with back pain, a frequent and a major cause of sickness absence. Occupational health professionals should follow the FOM Guidelines for the management of low back pain. We therefore used the standards contained in these guidelines to develop auditable criteria against which the care provided by occupational health doctors and nurses could be measured.

26/10/15

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace: overcoming barriers and sharing success 2012

This report reviews how NHS trusts are implementing NICE guidance on improving staff health and wellbeing. Aimed at Boards and others with leading roles in trusts, the report examines the barriers and enablers to implementation with a view to supporting those who are implementing, or reviewing and revitalising, their staff health agenda.

26/10/15

Back pain management audit 2012 – round 2

This second round national clinical audit sought to measure how well occupational health (OH) clinicians and services in all industries throughout the UK are managing staff with back pain, and if there had been any change since the first audit round.The project later formed part of the National Quality Improvement Programme (NQIP) and was available to all OH services in the UK from January 2014.

26/10/15

Long-term sickness absence and depression detection 2009 – round 1

This national clinical audit measures how well occupational health professionals are assessing and managing depression in NHS staff on long-term sickness absence. The aim of the audit is to raise the standard of occupational health care by evaluating performance against evidence-based best practice, working with occupational health practitioners to plan targeted quality improvement interventions and developing the tools to support these interventions. The audit questions reflect evidence-based guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on depression and the management of long-term sickness absence.

26/10/15

Long-term sickness absence and depression detection 2010 – round 2

This second round national comparative clinical audit measured change in how well occupational health (OH) professionals were detecting and managing depression in long‐term sickness absence cases and implementing the long‐term sickness absence guidance since the first audit round.

26/10/15

Record keeping audit 2012 – round 1

The aim of this national audit was to assess variations in practice with respect to clinical record keeping in OH departments that serve NHS trusts in England. It enabled OH departments to compare the quality of their OH record keeping with national standards and other services providing to the NHS.The audit subsequently formed part of the National Quality Improvement Programme (NQIP) and was available to all OH services in the UK from August 2013.

26/10/15

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace 2013 – round 2

This second round audit report examines progress made with the implementation of six pieces of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) public health guidance relevant to the workplace by NHS trusts in England.

30/10/15

Workplace economic models: the costs and benefits to employers

This document is an Excel spreadsheet designed to help NHS employers to estimate the costs and savings associated with providing health promotion services for their employees.

07/07/16

Familial hypercholesterolaemia audit

The National Audit of the Management of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia was undertaken and funded by the RCP funding from Heart UK, the BHF, and Cardiac Network Co-ordinating Group Wales. It assessed the implementation of the 2008 NICE clinical guideline Identification and Management of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (CG71) in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

04/04/17

Future Hospital Commission

The Future Hospital Commission (FHC), chaired by Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, was established by the Royal College of Physicians in 2012 to address growing concerns about the standards of care currently seen in hospitals, and to make recommendations for providing patients with the safe, high-quality, sustainable care that they deserve.

06/09/16

Future Hospital Programme: Year 1

In its first year, the Future Hospital Programme (FHP) led projects looking at specific recommendations and principles outlined in the Future Hospital Commission. These projects have either been developed by the FHP team or other teams within the RCP (with the support of the FHP).

18/03/16

Future Hospital development site: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Dr Olwen Williams, clinical lead for the Future Hospital development site project at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is leading a team to improve access to care for frail and elderly patients in rural Wales.

17/03/16

Future Hospital development site: Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

The project at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, led by Dr Dinesh Nagi, aims to develop an older people assessment service / unit as part of an acute care hub supporting frail older patients with fragility syndrome.

26/05/16

Future Hospital development site: East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust

At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr John Dean is leading his team to deliver better quality and more effective services for frail and elderly patients. The project is using integrated teams working in locality and neighbourhoods and represents a partnerships across primary, community, social and mental health care services.

17/03/16

Future Hospital development site: Worthing Hospital

The project at Worthing Hospital – led by Dr Roger Duckitt – aims to standardise pathways, streamline care and achieve safe, effective clinical management for all patients. Striving to minimise the number of transfers of care experience by each patient, the team aim to guarantee that all time spent in hospital is utilised optimally to achieve the best outcomes for every patient.

24/01/17

Future Hospital – Submit your story

The Future Hospital Programme (FHP) aims to develop and implement the RCP’s vision for the future of medical care in hospital and community settings. We are asking you to tell us your stories of best, innovative practice to improve patient care.

26/10/15

Background to the young adults and adolescents transition project

There is evidence that poorly planned transition may be linked with an increased risk of young people dropping out from medical care and poor health outcomes. However, there is also evidence that age-appropriate adolescent services improve outcomes by improving attendance and retention of young people in clinical services.

26/01/16

Young adult and adolescent healthcare: resources

The resources listed include some of the key policy documents and guidance in the area of young adult and adolescent healthcare. There are also links to organisations working in the field and resources for specific issues that affect adolescents.

05/05/16

Shared decision making: information and resources

Shared decision making (SDM) and support for self-management (SSM) refer to a set of attitudes, roles and skills, supported by tools and organisational systems, which put patients and carers into a full partnership relationship with clinicians in all clinical interactions.

26/10/15

NLCA annual report 2014

The NLCA annual report 2014 provides a summary of comparative audit data on the treatments and outcomes for lung cancer patients who were first seen in NHS secondary care in 2013.

01/02/17

Clinical assessment service

In this Future Hospital Commission case study Dr Elizabeth Aitken, consultant geriatrician at Lewisham University Hospital, talks about setting up a clinical assessment service.

05/12/16

Vision for the NLCA

The National Lung Cancer Audit recently hosted a series of workshops around the country to share the vision and plans for the audit over the next 3 years. The workshops, 'The National Lung Cancer Audit: understanding new ways of working', proved to be extremely popular and were largely oversubscribed.

10/01/18

LTMD toolkits

The two LTMD toolkits provide descriptions and samples of the various tools that are available to facilitate planning, implementation, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of trainees' quality improvement projects.

25/10/17

LTMD overview

The aim of the Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) initiative is to enable trainees to deliver change in practice through the acquisition of new knowledge and the practical application of skills within a quality improvement (QI) project using the model for improvement. LTMD also enhances the trainee's own learning and skills in order to make a visible difference to patient care within their organisations in a short timeframe.

25/10/17

Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) trainees

Here Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) trainees can find information and examples on how to get quality improvement projects started and keep them going until completion, as well as details of online monthly support sessions for trainees.

09/11/15

FLS-DB feasibility study

People with low bone density and a tendency to fall are at risk of a fragility fracture and those who sustain one such fracture are at high risk of another. There are approved treatments for low bone density and interventions to reduce falls risk, but they are not offered to most patients who should be on treatment.

31/01/25

Applying to work with Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme data

The Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) has data available for healthcare professionals and academic institutions to access for research and analysis purposes.

18/07/16

Why asthma still kills

Why asthma still kills is the National Review of Asthma Deaths' (NRAD) first national investigation of asthma deaths in the UK and the largest study worldwide to date. The primary aim was to understand the circumstances surrounding asthma deaths in order to identify avoidable factors and make recommendations to improve care and reduce the number of deaths.

29/11/17

Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP)

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) aims to improve the quality of stroke care by measuring both the structure and processes of stroke care against evidence based standards. These standards are informed by the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke, and national and local benchmarks.

01/06/16

Stroke guidelines 2016

The fifth edition of the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke was published in October 2016. It was prepared by the Royal College of Physicians Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party chaired by Professor Tony Rudd. The 2016 edition of the guideline was accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).Please note the 2023 edition of the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke for the UK and Ireland is now available. The new guideline is endorsed for use in clinical practice by the RCP, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Visit here to access the guideline: www.strokeguideline.org.

18/11/21

Stroke Peer Review Scheme

Since 2006 the Royal College of Physicians, in association with the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP) and the Stroke Association, has run a peer review service for trusts in the UK. As part of the service hospitals are visited by a multidisciplinary review team of highly experienced clinicians and managers as well as patient representatives who are trained in conducting the stroke peer reviews.

14/10/16

Carotid Interventions Audit reports

The Carotid Interventions Audit reports, commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), focussed on the process and outcomes of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and include data on the characteristics of the patient, the key delays prior to surgery, the surgery itself and any post operative outcomes.

21/02/25

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis

The Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis e-learning module was developed for GPs, but are relevant for all healthcare professionals interested in of the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.

27/11/15

FallSafe working in practice: Portsmouth

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03/08/22

Health Foundation FallSafe Report

The FallSafe project involved educating, inspiring and supporting 17 registered nurses from acute, rehabilitation and mental health wards to lead their local multidisciplinary teams in reliably delivering these assessments and interventions through a care bundle approach.

01/04/15

National Care of the Dying Audit of Hospitals

The National Care of the Dying Audit for Hospitals (NCDAH), England, found significant variations in care across hospitals in England. The audit showed that major improvements need to be made to ensure better care for dying people, and better support for their families, carers, friends and those important to them.

11/02/16

End of Life Care Audit: objectives and scope

The overarching aim of this audit is to improve the quality of care and services for patients who have reached the end of their life, in hospitals in England.

26/10/15

National Audit of Continence Care (NACC)

The NACC was a highly successful and influential audit project building on the National Audit of Continence Care for Older People which demonstrated the variability of care and service delivery across the country. It subsequently showed how useful clinical audit is in improving continence care.

26/10/15

Cost-Effective Commissioning for Continence Care

This report was produced by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Continence Care in May 2011, and is aimed at being a guidance tool for GP consortia to commission improved continence services.

26/10/15

Continence care - privacy and dignity

These reports represent the outcome of a two-year project which aimed to:identify and validate person-centred attributes of dignity in relation to continencedevelop reflective guidelines for the provision of dignified care in this settingproduce recommendations for best practice.

26/10/15

National audit of services for people with multiple sclerosis: 2011 reports

The two key documents from the 2011 round of the audit, the executive summary and the full report, are available below.

26/10/15

National audit of services for people with multiple sclerosis: archived 2008 reports

The two key documents from the 2008 audit, the summary report and the full report, are available below.

02/02/16

IBD workshops

In March 2015, a series of seven workshops for IBD services were held throughout England and Wales. The objectives of these workshops were to facilitate IBD teams to:

20/03/17

IBD audit and transparency data

In a letter to cabinet ministers, on 7 July 2011, the prime minister committed to publishing key data on the National Health Service, schools, criminal courts and transport.

26/10/15

IBD audit round one 2006-08

The UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit 1st Round in 2006 was the first UK-wide audit performed within gastroenterology. It demonstrated a marked variation in the resources and quality of care for IBD patients across the UK with particular deficits in some fundamental aspects of IBD care.

26/10/15

IBD audit round two 2008-10

The UK IBD Audit 2nd round in 2008 identified that many services for adult patients with IBD had improved; however, there was still wide variation in the provision of care and many services had not improved at all.

26/10/15

National clinical audit of adult IBD inpatient care - round three 2010-12

These round three reports constitute the third round of national audit for inpatient care for adult patients and the second round of national inpatient care audit for paediatric patients.

26/10/15

IBD audit round four 2012-14

The latest national IBD audit reports, published 25 September 2014, address the provision of IBD services and management of biological therapies for adult and paediatric patients.

26/10/15

IBD current work 2014-16

Round 5 of the UK IBD audit will run between September 2014 and February 2016 and will encompass the following elements of work:

02/02/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Adult report 2014

This is the third report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit and all analyses within this report include only those patients who were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (start of data collection) and 28 February 2014.

02/02/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Adult report 2013

This is the first full national report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit and all analyses within this report include only those patients that were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (start of data collection) and 28 February 2013.

02/02/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Paediatric report 2014

This is the third biological therapy report published from the UK IBD audit. The report is addressed to anyone who is interested in IBD. It publishes national‐ and hospital‐level findings on the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of biological therapies for patients newly started on biologics since its inception, 12 September 2011 – 28 February 2014.

07/12/16

Lung Cancer Clinical Outcome Publication 2016 (for the audit period 2014)

The clinical outcomes publication is an NHS England initiative, commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), to publish quality measures at unit level and the level of individual consultant doctor using national clinical audit and administrative data.

02/02/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Paediatric report 2013

This is the first full national report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit and all analyses within this report include only those patients that were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (start of data collection) and 28 February 2013.

02/02/16

Interim report of the biological therapy audit - June 2012

This is an interim data quality report for the IBD community and Chief Executives of Health Boards and Trusts throughout the UK to inform of the ongoing progress and development of the biologics audit along with a view of engagement to date. The audit opened for data entry on Monday 12 September 2011 and these interim findings are based on data that have been submitted to the audit up to and including 29 February 2012, providing a 6 month snapshot of data entry and progress report.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - tools

This element of the audit programme has a new and improved data set based on the IBD national service standards (updated 2013) and is being delivered using the successfully established IBDQIP methodology.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient experience audit - round four 2014

This report examines the experiences of patients admitted to hospitals in the UK for treatment of UC between 1 January and 31 December 2013. For the first, time a specific section of questions was targeted at adolescent patients.

17/06/20

NAIF round 1 methodology

The information sheet contains the details of the audit methodology. The audit proforma contains the dataset. To see how the audit dataset is linked to NICE Guidance please view the mapping document.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient experience audit - round three 2012

During this third round of audit, the inclusion of inpatient experience and primary care questionnaires provided the opportunity to give an even fuller picture of the provision of IBD care throughout the UK.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Adult report - round four 2014

This report examines the inpatient care provided to people admitted to hospitals in the UK for treatment of UC between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. For the first time, a small number of questions also address the outpatient care provided to each patient prior to their admission to hospital.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Adult report - round three 2012

This is the third round of national audit for inpatient care for adult patients. The full reports contain detailed information about the provision of inpatient care including how the situation has changed across the different rounds of the audit.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - round one 2007

The UK IBD Audit is the first UK-wide audit performed within gastroenterology. The 1st Round of the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit was conducted from September 2006 to December 2006.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Adult report - round two 2008

The UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit 1st Round demonstrated a marked variation in the resources and quality of care for IBD patients across the UK with particular deficits in some fundamental aspects of IBD care. Following dissemination of results, change implementation was supported by a series of regional meetings, a web based document repository and selected hospital visits.The second round of the audit in autumn 2008 assessed changes to the organisation and processes of IBD care following these interventions.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Paediatric report - round two 2008

The participation of paediatric sites in the UK Paediatric IBD Audit in 2008 was a major step forward in helping to ensure that the desired consistent, high quality care is available for all IBD patients, independent of age.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Paediatric report - round three 2012

This report constitutes the second round of national inpatient care audit for paediatric patients. The report contains detailed information about the provision of inpatient care including how the situation has changed across the different rounds of the audit.

02/02/16

IBD inpatient care audit - Paediatric report - round four 2014

This report examines the inpatient care provided to people admitted to hospitals in the UK for treatment of UC between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. For the first time, a small number of questions also address the outpatient care provided to each patient prior to their admission to hospital.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Adult report - round four 2014

This report examines the quality of adult IBD services throughout the UK. Participating services were asked to report the status of their own service as at 31 December 2013. The quality of a service is assessed against the Service Standards for the healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The UK IBD audit provides the widest view of current service provision for patients with IBD. Through the collection of these data, the audit seeks to improve all aspects of care for people with IBD in the UK.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Paediatric report - round four 2014

This is the third paediatric IBD service provision report published from the UK IBD audit. It publishes national‐ and hospital‐level findings on the quality of IBD services throughout the UK.The report findings enable the quality of paediatric IBD service provision at a national level to be compared with the national standards outlined in Standards for the healthcare of people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD standards).

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Adult report - round three 2011

This 2011 report constitutes the third round of the national audit of the organisation of adult IBD services. This is the first round to audit adult IBD services directly against the National Service Standards for the healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease which were launched in February 2009.The full report contains detailed information about the organisation and structure of adult IBD services in the UK including how the situation has changed across the different rounds of the audit. The executive summary is a shorter version which highlight the key findings and recommendations from the full report.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Paediatric report - round three 2011

This 2011 report constitutes the second round of the national audit of the organisation of paediatric IBD services. This is the first round to audit paediatric IBD services directly against the National Service Standards for the healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease which were launched in February 2009.The full report contains detailed information about the organisation and structure of paediatric IBD services in the UK including how the situation has changed across the different rounds of the audit. The executive summary is a shorter version which highlight the key findings and recommendations from the full report.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Adult report - round two 2009

The full report contains detailed information about the organisation and structure of adult IBD services in the UK including how the situation has changed across the different rounds of the audit. The executive summary is a shorter version which highlight the key findings and recommendations from the full report.It should be noted that the IBD Audit was established and 2nd round datasets agreed before the IBD National Service Standards were published. Therefore, we did not specifically audit against them for the 2nd round.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - Paediatric report - round two 2009

The full report contains detailed information about the organisation and structure of paediatric IBD services in the UK. The participation of paediatric sites in the UK Paediatric IBD Audit in 2008 was a major step forward in helping to ensure that the desired consistent, high quality care is available for all IBD patients, independent of age.It should be noted that the IBD Audit was established and 2nd round datasets agreed before the IBD National Service Standards were published. Therefore, we did not specifically audit against them for the 2nd round.

02/02/16

IBD organisational audit - round one 2007

The UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit 1st Round in 2006 was the first UK-wide audit performed within gastroenterology. It demonstrated a marked variation in the resources and quality of care for IBD patients across the UK with particular deficits in some fundamental aspects of IBD care.Following the 1st audit round, members of the UK IBD audit Steering Group met with representatives of the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) and agreed to include Paediatric Gastroenterology (

01/01/15

Acute care toolkit 11: Using data to improve care

Working as a physician involves not only providing the best possible care for the patients of today, but also working to improve care for the patients of tomorrow. Collecting and understanding data is central to both of these aims, as without information and data, a clinician has little to draw on to answer two fundamental questions: How am I and my team doing? What can we do to improve?

01/10/14

Acute care toolkit 10: Ambulatory emergency care

Ambulatory emergency care is a streamlined way of managing patients presenting to hospital who would traditionally be admitted. This toolkit outlines the principles and highlights some of the benefits of this emerging care pathway.

01/12/13

Acute care toolkit 9: Sepsis

Sepsis responds well to early intervention and, if required, rapid escalation of therapy. All staff working in Acute Medical Units (AMUs) need to possess the knowledge and skills to identify sepsis and initiate resuscitation if appropriate.

01/11/13

Acute care toolkit 8: The medical registrar on call

The medical registrar is perceived by many to be the medical ‘workhorse’ of the hospital and is relied upon heavily by many hospital and community teams. Registrars, however, are concerned about their ability to provide safe, high-quality patient care as their workload increases.

01/11/23

Acute care toolkit 7: Acute oncology on the acute medical unit

Around 15% of acute hospital admissions may be for cancer or cancer-related conditions. In addition, 31% of cancers are diagnosed in the emergency setting in England.

01/12/12

Acute care toolkit 6: The medical patient at risk

All patients admitted to an acute medical unit (AMU) should have their physiological status defined by a validated track- and-trigger tool as part of their reception to the unit. This facilitates the prompt recognition of a subgroup of more severely ill patients needing particular attention.

01/11/12

Acute care toolkit 5: Teaching on the acute medical unit

Work-based learning and teaching are vital parts of medical education, and AMUs are rich learning environments for a range of health professional and students. High-quality teaching and learning directly impacts on patient safety, quality of care and trainees’ experiences.

01/10/12

Acute care toolkit 4: Delivering a 12-hour, 7-day consultant presence on the acute medical unit

Acute medical illness is a 7-day problem, with patients just as likely to develop an acute illness requiring an emergency admission on a Saturday or Sunday as on a weekday.

03/09/15

Acute care toolkit 3: Acute care for older people living with frailty

All staff working in acute medical units (AMUs) will be familiar with the increasing number of older people living with frailty who require access to acute care. The AMU provides a key role in identifying frailty, along with urgent and important issues that need addressing.

10/03/16

SINAP - Stroke Audit Regional Results

The SINAP regional audit findings are based on stroke records submitted for patients admitted to hospitals across England. They present the results from seven public quarterly reports, and detail the performance of individual hospitals against the 12 key indicators for stroke.

10/03/16

SINAP - Data Transparency

The Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP) was a national clinical audit which collected information from hospitals in England about the first 72 hours of acute stroke care.

10/03/16

SINAP - Stroke Audit National Results

The final results for the Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP) are for patients admitted between October to December 2012. The report presents audit findings based on 10,069 stroke records and include key indicators of care provided. Individual hospital results, compared with national level results, are also available and include details of non-participating hospitals.

10/03/16

National Sentinel Stroke Audit 2006

The 5th round of the National Sentinel Audit of Stroke on the organisation of care was conducted in April 2006 having taken place on a two-year cycle since 1998.

10/03/16

National Sentinel Stroke Audit 2008

In 2008 the NSSA carried out an audit of 224 hospitals in Britain to find out whether hospitals had followed the Guideline. The information from each hospital was collected by the hospital staff themselves, then compared to previous audits to see whether stroke service organisation had improved or not over the different rounds of the audit.

28/10/15

Teams without Walls - The value of medical innovation and leadership

The intention of this document is to inform professions, policy makers and commissioners about the options available for moving care ‘closer to home’ and  to develop the concept of ‘Teams without Walls’.

10/03/16

National Sentinel Stroke Audit 2010

With the 7th biannual report the NSSA aimed to demonstrate that national audit can help improve the quality of stroke care in community hospitals by involving trusts across the country in large-scale audit that enables them to compare their results to the national data (Irwin et al 2005).

10/06/21

Smoking and health (1962)

A report of the Royal College of Physicians on smoking in relation to cancer of the lung and other diseases.

06/01/16

Fifty years since smoking and health

This report includes 15 papers presented by leading experts to commemorate 50 years since the publication of the RCP Smoking and health report.

29/10/15

Action on obesity: Comprehensive care for all

Obesity is an increasing and costly public health problem which is not being addressed by current services or policy. This report confronts the issues, and sets out how the NHS should adapt to meet the demands of an increasingly obese nation.

26/10/15

Exercise for life

RCP working party report on the use of exercise in the treatment and management of disease.

10/03/16

Commissioning stroke services

The Royal College of Physicians has a number of resources to enable commissioners to make informed decisions about commissioning stroke services. In addition to this, the RCP runs a number of audit programmes in related services which will aim to inform commissioners about the services being provided by providers at the local level.

07/04/17

Improving Quality in Physiological Services

The Improving Quality in Physiological Services programme (IQIPS) is a professionally-led accreditation programme encompassing a quality improvement pathway, followed by accreditation. IQIPS is formed on a set of standards developed by professional groups. Accreditation is awarded by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

10/06/19

Ward rounds in medicine: principles for best practice

This guidance, jointly produced by the RCP and the Royal College of Nursing, sets out core recommendations and principles for best practice for conducting medical ward rounds.

12/02/16

National standard paper based in-patient prescription chart

The RCP has adopted a slightly modified form of the successful all-Wales e-prescribing chart, attached below, and we urge you to consider introducing it into your trust as part of the journey to e-prescribing.

22/09/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Adult report 2015

This is the fourth report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit; all analyses within this report include only those patients who were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (the start of data collection) and 28 February 2015. The purpose of this audit is to measure the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of the biological therapies infliximab and adalimumab, also known as anti-TNFα drugs, in patients with IBD in the UK. The audit also aims to capture patients’ views on their quality of life at intervals during their treatment.

22/09/16

National clinical audit report of biological therapies - Paediatric report 2015

This is the fourth report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit; all analyses within this report include only those patients who were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (the start of data collection) and 28 February 2015. The purpose of this audit is to measure the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of the biological therapies infliximab and adalimumab, also known as anti-TNFα drugs, in patients with IBD in the UK. The audit also aims to capture patients’ views on their quality of life at intervals during their treatment.

22/03/16

M-PACT year 1 report: Developing sustainable capacity to tackle MDG-6 in West Africa

M-PACT (Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6 Partnership for African Clinical Training) is a 3-year project, sponsored by the Ecobank Foundation, and run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in partnership with the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

01/09/15

Acute care toolkit 12: Acute kidney injury and intravenous fluid therapy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition that involves sudden, catastrophic loss of kidney function. It is estimated that AKI is associated with one in five emergency hospital admissions and causes up to 1.7 million deaths globally per year. If AKI is not treated promptly, patients have an increased risk of death, owing to changes in their serum biochemistry that affect other organs.

01/10/15

Acute care toolkit 13: Acute care for adolescents and young adults

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 16–24 account for 36% of emergency department attendances and 20% of those that receive inpatient care.

27/10/15

2013–14 census (UK consultants and higher specialty trainees)

This report summarises the findings of the 2013–14 census for the UK and assesses the implications for the medical profession and the NHS.

03/03/17

Rising to the challenge: Improving acute care, meeting patients’ needs in Wales

The Rising to the challenge: Improving acute care, meeting patients’ needs in Wales report interprets the Future Hospital Commission model for a Welsh context and proposes clear, positive and constructive solutions.

22/02/19

Alcohol dependence and withdrawal in the acute hospital

Alcohol dependence is common among patients attending acute hospitals but doctors in these settings are often inexperienced at assessing dependence or managing withdrawal and care can therefore be suboptimal.

07/08/18

Complex regional pain syndrome in adults (2nd edition)

These guidelines concern the diagnosis and management of patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). They are designed for professionals working in the different health specialties who care for these patients.

29/03/19

Emergency oxygen use in adult patients

There is considerable controversy about the benefits and risks of oxygen treatment in many situations, and healthcare professionals receive conflicting advice about safe oxygen use. Most clinicians who deal with medical emergencies will encounter adverse incidents and occasional deaths due to underuse and overuse of oxygen.

22/02/19

Diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) – also known as temporal arteritis with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) – is the most common form of vasculitis and among the most common reasons for long-term steroid prescription. It is a critical ischaemic disease and should be treated as a medical emergency. Visual loss occurs in up to a fifth of patients, but this may be preventable by prompt recognition and treatment.

18/10/22

Diagnosis and management of polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases of the elderly. Its management is currently subject to wide variations in clinical practice, with management crossing the boundaries between primary and secondary care.

22/02/19

Diagnosis and initial management of transient ischaemic attack

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is the sudden onset of focal neurological dysfunction of presumed vascular origin that, by definition, resolves within 24 hours, and usually much sooner. Recently, its importance as a predictor of completed stroke in the following hours or days has been recognised, but many healthcare professionals are unaware of this and of the importance of taking immediate action.

22/02/19

Primary antibody deficiencies

The primary antibody deficiency syndromes are a rare group of immunodeficiencies that cause a wide range of complications and increase the risk of life-threatening disease. Diagnostic delay remains common due to limited awareness of the existence and heterogeneity of their presenting features.

22/02/19

Testing for HIV

HIV is now a treatable medical condition and the majority of those living with the virus remain fit and well on treatment. Despite this, a significant number of people in the UK are unaware of their HIV infection, remaining at risk of passing on their virus unwittingly to others, and of failing to benefit from treatment themselves.

22/02/19

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in adults

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. It can be generalised or systemic and is characterised by rapidly developing problems that affect the airway, breathing and/or circulation and are usually associated with skin and mucosal changes.

22/02/19

Advance care planning

The aim of this guideline is to inform health and social care professionals on how best to manage advance care planning (ACP) in clinical practice.

22/02/19

Non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This guideline focuses on the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute type 2 respiratory failure. This guidance was prepared on behalf of the multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group convened by the Clinical Standards Department of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the British Thoracic Society (BTS) in association with the Intensive Care Society (ICS).

22/02/19

Long-term neurological conditions

Long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs) comprise a diverse set of conditions resulting from injury or disease of the nervous system that will affect an individual for life. People in the UK living with a LTNC make up 19% of hospital admissions.

22/02/19

Chronic spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-long condition affecting over 40,000 people in the UK. While the life expectancy for people with SCI is less than for the general population, it continues to increase and people with SCI are increasingly suffering from age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, infection and malignancies, and general physicians are likely to find themselves caring for people with SCI in acute hospital settings.

22/02/19

Pharmacological management of hypertension

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease that affects a large proportion of the population.

22/02/19

Pain: Assessment of pain in older people

Pain is so universal that its recognition should be an essential skill of all those working with older people. It places a blight on daily life, limiting functional ability and impairing the quality of life. The symptom manifests itself in many ways, not only as a sensory experience but also by causing psychological distress.

22/02/19

Prevention, diagnosis, referral and management of melanoma of the skin

Melanoma of the skin is an increasingly common tumour which usually occurs in white-skinned people, particularly those with pale, sun-sensitive skin and many moles. A fifth of cases occur in young adults, so the cancer has a large impact in terms of years of life lost. The tumour often has a slow early growth rate during which curable lesions may be detected and removed. Physicians therefore have the potential to reduce mortality.

22/02/19

Prevention, diagnosis, referral and management of delirium in older people

Delirium (acute confusional state) is a common condition in the elderly, affecting up to 30% of all older patients admitted to hospital. The hospital environment often precipitates or exacerbates episodes of delirium. Patients who develop delirium have high mortality, institutionalisation and complication rates and have longer lengths of stay than non-delirious patients. Delirium is often not recognised by clinicians and is often poorly managed.

22/02/19

Identification, management and referral of adults with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often thought to be a relatively rare condition requiring specialist care. However, early CKD is common and referral of all patients would completely overwhelm existing specialist services.

22/02/19

Antidepressant medication use in adults undergoing recovery and rehabilitation following acquired brain injury

Depression is increasingly recognised as a common sequel to brain injury and the use of antidepressant medication in this context has increased markedly over recent years. However, these drugs are not without side effects – some of them serious – and they should not be used without proper evaluation and monitoring to guide clinicians working with people who have brain injury of any cause (eg stroke, trauma, anoxia or infection).

27/10/15

Oral feeding difficulties and dilemmas

A guide to practical care, particularly towards the end of life.

28/10/15

Nutrition - top ten tips

A series of 'top ten tips' produced by the RCP's Nutrition Committee.

16/11/15

HCAI – top ten tips

A series of 'top ten tips' produced by the RCP's Healthcare Associated Infections working group as a response to the rise in healthcare associated infection (HCAI).

15/04/19

FH paediatric register

The register aims to establish how effective current therapies, offered for FH, are in children with the condition.

20/01/17

National Comparative Blood Transfusion audit

The National Comparative Audit of Blood Transfusion is commissioned and managed by NHS Blood and Transplant. It seeks to engage all NHS and independent hospitals in the UK, occasionally including hospitals in the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand, to audit blood transfusion practice and drive improvements for the benefit of patients.

04/10/17

ECSACoP strategic plan

The East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians' (ECSACoP's) strategic plan for developing well-trained physicians across the region.

01/02/21

Acute care resource: End-of-life care in the acute care setting

30% of acute inpatients are in their last year of life, but it can be difficult to deliver high-quality end-of-life care in acute environments, despite the commitment and willingness of staff to do so. This resource is designed to support acute and general physicians in the care and choices they provide to patients in the acute care setting who are approaching or at the end of their life.

25/04/22

Data from the National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) 2015 - 2017

Transparency data from the National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF).

23/01/17

NLCA annual report 2015

This report summarises the key findings from the 11th annual National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) for patients diagnosed with lung cancer in England, Wales, Guernsey and Scotland in 2014. The purpose of the audit is to review the quality of lung cancer care, to highlight areas for improvement and to reduce variation in practice.

08/06/18

National Lung Cancer Audit pleural mesothelioma report 2016

In collaboration with Mesothelioma UK, the NLCA has produced the second mesothelioma audit report to raise the profile of this asbestos-related cancer and to make recommendations to improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

20/11/15

RCP publications

The following publications are available from the RCP shop. Some are available to purchase as a print copy, while many are also available as free PDF downloads.

19/02/19

Clinical Service Accreditation Alliance (CSAA)

The Clinical Service Accreditation Alliance (CSAA) is a collection of colleges, professional bodies, regulators, commissioners and patients who have come together to standardise and improve the quality of healthcare service accreditation, ensuring accreditation is patient focused, leads to improvements in standards of care and places as small an administrative burden on the healthcare system as possible.

03/12/15

Why young adults and adolescents need better healthcare

This report stresses why young adults and adolescents (YAA) aged between 16 and 25 years need to be considered as a defined population. It aims to highlight the limited recognition of the healthcare needs of YAA beyond paediatrics.

09/05/18

Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution

This report from the RCP and the RCPCH examines the impact of exposure to air pollution across the course of a lifetime.

01/07/19

NICE quality standards

NICE quality standards are a set of specific, concise statements that act as markers of high-quality, cost-effective patient care, covering the treatment and prevention of different diseases and conditions. They aim to show what high quality care looks like for patients and users, the public, health and social care professionals, commissioners and service providers.

10/01/18

LTMD quality improvement

Quality improvement (QI) tools to download, along with links to other organisations and initiatives concerned with QI in healthcare.

17/07/20

Research engagement toolkit

The Research engagement toolkit, produced by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) with support from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), has been created to provide the information to physicians that will help you get engaged in research in lots of different ways.

03/10/16

Using SSNAP data for quality improvement projects and research

Our aim is for SSNAP data to be used as widely as possible to improve the quality of care for people with stroke.

01/02/16

Review of integrated care

Integrated care is a key priority for the NHS and for the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) Future Hospital Programme (FHP), as highlighted in the Future Hospital Commission report. The FHP worked to review current models of integrated diabetes care, exploring how outcomes are improved for patients by better working across care sectors. This led to the publication of the Integrated care – taking specialist medical care beyond the hospital walls report.

10/03/16

2014–15 census (UK consultants and higher specialty trainees)

This is the 2014–15 census and survey of the consultant and higher specialty trainee (HST) physician workforce of the UK. The census of consultant physicians has now been running for over 20 years, and the census of HSTs has been running for 8 years.

25/02/16

Improving quality in IBD services

The Improving quality in IBD services report summarises the content and feedback from the 2015 regional service improvement workshops and shares successes and experiences of IBD teams as they work to develop their services. It has been written for IBD teams involved in the regional workshops and also for quality improvement teams who may be considering conducting a similar process.

13/12/21

Fy ngofal ar ôl torri fy nghlun: 12 cwestiwn i’w holi

Canllaw i gleifion, eu teuluoedd a gofalwyr

14/09/16

ILCOP outputs

Outputs from the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP).

11/03/16

ILCOP medical protocols

In this page, we have gathered resources specific to the management of lung cancer patients. It would be very difficult to gather all the evidence, however there are key examples that highlights a range of good practice aspects around diagnostics pathway, treatment management and patient holistic assessments. You can also find guidelines for the management of solitary pulmonary nodules.

11/03/16

ILCOP patient-related information

Patient-related information from the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP).

11/03/16

ILCOP - understanding the impact of MDT working

As part of ILCOP, you can explore examples of innovations that require a change in lung cancer services and their multidisciplinary teams.

13/01/21

Research for all

The Research for all report draws on the findings of a 2015 UK survey exploring the current barriers to doctors’ engagement in medical research. It takes a broad view of research, recognising that activities such as audit and quality improvement research have as important a role to play in building the best possible healthcare for everyone as clinical trials or genomic sequencing.

11/03/16

ILCOP Improving data collection

The Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP) recognises that high-quality data is a key part of the success of the National Lung Cancer Audit database.

11/03/16

ILCOP Skills for improvement

As part of the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP), the 30 ILCOP teams participated in a series of web conferences on topics closely related to their quality improvement plans.

27/05/16

Future Hospital development site: Central and South Manchester

This collaborative project aims to create a single respiratory integrated care service, thereby enhancing patient experience by reducing fragmentation in care and gaining greater efficiency and value from resources.

27/05/16

Future Hospital development site: North West Paediatric Allergy Network

The teams from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the North West Paediatric Allergy Network are aiming to educate and empower patients, parents and primary care professions in the management of common food allergies following Future Hospital recommendations advocating self-management and shared decision making.

27/05/16

Future Hospital development site: Sandwell and Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

This project aims to increase early diagnosis and detection of respiratory conditions in the community and reduce emergency admissions and readmissions by increasing community expertise and empowering them to manage a larger proportion of respiratory patients, with specialists working alongside generalists.

27/05/16

Future Hospital development site: North West Surrey

Driven to deliver the best possible outcomes for frail, older patients, the teams from North West Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust seek to create a coherent health and care system by establishing a fully integrated, person-centred service based around 'locality hubs'.

11/03/16

ILCOP - Funding and partnership

The ILCOP project is funded by The Health Foundation through its ‘Closing the Gap through clinical communities’ scheme, clinically led by Dr Ian Woolhouse and managed via the RCP's Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit.

15/03/16

Patients and clinicians driving service change in partnership: understanding the big picture

Lynne Quinney, a member of the Patient and Carer Network (PCN) and part of the Future Hospital development site team at Mid Yorkshire Hospital NHS Trust, discusses how and why lay members, patient representatives and healthcare professionals must work together for a successful service.

17/03/16

Building and sharing: insight into patient involvement in delivering the Future Hospital vision

Reflecting on her involvement as a Patient and Carer Network (PCN) member, Carol Caporn discusses the design and delivery of healthcare, strategies to challenge the hospital culture and her hopes for the future of person centred care.

15/03/16

Joining up care for patients: how can we make it easier?

Dr John Dean, medical director (transformation) at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and the clinical lead for the Trust’s Future Hospital development site project, explains why joined up, integrated care is the only way forward for hospitals.

31/03/16

Building a team: improving acute elderly care services at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust by supporting staff engagement

Describing the progress the team at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust have made since their involvement with the Future Hospital Programme as a development site in 2014, Dr Zuzanna Sawicka highlights the importance of staff engagement and wellbeing when implementing a new service.

16/03/16

Patient care: a unified approach

The Patient Care: a unified approach report, jointly prepared by The Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of General Practitioners, demonstrates how GPs and physicians are innovating to improve patient care. This report has been compiled to share learning from successful examples of integration, and to encourage GPs and physicians to reflect on their own practice.

30/03/16

Experience-based co-design: designing the future of hospital services

In conversation with the RCP’s Future Hospital Programme, Catherine Dale, programme manager for patient-centred care at King's Health Partners Comprehensive Cancer Centre, talks candidly about the importance of involving patients in designing sustainable and successful hospital services.

19/04/16

End of Life Care Audit – Dying in Hospital: National report for England 2016

Following the End of Life Care Audit – Dying in Hospital data collection in 2015, a number of reports and outputs have been produced which are now available to download.

04/04/16

Non-communicable diseases training: Developing capacity to manage diabetes, obesity and hypertension in West Africa

The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Training Programme was a great success - setting up two high-quality NCD clinical courses in Nigeria and Ghana, and establishing two NCD teaching visit sites each in both countries.

14/04/16

The SSNAP Collaboration

The SSNAP programme would like to formally thank the many hundreds of individuals and organisations participating in SSNAP, without whose efforts SSNAP would not be possible. On behalf of everyone who has contributed, we thank the clinical leads at each participating site involved in coordinating the data collection, who collectively make up The SSNAP Collaboration and whose names are provided here.

04/05/17

Social media and quality improvement: natural bed fellows

Dr Olwen Williams, clinical lead for the Future Hospital development site project at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board elaborates on her experiences collaborating with an online community of healthcare professionals, how social media can be used in the context of quality improvement and where to start.

16/11/16

Focus on the future: Our action plan for the next Welsh government

Health policy played a central role in the campaigns of all political parties during the National Assembly for Wales election in May 2016. The RCP believes that this debate must be depoliticised, that it is the responsibility of every healthcare professional to lead improvements, and that any future changes to care must be patient centred, evidence based and clinically led.

28/10/19

Nicotine without smoke: Tobacco harm reduction

This report provides an update on the use of harm reduction in tobacco smoking, in relation to all non-tobacco nicotine products but particularly e-cigarettes. It shows that, for all the potential risks involved, harm reduction has huge potential to prevent death and disability from tobacco use, and to hasten our progress to a tobacco-free society.

28/04/16

Smoking and mental health

This joint report by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Psychiatrists draws on substantial evidence to highlight the plight of smokers with mental disorders, and reveals that only a minority of people from this group receive effective smoking cessation interventions by the NHS. This causes major reductions in their life expectancy and quality of life, exacerbates poverty and presents huge economic costs to the NHS and wider society.

08/02/22

Evidence-based indications for the use of PET-CT in the United Kingdom 2022

These guidelines mark the 30th anniversary of clinical positron emission tomography (PET) in the UK.

16/05/16

Debunking myths about patient experience surveys

Patient experience surveys are commonplace in UK hospitals and care settings. Here, Marc Elliott and Rebecca Anhang Price consider seven myths about the relevance and fairness of this practice and question how they really contribute to service improvement and patient satisfaction.

18/05/16

The stories clinicians tell: Achieving high reliability and improving patient safety

The patient safety movement has been deeply affected by the stories patients have shared that have identified numerous opportunities for improvements in safety.

18/05/16

Transparency and courageous leadership: how to improve patient safety

In light of the recently implemented statutory duty of candour, Dr Mohsin Choudry, the RCP’s national medical director’s clinical fellow and Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the RCP’s Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, assess the legal and professional duty of clinicians and how to improve patient safety.

18/05/16

How the personal and professional impact of adverse events on doctors damages safety culture

Multiple factors have been identified to explain the low rates of incident reporting among doctors. These include fear of blame, lack of confidence in change, negative experiences of previous investigations and psychological effects, ie the ‘second victim experience’.

25/05/16

Fixing healthcare from the inside: embracing improvement science

Reflecting on the application of quality improvement, Dr Mark Temple, Future Hospital officer, discusses how two presentations have made him think differently about new approaches to enhancing acute medical services.

02/08/16

LTMAD – Beyond CMT trainee pack

The LTMAD: Beyond CMT – trainee pack is where specialty trainees can find information, examples, templates and forms on how to get quality improvement projects started, and how to keep them going until completion.

04/05/17

Consultation on Revitalising medicine

Prior to publication, we are seeking your views on Revitalising medicine. This report examines the potential reasons for low physician morale in the urgent and emergency setting and offers practical recommendations for improvement.

13/01/21

Health research: the best kept secret in the NHS

Simon Denegri, national director for patients and the public at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and chair for INVOLVE from 2012-2019, has called for all research opportunities to be open and visible within the NHS. Writing in Future Hospital Journal’s special edition on person-centred care, he outlines five simple principles hospitals should be aspiring to fulfil in this arena.

02/08/16

LTMAD – Beyond CMT supervisor pack

The LTMAD: Beyond CMT – supervisor pack is where professionals working with specialty trainees can find information, examples, templates and forms on how to support their trainees in getting quality improvement projects started, and how to keep them going until completion.

20/07/16

Finding the X factor: why do physicians do the job?

National medical director’s clinical fellow Dr Yee Yen Goh and RCP registrar Dr Bod Goddard have conducted a literature review of what physicians value in a job.

19/07/16

Mastering the modern tools and methods of improvement – what do physicians need to know about quality improvement science?

The Mastering the modern tools and methods of improvement – what do physicians need to know about quality improvement science? seminar, hosted by the Royal College of Physicians' Future Hospital Partners Network, explores what physicians need to know about quality improvement science. It includes examples of real-world improvement projects, news from the Future Hospital development sites and lessons on how to make quality improvement successful and sustainable.

03/08/16

M-PACT year 2 report: Developing sustainable capacity to tackle MDG6 in West Africa

M-PACT (Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6 Partnership for African Clinical Training) is a 3-year project, sponsored by the Ecobank Foundation, and run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in partnership with the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

23/02/17

COPD Audit: Moving to continuous data collection and developing QI initiatives

On 27 July 2016 the National COPD Audit Programme hosted an event at the Royal College of Physicians entitled 'Moving to continuous data collection and developing QI initiatives'. Slides and resources from this event have been made available for download.

17/08/16

Your story – Introducing 7-day services to radiology: kick-starting a trust’s ambition

This team from North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust wanted to develop 7-day services across their site. They began with their busy radiology department.

27/04/17

Stroke rehabilitation in adults - NICE guideline

This guideline offers evidence-based advice on the care of adults and young people aged 16 years and older who have had a stroke with continuing impairment, activity limitation or participation restriction.

21/08/17

Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management – NICE guideline (update)

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the care and treatment of adults (aged 18 and over) with type 1 diabetes.

27/04/17

Pneumonia in adults: diagnosis and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing and managing community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia in adults. It aims to improve accurate assessment and diagnosis of pneumonia to help guide antibiotic prescribing and ensure that people receive the right treatment.

27/04/17

Chronic kidney disease: managing anaemia – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing, assessing, managing and monitoring anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease. It aims to improve care for people with chronic kidney disease by specifying how to assess when their anaemia needs treating, and by making detailed recommendations on treatment with erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron. It also covers detecting and managing ESA-resistant anaemia.

06/09/16

Future Hospital Programme: Year 2

The Future Hospital Programme (FHP) continues to implement the recommendations from the Future Hospital Commission.

13/05/19

Acute heart failure - NICE guideline

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing acute heart failure or possible acute heart failure in people aged 18 and over. It aims to improve the immediate care of someone who is acutely unwell as a result of heart failure.

13/05/19

Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing low back pain and sciatica in people aged 16 and over.

21/09/21

Chronic heart failure - NICE guideline

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic heart failure in people aged 18 and over. It aims to improve diagnosis and treatment to increase the length and quality of life for people with heart failure.

20/02/17

Epilepsy - NICE guidelines

The NICE epilepsy clinical guideline covers the diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsy in children, young people, adults and older people. The guideline makes recommendations for treatment and care provided by GPs and by specialists.

27/04/17

Ulcerative colitis: management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the care and treatment of adults, children and young people who have ulcerative colitis (UC). It aims to help professionals to provide consistent high-quality care and it highlights the importance of advice and support for people with ulcerative colitis.

27/04/17

Head injury - NICE guideline

This clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the care of children, young people and adults with head injury.

21/05/20

National Mortality Case Record Review (NMCRR) programme resources

The National Mortality Case Record Review (NMCRR) programme aims to improve understanding and learning about problems and processes in healthcare associated with mortality, and also to share best practice.

27/04/17

Varicose veins: diagnosis and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing and managing varicose veins in people aged 18 and over. It aims to ensure that people understand the options for treating varicose veins and that healthcare professionals know when to refer people for specialist assessment and treatment.

01/12/16

National clinical audit of biological therapies – Annual report 2016

The purpose of National clinical audit of biological therapies – Annual report 2016 is to measure the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of biological therapies in patients with IBD in the UK. The audit also aims to capture patients’ views on their quality of life at intervals during their treatment. This is the fifth report of the biological therapy element of the UK IBD audit; all analyses within this report include only those patients who were newly started on biological therapies between 12 September 2011 (the start of data collection) and 29 February 2016. The data contained within this report have only been taken from completed submissions within the biological therapy audit web tool.

22/11/16

The role of the improvement analyst

Future Hospital improvement analyst Matt Tite regularly leads meetings with project teams seeking to improve their data collection techniques. Here he reflects on how an improvement analyst can support the effective collection and dissemination of data.

27/04/17

Osteoarthritis: care and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers assessing and managing osteoarthritis in adults. It covers both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. It promotes effective treatment options to control joint pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.

27/04/17

Pressure ulcers: prevention and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers risk assessment, prevention and treatment in children, young people and adults at risk of, or who have, a pressure ulcer (also known as a bedsore or pressure sore). It aims to reduce the number of pressure ulcers in people admitted to secondary or tertiary care or receiving NHS care in other settings, such as primary and community care and emergency departments.

27/04/17

Epilepsies: diagnosis and management - NICE guideline

The Epilepsies: diagnosis and management guideline covers diagnosing, treating and managing epilepsy and seizures in children, young people and adults in primary and secondary care. It offers best practice advice on managing epilepsy to improve health outcomes so that people with epilepsy can fully participate in daily life

13/05/19

Hepatitis B - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing chronic hepatitis B in children, young people and adults. It aims to improve care for people with hepatitis B by specifying which tests and treatments to use for people of different ages and with different disease severities.

27/04/17

Delirium: prevention, diagnosis and management - NICE guideline

The Delirium: prevention, diagnosis and management guideline covers diagnosing and treating delirium in people aged 18 and over in hospital and in long-term residential care or a nursing home. It also covers identifying people at risk of developing delirium in these settings and preventing onset.

21/09/21

Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers identifying and treating primary hypertension (high blood pressure) in people aged 18 and over, including people with type 2 diabetes. It aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose hypertension accurately and treat it effectively.

27/04/17

Type 2 diabetes in adults: management - NICE guideline

The guideline covers the care and management of type 2 diabetes in adults (aged 18 and over). It focuses on patient education, dietary advice, managing cardiovascular risk, managing blood glucose levels, and identifying and managing long-term complications.

27/04/17

Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management of harmful drinking and alcohol dependence - NICE guideline

This guideline covers identifying, assessing and managing alcohol-use disorders (harmful drinking and alcohol dependence) in adults and young people aged 10–17 years. It aims to reduce harms (such as liver disease, heart problems, depression and anxiety) from alcohol by improving assessment and setting goals for reducing alcohol consumption.

23/10/20

Bedwetting in under 19s - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and treating bedwetting in people aged under 19. It aims to reduce bedwetting and the distress this causes by explaining what to ask in an assessment, what advice to provide, and which treatments are effective.

16/03/18

Chest pain of recent onset: assessment and diagnosis - NICE guideline

The Chest pain of recent onset: assessment and diagnosis guideline covers assessing chest pain of recent onset in people aged 18 and over, and diagnosis of the conditions that cause it.

27/04/17

Medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence - NICE guideline

This guidance is about enabling patients to make informed choices by involving and supporting them in decisions about prescribed medicines. It explains guidance (advice) from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) to the NHS in England and Wales.

27/04/17

Myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation: acute management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers care and treatment of people aged 18 and over with a type of heart attack known as spontaneous onset of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI). It aims to ensure that adults with STEMI are assessed and treated as soon as possible to minimise the damage to their heart, and to help commissioners and healthcare professionals configure services so that people with STEMI can have the best outcomes.

27/04/17

Sedation in under 19s: using sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures - NICE guideline

Sedation in under 19s: using sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures offers evidence-based advice on the care and treatment of children and young people under the age of 19 having sedation for therapeutic or diagnostic procedures. This guideline was previously called Sedation in children and young people: Sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in children and young people.

21/08/17

Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers advice on the diagnosis and management of tension-type headache, migraine (including migraine with aura and menstrual-related migraine), cluster headache and medication overuse headache in young people (aged 12 years and older) and adults. It aims to improve the recognition and management of headaches, with more targeted treatment to improve the quality of life for people with headaches, and to reduce unnecessary investigations.

21/08/17

Atrial fibrillation: management – NICE guideline (update)

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing and managing atrial fibrillation in adults. It aims to ensure that people receive the best management to help prevent harmful complications, in particular stroke and bleeding.

24/10/16

Podcast: After action review

In conversation with the Future Hospital Partners Network, Clara Kalu, programme lead at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, introduces after action review (AAR); a simple tool that helps teams evaluate how they handled an event.

25/10/16

Podcast: After Action Review (1)

In conversation with the Future Hospital Partners Network, Clara Kalu, programme lead at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, introduces After Action Review (AAR), a quality improvement tool to help clinical teams learn from past events.

16/03/18

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s - NICE guideline

The Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis).

27/04/17

Psoriasis: assessment and management - NICE guideline

The Psoriasis: assessment and management guideline offers evidence-based advice on the assessment and management of psoriasis in adults, young people and children.

21/08/17

Transient loss of consciousness ('blackouts') in over 16s – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers assessment, diagnosis and referral for people over 16 who have had a transient loss of consciousness (TLoC; also called a blackout). It aims to improve care for people with TLoC by specifying the most effective assessments and recommending when to refer to a specialist.

21/08/17

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in over 16s: management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers how upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be effectively managed in adults and young people aged 16 years and older. It aims to identify which diagnostic and therapeutic steps are useful so hospitals can develop a structure in which clinical teams can deliver an optimum service for people who develop this condition.

21/08/17

Stable angina: management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers managing stable angina in adults (aged 18 and over). It outlines the importance of addressing the person’s concerns about stable angina and the roles of medical therapy and revascularisation.

21/08/17

Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the general principles for managing intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in hospital inpatients aged 16 and over with a range of conditions. It aims to help prescribers understand the optimal amount and composition of IV fluids to be administered and the best rate at which to give them, to improve fluid prescribing and outcomes among people in hospital.The guideline does not cover pregnant women, and those with severe liver or renal disease, diabetes or burns.

21/08/17

Crohn's disease: management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the management of Crohn’s disease in children, young people and adults. It aims to reduce people’s symptoms and maintain or improve their quality of life.

21/08/17

Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers assessing the risk of fragility fracture in people aged 18 and over with osteoporosis. It aims to provide guidance on the selection and use of risk assessment tools in the care of adults at risk of fragility fractures in all NHS settings.

21/03/18

Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers assessing and reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE or blood clots) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in people aged 16 and over in hospital. It aims to help healthcare professionals identify people most at risk and describes interventions that can be used to reduce the risk of VTE.

21/08/17

Acute kidney injury: prevention, detection and management - NICE guideline

The Acute kidney injury: prevention, detection and management clinical guideline offers evidence-based advice on the prevention, detection and management of acute kidney injury up to the point of renal replacement therapy.

22/05/17

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing and managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in people aged 18 and over. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose the condition and provide effective symptom management.

28/04/17

Multiple sclerosis in adults: management – NICE guideline

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people aged 18 and over. It aims to improve the quality of life for adults with multiple sclerosis by promoting symptom management, comprehensive reviews and effective relapse treatment.

27/04/17

Unstable angina and NSTEMI: early management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers treatments for people aged 18 and over with unstable angina (recurring chest pain) or a type of heart attack called non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). It aims to ensure that people get treatment quickly. It recommends that as soon as NSTEMI or unstable angina is diagnosed, healthcare professionals assess people for risk of more serious heart problems in the future to guide their treatment.

21/08/17

Chronic kidney disease in adults: assessment and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the care and treatment of people with, or at risk of developing, chronic kidney disease. It aims to prevent or delay the progression of chronic kidney disease, reduce or prevent the development of complications, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

09/11/16

Chief registrar: 2016/17 recruitment case studies

In this series of case studies, a selection of trusts share their experiences of joining the first cohort of the chief registrar scheme.

27/04/17

Patient experience in adult NHS services - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the components of a good patient experience. It aims to make sure that all adults using NHS services have the best possible experience of care.

13/05/19

Rheumatoid arthritis in adults: management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing rheumatoid arthritis. It aims to improve quality of life by ensuring that people with rheumatoid arthritis have the right treatment to slow the progression of their condition and control their symptoms. People should also have rapid access to specialist care if their condition suddenly worsens.

20/07/22

Patient Safety Committee

The RCP's Patient Safety Committee (PSC) meets three times a year and comprises representatives from the RCP as well as from specialist societies and other royal colleges.

14/03/19

Patient safety: External resources

A collection of patient safety resources including national alerts, videos and blog articles.

17/11/16

Physicians on the front line: The medical workforce in Wales in 2016

The RCP's new report, Physicians on the front line: The medical workforce in Wales in 2016, calls for a long-term vision for the Welsh NHS that shows real ambition on service change, a focus on recruiting more Welsh-domiciled medical students to train and work in Wales, and a national medical workforce strategy that will break down the barriers between hospitals and the community.

19/03/18

Myocardial infarction: cardiac rehabilitation and prevention of further cardiovascular disease - NICE guideline

This guideline covers cardiac rehabilitation and preventing further cardiovascular disease in people aged 18 and over who have had a myocardial infarction.

27/04/17

Lower urinary tract symptoms in men - NICE guideline

This guideline covers managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men over 18. It aims to improve the quality of life for men with LUTS by recommending which assessments they should receive, and when conservative management, drug treatment and surgery can help.

27/04/17

Venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolic diseases in adults (aged 18 and over), and the role of thrombophilia testing. It aims to clarify which diagnostic tests should be used, reduce variation in pharmacological therapies, and provide guidance on when thrombophilia testing is useful.

21/08/17

Hip fracture: management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers managing hip fracture in adults. It aims to improve care from the time people aged 18 and over are admitted to hospital through to when they return to the community.

21/09/21

Glaucoma: diagnosis and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers diagnosing and managing glaucoma in people aged 18 and over.

21/08/17

Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections in children, young people and adults in primary and community care settings. It provides a blueprint for the infection prevention and control precautions that should be applied by everyone involved in delivering NHS care and treatment.

27/04/17

Urinary incontinence in neurological disease: assessment and management – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers assessing and managing urinary incontinence in children, young people and adults with neurological disease. It aims to improve care by recommending specific treatments based on what symptoms and neurological conditions people have.

19/03/25

NAIF improvement repository

Collaboration is key to improvement. As such, we have created a platform for services to share improvement stories.

09/12/16

Patient involvement in improvement – future or fantasy?

Francesca Creighton Griffiths is the RCP Patient and Carer Network (PCN) representative working with one of the Future Hospital development site teams leading a respiratory service redesign project across central and south Manchester. Here, she outlines how their multiprofessional group are involving patients in their ambitious, complex work.

29/11/16

Spotlight on the Future Hospital development sites: Data and demonstrations

In this new series of blogs, we put a spotlight on the work of the Future Hospital development sites. Data and analysis are core components of all service improvement projects and here the North West Paediatric Allergy Network and Worthing Hospital teams share their experiences of quality improvement measurement and analysis.

01/12/16

What improvement looks like: An analyst’s perspective

Martin Chadderton, data manager, is a member of the Sandwell and West Birmingham Future Hospital development site team. Here, he outlines what improvement really looks like in a real-world, complex project.

20/03/17

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) audit programme transition 2016–2017

The UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) audit is transitioning and becoming part of the IBD Registry, moving towards an improved system for ongoing data capture and quality improvement in IBD. This new programme of work remains on both the NHS England Quality Accounts list and the National Clinical Audit and Patient Outcomes Programme (NCAPOP).

31/03/17

Background to sustainability and transformation plans (STPs)

Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) were announced as part of the NHS planning guidance in December 2015. STPs are bringing together local leaders in health, local government and patient representation to plan how services will evolve and become sustainable between 2016 and 2021.

08/12/16

2015–16 census (UK consultants and higher specialty trainees)

Focus on Physicians is the 2015–16 census of the consultant physician and higher specialty trainee (HST) workforces in the UK.

21/08/17

Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification – NICE guideline

This National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covers the assessment and care of adults who are at risk of or who have cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart disease and stroke. It aims to help healthcare professionals identify people who are at risk of cardiovascular problems, including people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. It describes the lifestyle changes people can make and how statins can be used to reduce their risk.

09/08/17

Second Conversation Project – proposed training intervention to improve end of life care discussions

The aim of the Second Conversation Project is to pilot an educational intervention, which enables junior doctors to build their skills and confidence in navigating end of life care discussions.

28/09/17

Personal health record (PHR) - user insights

The RCP HIU presents findings of a study to better understand the needs of service users in relation to personal health records (PHRs) and the implications of these findings for providers, health and care professionals and commissioners.

17/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 1: East Lancashire

At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, the Future Hospital development site team are delivering improved, personal and effective care for frail older patients closer to home, where safe and appropriate.

17/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 1: Mid Yorkshire

The Future Hospital development site team at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust are working to improve care for frail elderly patients by implementing an older person’s assessment unit.

17/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 1: Worthing Hospital

The Future Hospital development site team at Worthing Hospital are working to improve care for frail and elderly patients by reducing the number of transfers of care they experience in hospital and beyond.

18/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 2: North-west Surrey

In order to achieve its ambitions of providing the best possible care and outcomes for frail, elderly patients, the Future Hospital team in north-west Surrey are setting up fully integrated locality hubs, starting with the Bedser Hub in Woking Community Hospital.

24/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 2: The North West Paediatric Allergy Network

The North West Paediatric Allergy Network aims to educate and empower patients, parents and primary care professionals in the management of common food allergies.

31/07/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 2: Sandwell and West Birmingham

The project team at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust are working closely with patients, carers and health care professionals to develop integrated respiratory care for long term respiratory conditions.

20/06/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 2: Central and south Manchester

Spanning central and south Manchester, this Future Hospital project team are creating and implementing a new model of ‘joined-up’ care for respiratory patients.

23/01/17

Spotlight on the Future Hospital development sites: Patients at the centre of their care

In this new blog series, we put a spotlight on the work of the Future Hospital development sites. Following a key recommendation from the Future Hospital Commission, this instalment highlights how the teams in Mid Yorkshire and central and south Manchester are putting patients at the heart of their improvement work.

12/03/18

NLCA annual report 2016

The National Lung Cancer Audit report 2016 demonstrates the key findings from the 12th annual audit for lung cancer patients diagnosed in 2015 in England, Wales, Guernsey and Scotland. The purpose of the audit is to review the quality of lung cancer care, to highlight areas for improvement and to reduce variation in practice.

01/03/17

Your stories: 7-day services

These Tell us your story case studies are real-world examples of clinical services in the UK that run 7 days-a-week.

06/09/17

Your stories: integrated care

This collection of 'Tell us your story' case studies are examples of integrated care improvement projects – stories where unifying services has improved care for patients.

21/06/17

Your stories: person-centred care

These Tell us your story case studies demonstrate a key recommendation of the Future Hospital Commission report in action: services should be tailored to meet the needs of individual patients.

07/03/17

Your stories: improving patient safety

This collection of 'Tell us your story' case studies highlight different organisation’s approaches to improving patient safety.

31/01/17

Your stories: developing the workforce

These Tell us your story case studies are examples of how clinical teams are developing their workforce to meet the challenges they face.

27/01/17

IBD national report for the primary care questionnaire responses - round three 2012

During this third round of audit, the inclusion of inpatient experience and primary care questionnaires provided the opportunity to give an even fuller picture of the provision of IBD care throughout the UK.

18/11/16

2016 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

This is the eighth annual survey reporting the experiences of and outcomes for certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders within one year of gaining their CCT in the medical specialties in the UK.

16/02/17

Spotlight on the Future Hospital development sites: The value of good relationships

The development sites teams at East Lancashire and North-west Surrey explain the importance of building good working relationships in sustainable service improvement projects.

21/02/17

NLCA clinical indicators: what are they and how do we choose them?

Ian Woolhouse, senior clinical lead for the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), discusses the use of clinical indicators in the audit.

09/03/17

NLCA 2016 annual report: changes to Cancer Outcomes and Services Dataset data collection in England

In January 2017, the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) will publish its first annual report based on data sourced from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS). Transition to this new methodology has proved to be difficult for some trusts, and anxieties about the accuracy of the data has prompted enquiries to the NLCA project team that are worthy of further explanation and discussion.

28/02/17

Against the odds: experiences from the NHS front line

Against the odds: experiences from the NHS front line collates hospital doctors’ experiences of working in NHS hospitals between December 2016 and January 2017.

02/03/17

Mynd i’r afael â’r her: Gwella gofal acíwt, bodloni anghenion cleifion yng Nghymru

Mae'r adroddiad Mynd i’r afael â’r her: Gwella gofal acíwt, bodloni anghenion cleifion yng Nghymru yn dehongli'r model y Comisiwn Ysbyty Dyfodol ar gyfer cyd-destun Cymreig ac yn cynnig atebion clir, cadarnhaol ac adeiladol.

06/03/17

Second national report on mesothelioma: Liz Darlison from Mesothelioma UK explains its importance

Liz Darlison, director of services at Mesothelioma UK, discusses the importance of the national mesothelioma audit.

26/06/18

NHS reality check 2017: Delivering care under pressure

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP’s) NHS reality check: Delivering care under pressure gives a voice to over 2,100 doctors and NHS teams who are overwhelmed by rising levels of demand in hospitals that operate with no slack.Our 2017 report highlights doctors who describe themselves as ‘continuously firefighting, papering over the cracks and hanging on by their claws’, and explains in stark terms what this means for patient care.

30/04/18

Breaking the fever: Sustainability and climate change in the NHS

Breaking the fever: Sustainability and climate change in the NHS gives an overview of the impact of climate change on healthcare in the UK, and how physicians and the NHS can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

20/03/17

Opportunities to continue improving care for people with IBD

In 2017 the IBD programme will be continuing to support quality improvement through a number of initiatives.

21/03/17

Quality improvement visit: Cheshire and Merseyside

NLCA clinical lead Paul Beckett discusses his quality improvement (QI) visit to the North West.

21/03/17

10 years of IBD audit: Framing the future

On 3 February 2017 the IBD programme celebrated its achievements over 10 years, promoted the importance of continued patient improvement and the transition to the UK IBD Registry. Videos of the talks can be found below.

17/06/20

NAIF 2015 CCG reports

Regional specific reports were created to disseminate results of the 2015 National Audit of Inpatient Falls to commissioners. Each report contains a summary of the audit’s key findings and recommendations and results for the hospitals and trusts in that region.

29/06/17

National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) annual report 2016

The National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) compiles data about the full lung cancer patient pathway from a variety of data sources. Tasha Wood, audit project manager at the NCRAS, outlines how to obtain the patient-level data behind the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) annual report.

04/04/17

Reflections on the national lung cancer organisational audit

With the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) about to embark on the second national organisational audit Dr Bhavani Adizie asks 'what is this audit' and 'why is it so important'?

21/12/17

Brexit: What does it mean for medical research?

Brexit: What does it mean for medical research? is part of a series of briefings produced by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) outlining key statistics on topics surrounding Brexit negotiations and beyond.

17/02/20

Brexit: What does it mean for air quality?

Brexit: What does it mean for air quality? is part of a series of briefings produced by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) outlining key statistics on topics surrounding Brexit negotiations and beyond.

21/02/20

Exception reporting

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) supports the implementation of exception reporting as a standardised way to highlight issues with training and workload. This guide is designed to help minimise problems with the process.

25/01/18

Brexit: What does it mean for doctors?

Brexit: What does it mean for patients and doctors? is part of a series of briefings produced by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) outlining key statistics on topics surrounding Brexit negotiations and beyond.

20/04/17

Feeling the pressure: Patient care in an overstretched NHS in Wales

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Feeling the pressure: Patient care in an overstretched NHS in Wales report documents the results of a snapshot survey on the winter pressures faced by doctors in Wales.

18/05/17

Quality improvement visit: North West Coast

National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) clinical lead Susan Harden writes about her quality improvement visit to the North West.

16/05/17

Video - NMCRR patient safety seminar

The aim of the National Mortality Case Record Review programme is to improve understanding and learning about problems and processes in healthcare associated with mortality, and also to share best practice.

19/05/17

Plans for National Lung Cancer Audit data validation

NLCA senior clinical lead Paul Beckett outlines the audit's plans to implement a local validation process in England to quality assure the registry data before publication of our next report.

25/09/17

Patient involvement in collecting patient experience stories

David Whyte is a patient representative in the East Lancashire Future Hospital development site team. In conjunction with the trust’s patient experience department, he is collecting patient experience stories which are having a profound impact on how the clinical team care for their patients.

23/05/17

Collecting patient experience stories: guidance from East Lancashire

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust's senior patient experience facilitator, Melissa Almond, leads the collection of patient experience stories across the organisation. Insights gathered from these stories are improving care for patients and helping the trust to better involve patients in their care, which is a key principle of the Future Hospital model.

06/06/17

Referring wisely

Referring wisely aims to promote streamlined referral processes within general internal medicine and the medical specialties. In seeking to better define referral patterns, the RCP invited all medical specialties to contribute via their joint specialty committee.

02/06/17

Chief registrars 2016/17: Posters for Medicine 2017

The 2016/17 cohort of chief registrars produced posters for the RCP's Medicine 2017 conference detailing their quality improvement projects and achievements.

15/01/24

RCP chief registrar alumni

Insights, learning and resources from current and former participants in the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Chief Registrar Programme.

06/06/17

Spotlight audit 2017

Neal Navani, clinical lead at the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), explains why we are running our spotlight audit of patients who were diagnosed in 2015 with early-stage disease and good performance status but did not undergo surgery.

26/06/17

Future Hospital: Journey towards integration

A collection of shared resources from the Future Hospital: Journey towards integration event that took place on 23 June 2017, which brought together a diverse group of clinicians, patients and commissioners to explore the barriers and facilitators to developing integrated services for long-term conditions.

17/11/17

2016–17 census (UK consultants and higher specialty trainees)

Focus on physicians is the 2016–17 census of the consultant physician and higher specialty trainee (HST) workforces in the UK.

12/07/17

Research for all: Sharing good practice in research management

Research is a team endeavour and is best cultivated through the strong relationships and positive culture that should exist in every NHS organisation and research institution, but we know that there are significant barriers.

13/07/17

FLSDB particpation

FLSDB held workshops to share learning

24/07/17

Consultant physician wellbeing survey 2017

In April 2017 the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) undertook a short wellbeing survey on behalf of the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

26/07/17

Progress report: the Lung Cancer Clinical Outcomes Publication

Doug West, thoracic surgeon and SCTS audit lead, looks at the Lung Cancer Clinical Outcomes Publication (LCCOP) and how it has developed into a mandatory national audit.

11/01/18

RCPQI: RCP quality improvement education

Information on RCP workstreams looking at quality improvement education.

25/09/18

RCPQI: Healthcare data for quality improvement

Sources of healthcare data that clinicians and their teams can use in quality improvement work.

03/05/23

FLS-DB transparency data

The Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) is a clinically-led, web-based national audit of secondary fracture prevention in England and Wales commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) as part of the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP).

20/07/17

Case ascertainment in the National Lung Cancer Audit

NLCA senior clinical lead Paul Beckett examines why case ascertainment has been such a key feature of our reports in the past, but is now no longer so crucial.

25/09/17

Accessing lung cancer audit data for innovative and important research

Neal Navani, clinical lead, and Natasha Wood, audit project manager, describe the benefits of using National Lung Cancer Audit and Public Health England (PHE) data and how to access the data.

11/08/17

How to make the most out of outpatient clinics as a medical student

This guide provides useful tips designed to help medical students make the most of outpatient clinics and ensure that this important part of the curriculum isn’t wasted.

01/11/17

How to study for professional examinations while working

Studying for professional exams while meeting the demands of a busy clinical job can be challenging. This guide provides useful tips to help you ace your exams without letting your day job suffer.

01/11/17

How to make the most of the ePortfolio

The 'How to make the most of the ePortfolio' guide is designed to help make the most out of the ePortfolio in order to showcase your best work and maximise learning.

14/08/17

FLS-DB audit webtool guidance

The Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) collects data on a secure web tool, hosted by Crown Informatics. This page contains video guides on how to use the web tool.

22/08/17

How to make the best of being on the ward

Our 'How to make the best of being on the ward' guide is a collection of tips on making the most of your time on the ward.

22/08/17

How to prioritise effectively

Once you become a qualified doctor, prioritising tasks can be a challenge. The 'How to prioritise effectively' guide will give you some easy tips to help you make difficult decisions on who or what to prioritise.

01/11/17

How to apply to the Foundation Programme

The 'How to apply to the Foundation Programme' gives useful tips on the key points you will need to consider when applying for the Foundation Programme (FP).

10/01/18

Learning to Make a Difference showcase

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP’s) Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) team held a quality improvement (QI) showcase event on Monday 10 July to highlight the work of the programme.

26/07/18

Blood transfusion - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the assessment for and management of blood transfusions in adults, young people and children over 1 year old.

21/09/21

Care of dying adults in the last days of life - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the clinical care of adults (18 years and over) who are dying during the last 2 to 3 days of life.

21/09/21

Cirrhosis in over 16s: assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing suspected or confirmed cirrhosis in people who are 16 years or older.

21/09/21

Fractures (complex): assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing pelvic fractures, open fractures and severe ankle fractures (known as pilon fractures and intra-articular distal tibia fractures) in pre-hospital settings (including ambulance services), emergency departments and major trauma centres.

21/09/21

Fractures (non-complex): assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing non-complex fractures that can be treated in the emergency department or orthopaedic clinic. It aims to improve practice so that people with fractures receive the care that they need without unnecessary tests and treatments.

21/09/21

Intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital - NICE guideline

This guideline covers general principles for managing intravenous (IV) fluids for children and young people under 16 years, including assessing fluid and electrolyte status and prescribing IV fluid therapy.

21/09/21

Major trauma: assessment and initial management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the rapid identification and early management of major trauma in pre‑hospital and hospital settings, including ambulance services, emergency departments, major trauma centres and trauma units.

21/09/21

Major trauma: services delivery - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the organisation and provision of major trauma services in pre-hospital and hospital settings, including ambulance services, emergency departments, major trauma centres and trauma units.

21/09/21

Motor neurone disease: assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing and managing motor neurone disease (MND).

21/09/21

Multimorbidity - NICE guideline

This guideline covers optimising care for adults with multimorbidity (multiple long-term conditions) by reducing treatment burden (polypharmacy and multiple appointments) and unplanned care.

21/09/21

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers how to identify the adults, young people and children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who have advanced liver fibrosis and are most at risk of further complications.

21/09/21

Obesity: identification, assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers identifying, assessing and managing obesity in children (aged 2 years and over), young people and adults.

21/09/21

Peripheral arterial disease: diagnosis and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in people aged 18 and over and aims to resolve uncertainty and variation around rapid changes in diagnostic methods, endovascular treatments and vascular services associated with new specialties in surgery and interventional radiology has resulted in considerable uncertainty and variation in practice.

21/09/21

Physical health of people in prison - NICE guideline

This guideline covers assessing, diagnosing and managing physical health problems of people in prison.

17/12/19

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: guidance for the oncology multidisciplinary team

This guidance has been produced by a multidisciplinary working party on behalf of the UK Chemotherapy Board which includes specialist representation from medical, dental and nursing teams across the UK.

09/01/20

Thinking of taking an F3 year? Advice on education

Advice from the Student and Foundation Doctor Network about making the most of an F3 year, if you decide to take one.

09/01/20

Thinking of taking an F3 year? Advice on research

Advice from the Student and Foundation Doctor Network about making the most of an F3 year, if you decide to take one.

10/12/19

Thinking of taking an F3 year? Advice on specialty interests

Advice from the Student and Foundation Doctor Network about making the most of an F3 year, if you decide to take one.

08/01/21

Employing chief registrars: fresh eyes and a great opportunity

Dr Carlo Prina reflects on his experience of being a chief registrar mentor over the past two years and outlines some key benefits of having a chief registrar at Homerton University Hospital.

10/12/19

Thinking of taking an F3 year? Advice on leadership.

Advice from the Student and Foundation Doctor Network about making the most of an F3 year, if you decide to take one.

21/09/21

Diverticular disease: diagnosis and management - NICE Guideline

This guideline covers the diagnosis and management of diverticular disease in people aged 18 years and over. It aims to improve diagnosis and care and help people get timely information and advice, including advice about symptoms and when to seek help.

26/03/21

Adult asthma clinical audit report 2018/19

The adult asthma clinical audit report 2018/19 is the first published report following the launch of the adult asthma clinical audit in November 2018.

23/12/19

Beyond measurement: FLS Database Annual report 2020

The FLS Database Annual report 2020 provides the third national benchmark for the performance of FLSs at the patient level and shows that there has been an improvement in most key performance indicators (KPIs) but further work is needed for effective and efficient service delivery.

09/01/20

Spotlight audit on molecular testing in advanced lung cancer 2019 (for diagnoses in 2017)

This audit is the first national study of molecular testing for patients in England with advanced NSCLC. Click below to download the full report, read our executive summary and a blog written by our clinical lead.

09/01/20

Organisational audit report 2019

The third organisational report presents national level findings on the organisation of lung cancer services in England and Wales as of June 2019. Click below to download the full report, read our executive summary and a blog written by our clinical lead.

24/01/20

Mesothelioma organisational audit 2019

This is the first organisational report produced by the National Mesothelioma Audit (NMA) which seeks to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of mesothelioma multidisciplinary team (MDT) services across the UK. A full version of the report is available to download below.

13/01/21

How to embed research in NHS trusts to improve patient care

In November 2019, the RCP brought together clinicians, NHS leaders, patients, NIHR, HEE, funding organisations and medical schools to launch Benefiting from the research effect and discuss how research could be embedded in NHS trusts.

17/10/20

NAIF Annual Report 2020

The first report of the new continuous National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) provides a detailed look into the care and management of patients who sustain a hip fracture as the result of a fall whilst they are in hospital.

30/06/22

Wales primary care clinical audit report 2017/2018

The Wales primary care clinical audit 2017/2018 report is the first report post launch of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme on 1 March 2018 and is the first primary care report that covers the treatment of COPD in adults and asthma in both adults and children. It presents key diagnostic measures including spirometry, chest X-ray, and peak flow (PEF) and also covers the recording of smoking status and exposure to second-hand smoking. Three local health board specific reports depicting results at cluster level, are also available.

26/03/21

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): Adult asthma and COPD organisational audit 2019 report

The adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) organisational audit report 2019 is the first published organisational audit report following the launch of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) in March 2018.The report presents data describing the resourcing and organisation of services relevant to the care of adult patients with asthma and COPD that are admitted to hospital. Data collection for this snapshot audit took place between 1 April and 1 July 2019 in England, Scotland and Wales. The report highlights key findings and recommendations and also includes a selection of case studies from participating hospital teams which showcase good practice.

10/03/20

National asthma and COPD audit programme: Adult asthma and COPD organisational audit 2019

The adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) organisational audit report 2019 is the first published organisational audit report following the launch of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) in March 2018. The report presents data describing the resourcing and organisation of services relevant to the care of adult patients with asthma and COPD that are admitted to hospital. Data collection for this snapshot audit took place between 1 April and 1 July 2019 in England, Scotland and Wales. The report highlights key findings and recommendations and also includes a selection of case studies from participating hospital teams which showcase good practice.

21/04/21

NEWS2: Additional implementation guidance

This document provides clarification on aspects of implementing NEWS2.

28/02/25

FFFAP Strategy: Improving quality in Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) services

The Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) is a national clinical audit run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). It is committed to improving patient outcomes and the efficiency of care that patients with fragility fractures and inpatient falls receive in acute and primary care settings, and to facilitating QI initiatives.

12/05/20

RCP gender pay gap summary 2019

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) gender pay gap report is a snapshot of RCP employee data on 5 April 2019.

22/05/20

Focus on physicians: 2018–19 census UK consultants – Provider level reporting

Focus on Physicians 2018–19 is the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s most recent census on the consultant physician and higher specialty trainee workforce in the UK.

26/08/20

Rebuilding the NHS

Now that the initial COVID-19 peak has passed, the RCP is working with its members and NHS leaders to understand the scale of the challenge ahead in rebuilding services and plan what needs to happen in the coming months.

20/10/20

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): Pulmonary rehabilitation clinical audit interim report

The pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) clinical audit interim report is the first report published post launch of continuous data collection on 1 March 2019. It presents information on over 6,000 patients who were assessed for pulmonary rehabilitation between 1 March – 31 May and discharged by 31 August 2019.Data include national and country level performance for key process measures such as waiting times for PR, initially assessments and walking tests, discharge assessments and completion rates for PR. In addition, data on outcomes measures for improvements in exercise capacity and health status are also presented.

17/10/22

Healthcare champions and Patient Information Resource

The FFFAP Patient Panel along with the NAIF Multidiscplinary advisory group have worked together to produce these patient information resources.

09/08/21

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): COPD clinical audit 2018/19

COPD clinical audit 2018/19 is the third clinical audit report post launch of continuous data collection (on 1 February 2017). It presents data describing the cohort of patients discharged between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2019. It presents key process measures including provision of timely review by a member of the respiratory team, oxygen prescription, provision of non-invasive ventilation, spirometry, recording of smoking status and referral to behavioural change invention and/or being prescribed stop smoking drugs for current smokers. Also, NEWS2 scores and discharge processes.Contributing to the overarching national quality improvement (QI) objectives of the NACAP, it serves to empower stakeholders to use audit data to facilitate improvements in the quality of care.Longer-term outcomes (30- and 90-day readmission and mortality) of this patient cohort will be published in an addendum and uploaded to this page once ready.

16/12/20

Prevention and emergency management of adult patients with adrenal insufficiency

Acute adrenal insufficiency, also termed adrenal crisis, is a life-threatening endocrine emergency brought about by a lack of production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, the major glucocorticoid. Identifying patients at risk and prompt management can save lives.This guidance identifies the causes of adrenal insufficiency, groups at risk of an adrenal crisis, emergency management and management for surgical procedures.

11/08/21

A 2020 vision – An independent report into diversity and inclusion at the Royal College of Physicians

A 2020 Vision – An independent report into Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal College of Physicians has six sections looking at the current make-up of the RCP, how diversity is measured and monitored, how the RCP presents itself and how some perceive it, how the organisation recruits and retains staff and volunteers, and at its ways of working.

30/07/20

Doctors returning to the workforce: guidance for hospitals

Five recommendations for hospitals to make sure they make the most of the doctors who have returned to the GMC registry during the pandemic.

13/08/20

Update on our latest findings - annual report and spotlight audits

By Dr Neal Navani, clinical lead.

13/01/21

Research for all: Developing, delivering and driving better research

The RCP is deeply committed to improving access to clinical research and supporting the integration of research into everyday care. The RCP has produced a strategy to develop, deliver and drive research in the NHS; seeking to address the barriers to equality of access.

27/08/20

Research for all? An analysis of clinical participation in research

This report summarises the findings of a survey carried out in early 2020 examining the research activity of RCP members. It makes recommendations for NHS trusts, NIHR, NHS England and other research organisations on how they can improve access to research for physicians, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women, rural physicians and those from BAME backgrounds.

22/11/22

Mentoring a chief registrar and ending up with a life-long colleague

From mentoring a chief registrar to life-long colleagues, Dr Rachel Tennant reflects on her experience of being a chief registrar mentor over the last three years.

28/01/22

2019 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

This is the eleventh survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, CCT holders within one year of gaining their CCT. It covers physicians who gained their CCT in 2018 in all 30 medical specialties in the UK.

21/10/20

Tinnitus: assessment and management - NICE guideline

This guideline covers the assessment, investigation and management of tinnitus in primary, community and secondary care. It offers advice to healthcare professionals on supporting people presenting with tinnitus and on when to refer for specialist assessment and management.

02/09/20

NHFD annual report 2020

This report focuses on the six NHFD key performance indicators used to monitor and drive up standards across the country. 

29/06/21

The medical workforce BC (Before COVID-19): the 2019 UK consultant census

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to download the census data toolkits.This is the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s most recent census on the consultant physician workforce in the UK. It was conducted between 30 September–31 December 2019.

02/11/20

State of Wales Report 2020

This brief report has been designed to summarise information about falls and fragility fracture care across Wales and help people to understand the care provided in their local area. Featuring interactive maps, the report allows for Welsh healthcare units to view their participation and results in the audits.

14/10/22

Bone health card and FLS letters

These resources aim to improve the patient experience when returning home following a fragility fracture and discussing with primary care.

13/01/21

Research engagement starter kit

One of the biggest barriers to clinical participation in research in the NHS is perceived lack of skills, according to the findings from the recent RCP research survey. Yet three-quarters of respondents also see being involved in research as a way to develop a wider set of skills.

13/01/21

How to develop your career as a researcher

As part of the RCP research strategy, this online resource aims to provide support for you to develop your research skills. This section provides guidance on developing your research career, including setting up and leading research studies, and applying for funding. If you are getting involved in research for the first time you may find it helpful to view our research engagement starter kit.

08/08/22

Health and care improvement and evidence-based research at the RCP

Here are some of the ways that the RCP supports health and care improvement research.

25/11/20

PPE and improving safety

The increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has added challenges for healthcare workers and accessing the right PPE, or having the right equipment and staff, can be difficult.This guidance from Royal College of Physicians (RCP) aims to help individuals working in healthcare to ensure PPE use does not impair patient safety.

23/11/20

East African Development Bank’s Medical Training and Fellowship (METAF) programme final report: Capacity building for the provision of oncology and neurology services in East Africa

With support from the East African Development Bank (EADB), the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been working alongside the British Council for the last 5 years in the development and delivery of the Medical Training and Fellowship (METAF) programme aimed at improving the early detection, research and treatment of cancer and neurological disorders in East Africa.

30/06/22

NACAP Clinical Audit Report Front Cover V0.2 (Landscape) 0

Wales primary care clinical audit report 2020

This report presents results from an analysis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primary care data in Wales from the second round of the Welsh primary care audit component of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP).

30/11/20

Patient and Carer Network Annual Report 2019-20

The Patient and Carer Network (PCN) annual report documents a range of activities undertaken by the PCN from July 2018 to July 2020.

14/10/21

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): Pulmonary rehabilitation clinical and organisational audit 2019 report

The pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) combined clinical and organisational audit report is the second report published post launch of continuous data collection on 1 March 2019.

09/06/21

Modern ward rounds

Ward rounds are the focal point for a hospital’s multidisciplinary teams to undertake assessments and care planning with their patients. Coordination of assessments, plans and communication is essential for effective and efficient care.

07/01/21

Double or quits: a blueprint for expanding medical school places

In 2018 the RCP called for the number of medical school places to be doubled. In this report, we look at how to implement such an expansion. We provide a blueprint for growth covering the model of provision, the costs, challenges and opportunities.

17/09/21

Adult asthma clinical audit report 2019/20

The adult asthma clinical audit report 2019/20 is the second published report following the launch of the adult asthma clinical audit in November 2018.

22/01/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: the impact of the second wave

The eighth survey of RCP fellows and members shows that that despite the positive news about vaccinations, the pressures placed on doctors by the pandemic are taking a significant toll.

22/09/21

Children and young people asthma audit 2019/20

The children and young people asthma (CYP) combined clinical and organisational audit report is the first report published post launch of continuous data collection on 1 June 2019.

10/02/21

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): Adult asthma secondary care case ascertainment

Case ascertainment for the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme’s adult asthma secondary care audit.

09/02/21

Heparin anticoagulation in patients admitted to hospital with COVID‐19

Dr Charlotte Bradbury and RCP academic vice-president Professor Cheng-Hock Toh summarise the recent trials on heparin anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

15/02/21

Conversations for ethically complex care

A framework to support discussion and documentation of decision making for levels of care in clinical practice.

19/02/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: the tail end of the second wave

The ninth survey of RCP fellows and members during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that while morale appears to have slightly improved, physicians who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic are now in urgent need of rest and recuperation.

16/03/21

Recover, rebuild, renew: An update to our action plan for the next Welsh government

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched Recover, rebuild, renew, a follow up report to our 2019 manifesto calls, Breaking down barriers: Our action plan for the next Welsh government.

12/05/21

FLS-DB annual report 2021

This is the fourth annual report for the Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB), providing national benchmarks performance across the care of people with fragility fractures in 2019. Please share your feedback on the report here.

13/12/21

Patient and public involvement and engagement: good practice examples

The way in which healthcare services work with patients, carers and service users can vary. Publicly available examples of good practice for patient and public involvement and engagement are difficult to find. Therefore, the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) Patient and Carer Panel developed a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) resource for healthcare service providers looking to share learning.

16/04/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: the long path to recovery

The tenth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that although life is returning to some semblance of normality for physicians, long backlogs are expected. It also highlights the changing working practices seen during the pandemic, such as widespread use of remote consultations, and what physicians want to change or stay the same long term.

22/06/21

Smoking and health 2021: A coming of age for tobacco control?

Almost 60 years after the RCP’s first report on tobacco, Smoking and health, published in 1962, this new report from the RCP’s Tobacco Advisory Group reviews the UK’s progress in reducing smoking prevalence, and sets out comprehensive recommendations for England’s forthcoming National Tobacco Control Plan.

05/05/21

RCP gender pay gap summary 2020

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) gender pay gap report is an annual snapshot of RCP employee data.

01/06/21

Talking about dying 2021: How to begin honest conversations about what lies ahead

Talking about dying 2021 resources offer advice and support for any doctor on holding conversations with patients soon after the diagnosis of a progressive or terminal condition, including frailty.

15/10/21

National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP): COPD clinical audit 2019/20

NACAP COPD clinical audit report 2019/20 – Data and Methodology is the fourth clinical audit report to be published by NACAP since continuous data collection started on 1st February 2017.

26/07/21

Research for all roadmap

The RCP is deeply committed to improving access to clinical research and supporting the integration of research into everyday care. The RCP has produced a roadmap documenting all key milestones that have been achieved since 2016.

19/10/23

Census data toolkits

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to download the census data toolkits. The three Royal Colleges of Physicians have conducted a census of consultant physicians for many decades. It provides us with rich data that help us understand the make-up and state of the medical workforce.

06/07/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: a desire for flexible working to become the norm

Our eleventh survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows the radical change to working practices that physicians have experienced. It illustrates that many, especially trainees, want more flexibility in their working lives to continue after the pandemic, but workforce shortages present the key barrier to this shift.

29/07/21

How to plan new hospitals to improve patient pathways and staff wellbeing

In June, the RCP submitted a response to the 2021 Wolfson Economics Prize on how new hospitals should be designed and planned. This report is an adapted version of that submission aimed at everyone involved in hospital design.

02/08/21

Caring for hospital patients with COVID-19

Quality of care in England examined by case record review.

25/08/22

Making the connection: Living and working through the pandemic in south west Wales

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP Cymru Wales) has launched its first ever Cyswllt RCP Connect event report following a virtual workshop with clinicians in south-west Wales.

01/09/21

NHFD annual report 2021

This report focuses on the six NHFD key performance indicators used to monitor and drive up standards across the country.

13/10/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: looking for signs of hope

The twelfth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted as more of the population returns to normality and winter is on the horizon. It shows that, despite most having had some time off, doctors’ experience of working in the pandemic continues to take its toll on morale.

21/07/22

Medication safety at hospital discharge: improvement guide and resource

Medication errors are common at the hospital discharge transition [1] but there’s a lot we can do to improve this. The RCP is delighted to announce a new resource focusing on medication safety at hospital discharge that takes teams through the quality improvement process step-by-step.

17/12/21

Life in the time of COVID-19: the 2020 UK consultant census

The most recent census of the consultant physician workforce in the UK shows that the number of doctors needed to meet patient demand continues to significantly outnumber the supply.

12/09/22

National Audit of Inpatient Falls Report Autumn 2021

The third report of the continuous National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) covers 2021 England and Wales facilities audit data and clinical audit data from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Please share your feedback on the Autumn 2021 report with our quick survey here.

22/03/22

NHFD transparency data 2021 annual report

Launched in 2007, the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) is a clinically led web-based audit of hip fracture care and secondary prevention in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It collects data on all patients admitted to hospital with hip fractures and improves their care through auditing which is fed back to hospitals through targeted reporting.

23/09/22

Using sensitive language

The language we use is important. The RCP uses respectful and accurate language when referring to people and medical conditions, avoids terms that create stereotypes/myths and avoids words that are negatively attached to the person rather than the condition.

31/08/22

FLS-DB annual report 2022

This is the fifth annual report for the Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB), providing national benchmark performance for the care of people with fragility fractures in 2020.

22/12/21

COVID-19 and the workforce: growing absences increase the pressure

Our thirteenth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence due to illness is rising, particularly in London. The situation in London is almost comparable to the beginning of the pandemic, but is combined with an exhausted workforce, trying to deliver normal care and the usual winter increase in activity.

16/06/22

NLCA annual report 2022

The National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) annual report provides information on the process of care and outcomes for patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 in Wales and Guernsey and between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 in England.

12/01/22

COVID-19 and the workforce: filling gaps, feeling overwhelmed

Our fourteenth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence is now falling, but it follows a period in which most felt overwhelmed on at least one occasion. The available workforce remains the key factor, with the majority being asked to cover for colleagues at short notice.

17/01/22

Help patients to use medicines safely when leaving hospital

As part of the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) focus on medication safety, we have produced a checklist for patients to help to ensure they have the information they need about their medication at hospital discharge.

18/11/22

2020 and 2021 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

This short report summarises the results of our twelfth and thirteenth surveys on the experiences of and outcomes for certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders within a year of gaining their CCT. Physicians in 30 medical specialties in the UK who gained their CCT during 2019 and 2020 were asked about their current working situation, experience of training and transition to a consultant role.

30/06/22

Reports: adult asthma

Adult asthma clinical audit reports for 2018/19 and 2019/20 are publicly available on the NACAP website.

15/06/22

Reports: COPD

COPD clinical audit reports for 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20 are publicly available on the NACAP website.

30/06/22

Reports: children and young people's asthma

The 2019/20 children and young people’s asthma combined clinical and organisational audit report is publicly available on the NACAP website.

08/02/22

Applying to work with NRAP data

Healthcare professionals, academic bodies and other related parties can apply to use NRAP data for research and analysis purposes. This page and linked guide to requesting NRAP data give information on what NRAP can offer you, how to access our data and the timeframes and fees involved.

24/03/22

Reports: pulmonary rehabilitation

Clinical audit reports are publicly available on the NACAP website.

25/05/22

Personalised prescribing: using pharmacogenomics to improve patient outcomes

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and British Pharmacological Society joint working party considers the opportunities provided by increasing pharmacogenomic testing.

05/05/22

RCP gender pay gap 2021

The gender pay gap shows the difference in representation of men and women employees throughout the pay range of an organisation. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) monitors and publishes its gender pay gap on an annual basis.

08/04/22

Royal College of Physicians publishes Grange University Hospital follow-up review with recommendations

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a follow-up review after its virtual visit to the Grange University Hospital in June 2021, and an initial report published in August 2021.

08/04/22

Royal College of Physicians publishes Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor follow-up review with recommendations

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a follow-up review after its virtual visit to Wrexham Maelor Hospital in May 2021 and an initial report published in July 2021.

22/04/22

A positive career choice: supporting SAS doctors in Wales

RCP Cymru Wales has published findings from a recent virtual workshop of staff, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors in Wales, calling for a fresh approach to recruiting doctors and bringing down hospital waiting lists.

08/06/23

How should your hospital prevent and respond to falls during your stay?

Did you know that over 2,000 people over the age of 60 fell and fractured their hip while staying in hospital in England and Wales in 2020?

13/05/22

Coach the coaches: expert advice

This resource will outline key considerations for your role as an improvement coach.

17/05/22

Advisory appointment committee outcomes and appointments 2021

This tool draws together data we have collected about consultant appointments from advisory appointment committees (AAC) since 2008.

23/05/22

Royal College of Physicians publishes Swansea Bay report with recommendations

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a report after its virtual visit to Swansea Bay University Health Board in November 2021.

16/06/22

Communicating the adverse effects of air pollution on health: progress report

In 2021 the RCP responded to the Inner South London assistant coroner’s report to prevent future deaths following the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Since then we have taken action and report here on progress.

22/06/22

What should happen if you or someone you know experiences a fragility fracture?

Did you know that at least 90,000 patients in England and Wales who should have anti-osteoporosis therapy are not receiving it?

13/06/21

Wales primary care clinical audit report 2021

This report presents results from an analysis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primary care data in Wales from the third round of the Welsh primary care audit component of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP). Data were supplied by 314 (80.7%) general practices in Wales in October 2021 to capture a activity up to 31 July 2021.

18/07/22

The NHS ‘Road to Recovery’: Ethical guidance for endemic COVID-19

The Committee on Ethical Issues in Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has developed guidance for NHS staff negotiating the NHS ‘Road to Recovery’ as COVID-19 moves towards becoming an endemic disease.

15/07/22

Mind the gap: The cost-of-living crisis and the rise in inequalities in Wales

The Welsh NHS Confederation Health and Wellbeing Alliance, in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), is calling on the Welsh government to produce a cross-government plan to reduce poverty and tackle inequalities.

03/08/22

Learning from invited reviews 2014-2021

The RCP Invited Reviews service has gained a wealth of experience dealing with demanding situations involving individuals, teams, departments and services. We have recently published our learning from invited reviews report. It brings together our experiences across multiple specialities, identifying common themes and crystallising some of our generic findings, which we hope will prove useful to all in clinical leadership roles. (Link to download report below)

11/08/22

NAIF archive

The NAIF archive contains pages from projects that are no longer active.

04/01/24

FLS-DB resource repository

A repository of all resources produced by the Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) for healthcare professionals, patients and carers.

07/01/15

FLS-DB archive

The FLS-DB archive contains pages from projects that are no longer active.

15/09/22

NHFD archive

The NHFD archive contains pages from projects that are no longer active.

25/08/22

NHFD annual report 2022

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) annual report 2022 is designed to help local hip fracture teams make the most of the NHFD website’s resources, with governance tools providing links to key information, graphs and tabulated data.

03/05/23

FLS-DB annual report 2023

The sixth annual report for the Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB), 'Rebuilding FLSs to meet local patient need', provides national benchmark performance for the care of people with fragility fractures in 2021.

03/01/23

NAIF annual report 2022

The fourth report of the continuous National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) covers 2022 England and Wales facilities audit data and clinical audit data from 1 January to 31 December 2021. You can now watch the NAIF 2022 annual report webinar on YouTube held 8 December 2022.

19/10/22

Easing my medication concerns: My journey to being actively involved in the safe use of medication for my osteoporosis

Karen Whitehead is a member of the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) Patient and Carer Panel. The panel is essential to ensuring that patients and carers’ perspectives are incorporated into everything FFFAP does – from data collection through to how information is communicated about patient care and what patients should expect.

17/10/22

How to break bones and alienate people

Alison Smith, shares her story of how being diagnosed with osteoporosis led to her being involved in a national clinical audit to prevent secondary fractures (Fracture Liaison Service Database).

03/05/23

National Data Opt-out: FLS-DB

The FLS-DB was not granted exemption from the national data opt-out.

26/10/22

Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), led by the RCP, have developed a clinical researcher credentials framework to help healthcare professionals develop the skills necessary to undertake clinical research. Kings College London, the University of Exeter and the University of Sheffield have now been selected to develop Master of Research and Master of Science extension pathways aligned with this framework.

08/11/22

Ethical issues in prenatal genetic diagnosis

Guidance for clinical practice from the Joint Committee on Genomics in Medicine on the ethical issues that can arise in prenatal genetic testing.

08/11/22

Genetic testing in childhood

Guidance for clinical practice from the Joint Committee on Genomics in Medicine on genetic testing in childhood.

17/11/22

2022 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

This is the 14th survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, physicians within a year of gaining their CCT (certificate of completion of training). It covers physicians who gained their CCT in 2021 in all 30 medical specialties in the UK.

28/02/23

Drawing Breath - clinical audit report 2021/22

Drawing Breath is the first ‘state of the nation’ report to combine data on asthma, COPD and pulmonary rehabilitation across primary and secondary care services to underpin key messages, optimising respiratory care across the pathway. This report includes recommendations for commissioners and providers, clinical teams and people with asthma and COPD, their families and carers.

24/08/23

RCP membership survey on pressures this winter

The RCP surveyed its members across the UK from 7 – 14 December 2022 to understand how they were being affected by staff shortages and growing waiting lists this winter where spikes in COVID-19 and flu are expected.

24/01/23

Cancer care at the front door: the future of acute oncology in Wales

RCP Cymru Wales has launched a major new report calling for investment in emergency cancer care at the front door.

03/05/22

State of the nation Wales report 2022

This brief report has been designed to summarise information about falls and fragility fracture care across Wales and examines how inpatient care has changed since 2020, showing what the three audits reveal about the quality of patient care, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

13/06/23

Clinical outcomes summary report - 2018/20

The clinical outcomes summary report is the first combined outcomes report produced by NACAP. It presents information on the 30- and 90-day outcomes of 107,761 adults and 6,716 children and young people who were admitted to hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales for asthma or COPD and whose data were submitted to the NACAP adult asthma; children and young people asthma; or COPD secondary care audits between 2018 and 2020.

29/03/23

Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published the findings of a project to understand how it can support its members to address health inequalities in their practice. The work was led by the RCP’s clinical fellow for health inequality, Dr Ash Birtles, and included a quantitative survey of RCP members as well as qualitative interviews with clinicians.

19/05/23

Looking after your wellbeing after a fall

Falling in hospital can cause stress and anxiety and make you lose your confidence. This resource focuses on the thoughts and feelings you may experience after you have a fall in hospital. Asking questions and understanding the changes you may need to make can help to support your mental wellbeing. The following information will provide you with the tools to access further help.

31/05/23

National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023)

The 2023 edition of the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke for the UK and Ireland is now available. The guideline is endorsed for use in clinical practice by the RCP, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

03/10/23

The UK 2022 census of consultant physicians

Every year the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) conducts a census on behalf of the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) to provide insight into the state of the physician workforce in the UK.

04/07/23

Joining FFFAP's Patient and Carer Panel

The Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) is currently recruiting members for its Patient and Carer Panel (PCP).

09/10/23

NHFD annual report 2023

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) 2023 annual report is designed to help local hip fracture teams make the most of the NHFD website’s resources, recommending five quality improvement projects focused on a set of key performance indicators.

07/09/23

Building your confidence after a fall in hospital

With over 1,300 people experiencing a fall related femoral fracture while in hospital across England and Wales in 2021, the National Audit of Inpatient Falls has put together a resource that can help patients, their carers and named contacts in understanding potential next steps and how to access further help.

20/11/23

RCP survey on digital health

Please note that this survey is now closed. The Royal College of Physicians published its digital health strategy in November 2022. It sets out how the RCP will focus efforts on digital health, on behalf of members and fellows. We aligned this work to the three RCP strategic priorities: educating, improving and influencing.

19/10/23

Giving everyone a voice

RCP Cymru Wales has published a new discussion paper and toolkit for clinical engagement that calls for a clear strategic vision for the NHS Wales Executive and stronger relationships with the third sector.

05/12/23

NAIF annual report 2023

Inpatient falls and fractures – one chance to get it right

03/01/24

2023 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

This is the 15th survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, CCT holders within one year of gaining their CCT. It covers physicians who gained their CCT in 2022.

01/04/22

Acute care toolkit 16: Acute medical care for people with a learning disability

People with a learning disability experience worse patient safety outcomes and quality of care in hospital. Clinical challenges include delayed presentation, communication, behaviours of distress and diagnostic overshadowing. The RCP's acute care toolkit for people with a learning disability is aimed at all staff who work in acute medical units. It provides important and straightforward advice when treating patients with a learning disability who present as acutely unwell.

13/09/23

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome

These guidelines aim to support clinicians in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

12/04/18

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Pulmonary rehabilitation: An exercise in improvement – combined clinical and organisational audit 2017

Pulmonary rehabilitation: An exercise in improvement presents the findings from the snapshot pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) organisational audit (conducted between 3 January and 28 April 2017) and clinical audit (conducted between 3 January and 31 March 2017) across England and Wales.

25/06/24

Educational and career support for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors: guidance for doctors and employers

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published new educational and career guidance for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors.

13/07/22

Vertebral Fracture Sprint Audit

The Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) ran a vertebral fracture sprint audit (VFSA) in 2021 to further investigate vertebral fracture identification.

15/11/18

NHFD annual report 2018

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) annual report 2018 shows dramatic results of an innovative programme of screening for delirium which has been the focus of attention and investment through NHS England’s best practice tariff.

03/04/19

HipQIP: scaling up project

The hip fracture quality improvement programme (HipQIP) scaling up project is a multi-centre quality improvement collaborative funded by the Health Foundation and led by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. It is focused on improving care and outcomes for people presenting to hospital with a fragility hip fracture.

19/10/19

State of the nation - England report

Although the NHS is no longer organised around regional health authorities, clinical networks, deaneries and training rotation are still regionally based. As a result, local teams and hospitals commonly wish to benchmark the care they provide against that in neighbouring units, enabling them to learn from their colleagues’ experience.

13/12/19

NHFD annual report 2019

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) annual report 2019 demonstrates that mortality has continued to improve with 564 fewer patients dying in 2018 than 2017. However, increased numbers of hip fractures in winter months contribute to increased mortality at a time of increased pressure on trauma services.

11/07/24

Focus On Physicians The UK 2023 Census Of Consultant Physicians

Snapshot of UK consultant physicians 2023

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK have published findings from their 2023 UK consultant physician survey, providing key data on the physician workforce and an insight into their working lives.

09/08/24

Educational and career support for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs): guidance for doctors and employers

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published new educational and career guidance for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs).

01/03/19

Assisted dying survey 2019

The RCP is polling its fellows and members on whether or not there should be a change in the law to permit assisted dying. An email was sent to all UK members on 5 February 2019.

10/10/24

NAIF annual report 2024

Don't stop moving: optimising safety while staying active in hospital is the sixth annual report of the continuous National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) covers England and Wales clinical audit data from 1 January to 31 December 2023.

16/12/24

Bridging the gap: a guide to making health inequalities a strategic priority for NHS leaders

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a guidance document for physicians focused on building understanding of health inequalities and the actions they can take to make this is a bigger priority in their workplace.

16/04/25

Prescription for outpatients: reimagining planned specialist care

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Patients Association sets out a vision to reform planned specialist care over the next 10 years.

02/07/25

‘Time to focus on the blue dots’: an RCP workshop discussion on the NHS shift from hospital to community

In April 2025, the RCP hosted a workshop that explored how the NHS can respond to the government’s promised ‘hospital to community’ shift in care – the so-called ‘left shift’. With over 40 participants, including clinicians, patient representatives, national charities, royal colleges and policymakers, the event has resulted in a new toolkit – Time to focus on the blue dots – which calls for a fundamental shift in how the NHS delivers care.

05/11/24

Stronger inside and out: mental wellbeing and broken bones from osteoporosis

This leaflet highlights the often-overlooked impact of osteoporosis on mental wellbeing. Developed by the Fracture Liaison Service Database, it offers support for those who may feel anxious, isolated, or uncertain following a diagnosis. The leaflet provides practical advice, reassurance, and signposts to trusted mental health services and organisations. It aims to help patients understand they are not alone, and that looking after emotional wellbeing is just as important as managing bone health.

30/07/25

Empowering physicians: Effective job planning for better patient care

New guidance from the RCP advocates for a more balanced flexible and realistic approach to job planning that will protect patient safety and improve workforce retention.

23/03/23

Behind the paper: How to improve medication safety at hospital discharge

Jen Flatman, medicines safety and governance pharmacist and former RCP medicines safety clinical fellow, discusses the development of a resource to support people to continue to use their medicines safely once they leave hospital.

24/03/23

Helena Clements: Sustainable healthcare and climate action

Helena Clements, sustainability lead for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, talks about her interest in sustainable healthcare.

28/03/23

Dr Annie Hunningher: NatSSIPs2

Dr Annie Hunningher introduces NatSSIPs, the changes in NatSSIPs2 and how it is applicable to medical procedures. Annie works clinically as a Consultant Anaesthetist at the Royal London and specialises in ENT, thrombectomy and emergencies.

10/04/23

So, what is Quality Improvement, anyway?

This series of videos is created by the team at Qipstart and kindly shared with Medical Care - driving change. The series of videos where showcased over 4 weeks and help guide you through starting a QI project, from analysing the problem to planning your initiative and measuring your outcomes.

12/04/23

Behind the paper: Development of a clinical respiratory QI faculty in an acute hospital using QI methodology

Behind the paper invites clinicians to explore their published work. This video discusses the current paper that was published by the Future Healthcare Journal and written by Lucy Boast, Judith Hampson, Emma Toplis, Fatima Al-Arrayed, Daniel Williams, Christopher Fewings, Lindsay Snell and Aklak Choudhury.

03/05/23

Palliative Care: Enhancing Conversations and Enhancing Care

This is the first of two webinars on improving the patient journey with proactive conversations and proactive palliative care.

09/05/23

From self efficacy to service improvement

Service leaders Dr Debajit Sen and Sophia Mavrommatis discuss putting co-production into practice.

11/05/23

Webinar: Training in health coaching

Dr Penny Newman and Dr Aicha Bouraoui discuss the journey of pioneering health coaching and the different models of health coaching training.

11/05/23

Behind the paper: Health changing conversations: clinicians’ experience of health coaching in the East of England

Dr Penny Newman is an NHS England NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow (NIA) and former community Trust Medical Director, Director of Public Health and GP. Penny talks with our Editor-in-chief Dan Smith about Future Healthcare Journal paper Health changing conversations: clinicians’ experience of health coaching in the East of England.

11/05/23

Webinar: Embedding health coaching within a system

Service leaders Dr Debajit Sen and Sophia Mavrommatis discuss embedding health coaching within a system.

16/05/23

A patient voice: health coaching

Experts Lynne Quinney, Aisha Shah and Ruth Harvey share their improvement journey and driving change as part of a clinical team. They explore why and how we should work partnership with patients.

07/07/23

Webinar: Patients and PSRIF: changing culture

Our speakers in this session are Dr Tracey Herlihey, head of patient safety incident response policy at NHS England and Dr Henrietta Hughes OBE, patient safety commissioner.

07/07/23

How can data impact patient care in a digital landscape?

In a world where patient data is everything, join Dr Anne Kinderlerer and Professor Ceire Costelloe to learn navigating how patient data impacts care.

12/07/23

Digital systems in the NHS

Harold Thimbleby and Anne Kinderlerer discuss risk in IT in healthcare, the ‘right’ digital systems and IT expertise in the NHS.

11/08/24

Webinar series: Hospital at home

Experts reflect on their experience of using virtual wards (also known as hospital at home), which allow patients to get the care they need at home safely and conveniently, rather than being in hospital.

22/08/24

Medication safety shorts

Financial support for this series was provided as an Independent Medical Education Grant from Pfizer Limited.

12/09/23

Webinar: Hospital at home or virtual wards

Professor Dan Lasserson, Charlotte Lynch and Dr Geraint Lewis discuss the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of virtual ward and hospital at home models.

19/09/23

Technology-enabled nurse delivered outpatient pathway for people living with HIV

Dr Sarah Day, Caroline Rae and Prof Marta Boffito from Chelsea and Westminster Hopsital NHS Foundation Trust discuss Klick. Klick is an app that allows people to manage routine appointments, receive notifications about blood results and view your routine blood test results.

20/09/23

The Inbetweeners: An NCEPOD report

A review of the barriers and facilitators in the process of the transition of children and young people with complex chronic health conditions into adult health services.

26/09/23

Health inequality: Transition from child to adult services

Dr Aicha Bouraoui, Dr Terry Segal and Debbie Wilson discuss the transition of young people to adult care.

27/09/23

Webinar: Health equity: from theory to implementation

Dr Ruw Abeyratne, Dr Guddi Singh and Dr Partha Kar on how health inequality affects patients with long term conditions.

29/09/23

PCI money talk toolkit: addressing social determinants of health

Gosia Chmielewska, a senior social prescriber link worker and PCI ambassador, talks about the Personalised Care Institute's money talk toolkit. The tookit was created to equip health and care professionals to use personalised care approaches to identify, understand, support, and refer people with money-related health issues.

11/10/23

Better digital health data: the foundation to transform outpatient consultations

Professor William Dixon discusses his commentary article Better digital health data should be the foundation to transform outpatient consultations for people living with long-term conditions, co-authored with Julie Gandrup, Karen Staniland and Charlotte A Sharp.

18/10/23

Improvement programme for tobacco dependency treatment

Dr Robyn Fletcher, Public health registrar, discusses BTS Quality improvement programme in Acute trusts.

14/11/23

Universal Care Plan

The Universal Care Plan is an NHS service that enables every Londoner to have their care and support wishes digitally shared with healthcare professionals across the capital. A care plan is created following a conversation between a healthcare professional (such as a doctor or nurse) and the person in their care.

05/12/23

A conversation on high quality, low carbon respiratory care

Professor Michael Crooks and Dr Alex Wilkinson discuss healthcare's carbon footprint and developments in reducing the environmental impact of respiratory care. As the climate crisis accelerates, our experts discuss healthcare's carbon footprint and developments in reducing the environmental impact of respiratory care.

05/12/23

An introduction to NHS IMPACT

David Fillingham and Andrew Rochford discuss NHS IMPACT (Improving Patient Care Together) - the new, single, shared NHS improvement approach.

07/12/23

Webinar Navigating Patient Safety With NCEPOD And The RCP

Webinar series: Hospital at home

Marisa Mason, Alison Tavare and Andrew Rochford explore how NCEPOD's work has led to patient safety initiatives including national early warning scores and the management of sepsis.

08/02/24

Digital firsts: Transforming orthopaedic trauma care

Dr Murali Bhat discusses his experience of running services after training in Lean Management, including the success of his virtual fracture clinic.

08/02/24

Prof Chris Whitty: Generalism and the future of the NHS

Professor Chris Whitty at the RCP's Med+2023 conference on the importance of generalist skills in a specialist culture.

27/02/24

Navigating patient safety: Learning disability and sepsis

This webinar is part of our navigating patient safety series. It's aimed at doctors in training and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

27/02/24

Navigating patient safety: Incident investigations and human factors

This webinar is part of our navigating patient safety series. It's aimed at doctors in training and other members of the multi-disciplinary team who are maybe less familiar with the science of patient safety, human factors and incident investigations.

14/03/24

Navigating patient safety: Time critical medications

This webinar is part of our navigating patient safety series. It's aimed at doctors in training and other members of the multi-disciplinary team who are maybe less familiar with the science of patient safety, human factors and incident investigations.

14/04/24

Data-led prioritisation – Transforming ambulatory care

Daghni Rajasingam discusses a methodology that enables effective prioritisation of patients on a clinical list.

01/05/24

The economics of palliative care with Dr Peter May

Dr Peter May and Dr Dan Smith gives an overview of palliative care from a health economics lens.

07/05/24

DNACPR And Respect An Interview With Dr Zoã Fritz

DNACPR and ReSPECT: An interview with Dr Zoë Fritz

Dr Rachel Davies and Dr Zoë Fritz on using the ReSPECT process to create personalised recommendations for a person's clinical care.

09/05/24

Improving the interface between primary and secondary care webinar

Annually, over 30,000 patients suffer avoidable harm from medication errors at transitions between primary and secondary care. Information critical to the safety and quality of care is held on both sides of this interface, but not necessarily shared effectively.

04/06/24

Maternal Medicine and Healthcare Inequalities

The Chelsea & Westminster Hospital post graduate medical education fellows will share a scenario describing a patient's journey at Maternity Triage.

10/06/24

Vin Diwakar: The history and future of outpatient care

Dr Vin Diwakar explores the history of outpatient care as part of the first outpatient summit.

10/06/24

Digital firsts: MyRenalCare

MyRenalCare is a digital healthcare solution that uniquely revolutionises all aspects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management.

10/06/24

Anne Kinderlerer: What does good care look like?

Dr Anne Kinderlerer explores what good care looks like from the perspective of patients, clinicians and the system.

10/06/24

Patient perspectives on remote consultations

This summit 3 session explores why patients may or may not wish to have a remote consultation, and who should make the decision about the type of consultation offered.

11/06/24

Delivering care fit for now and the future

An analysis of the first three summit held in Liverpool and reflections on patient centred principles and how good communication leads to good care.

13/06/24

Modern outpatient care: redesigning planned speciality care for people and populations

Our speakers Dr Andrew Rochford, Improvement clinical director, RCP, Dr Theresa Barnes, RCP clinical lead for outpatients and Rachel Power, Chief executive, Patients Association discuss the collaborative work completed so far in re-designing outpatient care.

18/06/24

Improving MSK care with an integrated approach

Rachel Tattersall explores the creation of a co-designed a single front door integrated MSK service.

27/06/24

Palliative Care Webinar Reducing Acute Hospital Admissions

Palliative care webinar: Avoiding and reducing acute hospital admissions

Explore examples of initiatives which are reducing and avoiding acute admissions towards the end of life and in frailty.

01/07/24

Digital firsts: ICST respiratory toolkit

RCP’s digital health clinical lead, Dr Anne Kinderlerer sat down with Dr Katherine Hickman, the National Respiratory Audit Programme’s primary care lead and Prof Chris Davies, CEO of the Institute for Clinical Science and Technology (ICST) to talk about a respiratory digital toolkit which comprises a self-management app for patients, a wraparound toolkit for clinicians and data dashboard for commissioners.

11/07/24

Information prescriptions

Kate Vickers is the healthcare engagement officer at Diabetes UK.

10/06/24

Encouraging patients to remain physically active at all stages of their cancer pathway

Isla Veal discusses her team's work on physical activity and exercise with cancer patients. This work was awarded the Eric Watts Award 2024 runner up prize.

13/09/24

Pharmacogenomics in the NHS: A user's guide

This webinar introduces key concepts in pharmacogenomics and describe the current evidence base.

13/09/24

Navigating Patient Safety: Innovations in learning from patient safety incidents

This webinar highlights patient safety initiatives across the country that promote learning from and/or encourage compassionate engagement with patient safety incidents.

11/10/24

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Dr Lucy Pollock: The book about getting older

Dr Josephina Price discusses The Book About Getting Older: The essential comforting guide to ageing with wise advice for the highs and lows with author Dr Lucy Pollock.

30/10/24

Call for concern – Martha’s Rule

Dr. Wakana Teranaka is a medical professional who served as a chief registrar at Homerton Hospital in 2023-2024. In this role, she was involved in leading the implementation of the "Call for Concern" project, inspired by Martha's Rule.

04/11/24

AI: The good, the bad and the beautifiable

In this video, we explore a collection of perspectives and insights to accompany the FHJ edition focused on artificial intelligence in healthcare. We begin by examining the patient's perspective on AI in health.

06/11/24

Dr Kathryn Mannix: Author of With the end in mind

Dr Josephina Price discusses, "With the end in mind" with the author Dr Kathryn Mannix. With the End in Mind is a book for us all: the grieving and bereaved, ill and healthy.

07/11/24

Green stories: Green surgery

Mr. John Isherwood reviews barriers to achieving a net zero NHS, focusing on sustainability in surgery. His team analysed regional green plans and found varying adherence to NHS sustainability goals.

07/11/24

Behind the paper - Moving beyond the AI sales pitch

This video dives into the Future Healthcare Journal’s paper "Moving Beyond the AI Sales Pitch. The discussion focuses on how clinical AI should support and not replace clinicians. Focusing on safety, trust, and practical issues around AI implementation in healthcare.

28/11/24

Using AI to summarise research papers

In this video, DrJohn Ford talks through the innovative machine learning techniques used at the Health Equity Evidence Centre to help navigate the growing number of health inequalities research publications.

28/11/24

Sander van der Linden: Author of Foolproof

In this interview, host Dr Josephina Price talks with Sander about the book, his research, and how misinformation can affect healthcare.

28/11/24

FHJ debate: Will AI replace clinical decision making in our lifetimes?

In this webinar in collaboration with the Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ). We hosted a live debate on FHJ’s recent article: Will AI replace clinical decision making in our lifetimes?

09/12/24

Communication in the NHS

In this video, Dr Hugh Rayner, retired consultant nephrologist, talks with Maya Anaokar, member of RCP’s patient and carer network (PCN) and former head of communications and marketing for The Patients Association, about communication with patients in the NHS.

16/01/25

Digital firsts: Digital platforms in health

In this video, Dr Debbie Wake, Dr Katie Malbon and Dr Nivedita Aswani discuss their work with helping patients with self-management of diabetes with the use apps and the digital platforms in health.

14/01/25

Collaborative Care: Managing diabetes in children and young people

In this video, consultant rheumatologist Dr Aicha Bouraoui is joined by dietitian, Salma Mehar to discuss the importance of coproduction, multidisciplinary team working and patient involvement in the management of diabetes in children and young people.

20/01/25

Behind the paper – Stars, stripes and scripts: Innovations and challenges in U.S. pharmacy

In this video, pharmacist and final year medical student, Roshan Tasgaonkar Pharm.D, dives into his recently published Future Healthcare Journal paper, Stars, stripes and scripts: Innovations and challenges in US pharmacy.

26/01/25

Marmot Places: The current climate in terms of social determinants of health

These interviews with Professor Sir Michael Marmot were recorded prior to the 2024 general election; the ‘government’ referred to is the Conservative government. Dr Dan Smith, respiratory consultant and editor-in-chief of Medical Care – driving change, is joined by Dr Katie Malbon and Professor Sir Michael Marmot. They discuss Marmot Places; the current climate in terms of social determinants of health; health inequity across the UK; and the role of national and local government.

07/02/25

Navigating Healthcare: Sara Sabra on Health inequality and patient advocacy

Dr Katie Malbon, consultant paediatrician interviews Sara Sabra, a rheumatology patient.

07/02/25

Health inequalities in the NHS: Prevalence, Effects, and Clinical Interventions

In this video, chair Dr Ruw Abeyratne is joined by Dr Aicha Bouraoui and Dr Katie Malbon to explore health inequalities and raise awareness of health inequalities in the NHS. 

19/02/25

COLO-PREVENT: Advancing Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Dr Frankie Fan introduces his work in colorectal cancer prevention and the COLO-PREVENT trial.

03/03/25

Green stories: Iron deprescribing

The Iron Deprescribing Quality Improvement Project is led by Alex Pearson, a pharmacist in Nottingham, aiming to improve iron supplementation practices.

03/03/25

Green stories: Pre-operative appointments to reduce costs and emissions in hand therapy

Emma Baker, hand therapy team lead at Northampton General Hospital, led a project to improve the process for post-operative plastics patients.

04/03/25

The Patients Association: Action on health inequity

Dr Daniel Smith hosts a discussion on health inequalities with Sarah Tilsed, Head of Partnerships at the Patients Association, highlighting their work to address health disparities.

04/03/25

Dr Kathy Peterson on the Prevention of adult not brought strategy

Dr Daniel Smith hosts a discussion with Dr Kathy Petersen on her work to address health inequalities by improving access for vulnerable adults who miss appointments due to disabilities or complex needs.

17/03/25

The admissions dilemma: enhancing patient flow

This webinar explores key strategies for improving hospital flow, focusing on the principles of early senior decision-making, risk stratification, and their impact on both patient safety and hospital capacity.

22/04/25

All Together Fairer: Addressing health inequity in Cheshire and Merseyside

Cheshire and Merseyside has been a Marmot Place since 2021, committed to reducing health inequalities by addressing the social determinants of health.

22/04/25

Unheard: The medical practice of silencing

When Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan was admitted to hospital as a patient she didn't receive the pain medication that she told them she needed, despite her being a senior doctor. It was in that moment she understood that something was deeply wrong with our healthcare system. Doctors aren't listening, and it is making us ill.

22/04/25

Action on health inequality

Financial support has been provided to the Royal College of Physicians as a grant from Pfizer Ltd.

30/04/25

Tackling corridor care

The RCP, Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), and Healthwatch host a vital discussion on the impact of corridor care and how to address it. Experts shared real-world experiences, discuss the systemic causes of corridor care, and explore practical solutions to improve patient safety and hospital capacity.

01/05/25

Bridging the gap: Tackling health inequalities in the NHS

This webinar explored how healthcare leaders can drive meaningful and lasting change in health inequalities.

12/05/25

Professor Mark Britnell: In search of the perfect health system

Our host, Dr Josie Price, is joined by Professor Mark Britnell to discuss his book, In search of the perfect health system.

14/05/25

Action on health inequality: Access to health services

Financial support has been provided to the Royal College of Physicians as a grant from Pfizer Ltd.

18/05/25

Hospital to community shift

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) issued a report on April 16, 2025, outlining a shift in planned specialist care from a hospital setting to a community-based approach. At the launch workshop for the Outpatient Prescription report experts shared examples of community based models of care.

18/05/25

Prescription for outpatients

Discover how healthcare leaders are reshaping outpatient care to be more personalised, proactive, and digitally driven.

21/05/25

A balancing act: Managing multiple medications

This webinar explored the critical challenges of polypharmacy in acute settings and demonstrated how the RCP's recently launched acute care toolkit on polypharmacy supports safer, more effective medication management.

03/06/25

How hospital at home is transforming patient care

In this insightful interview, Dr Claire Steel, President of the UK Hospital at Home Society, discusses the rapid evolution of hospital-level care delivered in patients' homes.

02/07/25

Sick, Elderly and Sad: Confronting corridor care in acute medicine

In this conversation, Dr Vicky Price and Dr Chris Subbe discuss their recent paper on the realities of corridor care in UK hospitals.

08/07/25

Clinical Audits in Practice: Lessons from Parkinson’s UK

In this interview, Kim Davis, Clinical Audit Manager at Parkinson’s UK, discusses the UK Parkinson’s Audit – one of the few national clinical audits led by a charity.

11/08/25

Improving Medication Safety in Acute Care: A QI Approach to Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy is a growing challenge in acute care, particularly among older adults. Over 51% of older people are prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medicine, yet fewer than 10% have a medicine stopped during hospital admission - and almost always only after harm has occurred.

13/08/25

Catching Our Breath: Improving respiratory care with NRAP

Join Dr Dan Smith, as he interviews Professor Tom Wilkinson, clinical lead for the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) and professor of respiratory medicine at University Hospital Southampton.

15/08/25

Enhancing resident doctor experience and productivity at Rotherham General Hospital

Winner of The Medical Practice Management award for Developing Workforce award from the Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2025

15/10/25

Planning for the end: Insights from clinicians

In this episode, Dr Dan Smith speaks with Dr Mark Juniper and Dr Sarah Cox about the latest NCEPOD report.

15/10/25

Tackling topical steroid abuse in India

Dr Koushik Lahiri, a finalist for the RCP 2025 Excellence in Patient Care Awards, has led a groundbreaking national campaign to combat the misuse of topical steroid creams in India, a crisis he calls a ‘silent epidemic’.

07/11/25

Improving Hospital Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

Financial support has been provided to the Royal College of Physicians as a grant from Pfizer Ltd.

31/10/25

Resources for fracture liaison services

If your FLS requires examples of resources such as job descriptions to recruit staff the Royal Osteoporosis Society has developed templates to support the recruitment of new team members.

05/01/24

A conversation about later careers

Dr Rifca Le Dieu and Dr Harriet Gordon explore the current workforce crisis in the NHS and the recently updated RCP Later Careers Guidance.

07/11/25

Value-Based Healthcare: Tackling Inequality Through Collaborative Practice

Financial support has been provided to the Royal College of Physicians as a grant from Pfizer Ltd.

05/09/25

Green stories: Recycle Reuse Walking Aids project

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ Recycle Reuse Walking Aids project is cutting carbon, saving money, and improving patient experience by reusing walking frames, sticks, and crutches across the system.

04/09/25

Green stories: Eco-Influencers project

In this video, Dr Emma Vittery, Paediatric Sustainability Fellow at the Great North Children’s Hospital, shares the story of the Eco-Influencers project – a collaboration with Northumberland Wildlife Trust that brings nature-based activities to the Paediatric Day Unit.

09/07/25

From data to impact: the power of clinical audit in the NHS

Clinical audit is a powerful tool for improving patient care, ensuring safety, and tackling unwarranted variation in practice.

29/05/25

Improvement Cymru - Waiting as well as possible

In this video, you’ll learn how Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board introduced peer support roles for the first time to transform mental health care.

21/05/25

From hospital to home: Gloucestershire's approach to respiratory care

Dr Charles Sharp discusses the development and success of an integrated respiratory care model in Gloucestershire by shifting services from hospitals into the community.

18/01/17

Future Hospital development site - Phase 1: Betsi Cadwaladr

The Future Hospital development site team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales are working to bring access to specialist care for frail elderly patients living a considerable distance from hospital.

05/04/26

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Teaching toolkit: an introduction to healthcare sustainability

This teaching toolkit is a ready-to-use education resource which equips facilitators with everything needed to deliver an engaging, evidence-based introductory session on the topic, even if they have no prior experience.

30/04/26

RCP SAS priorities 2026–30

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today published its SAS priorities for 2026–30, setting out a clear programme of work to improve recognition, career development and representation for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors across the UK.

25/11/24

Mastering written communication with patients

In this interactive webinar, you’ll hear from Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC journalist and technology correspondent; Dr Anne Kinderlerer, digital health clinical lead at the RCP; Dr Hugh Rayner, retired consultant physician and nephrologist, and Dr Charlotte Sharp, consultant rheumatologist. The panel will be discussing current practice with communicating with patients, the future of written communications and the role of AI.

29/11/24

Talking About Uncertain Recovery A New Guide To Beginning Honest Conversations In The Urgent Care Setting

Talking about uncertain recovery - Guide to beginning honest conversations

In this webinar, Dr Louise Robinson and Dr Antonia Field-Smith along with an expert group introduce their new communication guide, ‘Talking about uncertain recovery’, in collaboration with the RCP.

30/10/24

Cheshire and Merseyside cancer alliance readers panel

The team from Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, who are runners-up for the RCP Eric Watts Award. The award recognises individual healthcare workers and teams who have made an extraordinary contribution to improving the patient experience.

07/11/24

Barriers to AI

Dr Dan Smith speaks with Mr. John Isherwood, a consultant surgeon and representative of the Clinical Senate in the Midlands. They discuss the role of Clinical Senates, which are independent NHS bodies providing strategic advice to stakeholders on healthcare matters.

01/08/24

Tackling misinformation in medicine

Our panel including Professor Sander van der Linden discuss the impact of misinformation and disinformation on clinical practice, the damage it can cause to patients, and what we can do to address this.

28/10/24

Death certification reforms: What you need to know

Join Dr Suzy Lishman CBE, a histopathologist and medical examiner who has been working on death certification reform for over a decade, to learn about the recent death certificate reforms. Including the role of the medical examiner, changes to the medical certificate of cause of death, cremation forms and the role of the registrar and coroner.

17/04/23

Webinar series: Medication safety

A series of webinars covering different aspects of medication safety. Each tackling a specific topic, transitions of care, polypharmacy, deprescribing and more.

01/05/24

Navigating patient safety webinar: HSSIB and the RCP

This patient safety resource has been supported by a grant from Becton Dickinson (BD). They have had no influence over the production or content of these materials. This webinar is part of the Navigating patient safety webinar series.

27/06/24

Self-referral: can we reimagine gatekeeping in health care by enabling self-directed care?

Explore the potential benefits of self-referral, its effects on health inequalities and the factors which enable self-referral. Our expert panel includes RCP outpatients clinical lead Theresa Barnes, RCP digital lead Anne Kinderlerer and head of patient partnership at the Patients Association Sarah Tilsed.

24/05/24

Behind the paper: Clinical Incidents and Complaints and FY1 Induction

Our expert panel discuss the paper “Incident Teaching (IT)” Lecture Series – Incorporating Education Surrounding Clinical Incidents and Complaints into Foundation Year 1 (FY1) Doctors’ Induction.

17/06/24

Digital Care Management Solution: Hospital Specialist Palliative Care

Our expert panel explore how together they created an innovative data capture form and dashboard for the hospital specialist palliative care team.

01/05/11

Acute care toolkit 1: Handover

Handover is the system by which the responsibility for immediate and ongoing care is transferred between healthcare professions. Changing work patterns mean that establishing standards for handover should be a priority.

08/06/23

Supporting best and safe practice in post-fall management in inpatient settings

Created for clinicians, Supporting best and safe practice in post-fall management in inpatient settings clarifies what constitutes a post-fall check for injury. By providing guidance on how to implement best practice in post-fall management processes, training and competencies.

07/02/25

Procedure for measuring lying and standing blood pressure (BP)

The objective of this work was to create standardised, pragmatic advice on how to measure lying and standing BP in hospital wards. The purpose is to improve the adherence to this component of the NICE guidelines for fall prevention for hospital inpatients. Please explore the available tools here: FFFAP Lying and standing BP measurement guide FFFAP Lying and standing BP information FFFAP Lanyard card (ready for print)   Preview of the guide to measure lying and standing blood pressure and pulse Measuring lying and standing BP is part of the multi-factorial assessment to optimise safe activity (MASA).

07/04/21

NAIF interim report spring 2021

The second report of the continuous National Audit of Inpatient Falls (NAIF) covers 2020 England and Wales facilities audit data and is supported by National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) clinical audit data from 1 January to 31 December 2019. An Interim Report based primarily on facilities audit results was produced as clinical audit timelines were impacted by COVID-19 and the related pressures on the NHS. The next full annual report is due to be published in Autumn 2021.

10/12/24

Green physician toolkit

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a Green physician toolkit that brings together the evidence on health and climate change, and suggests actions that physicians can take in their day-to-day practice.

27/04/23

Modern Outpatient Care – Principles and practice for patient centred outpatient care

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) sets out principles and recommendations for patient centred outpatient care.

31/05/24

Transition and paediatric outpatients

Our experts explore key questions surrounding paediatric and transitional care in outpatient transformation work.

16/11/21

Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme glossary of terms

A glossary of terms and abbreviations used throughout annual reports for the National Hip Fracture Database, National Audit of Inpatient Falls and Fracture Liaison Service Database.

23/04/20

Prolonged disorders of consciousness following sudden onset brain injury: national clinical guidelines

The Prolonged disorders of consciousness national clinical guidelines are a major contribution to clinical and ethical standards of care for people with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) – including vegetative (VS) and minimally conscious states (MCS) – following sudden onset brain injury, not only in the UK but internationally. For England and Wales, they provide much-needed clarity on legal decision-making.

23/09/26

Teaching toolkit: Air quality and health

This teaching toolkit is a ready-to-use education resource which equips facilitators with everything needed to deliver an engaging, interactive and evidence-based session on the topic, even if they have no prior experience.

21/11/17

Improving teams in healthcare: Resource 3 - Team communication

The third resource in the Improving teams in healthcare series presents some of the worrying literature on the impacts of insufficient communication, and identifies barriers to smooth information transfer in a healthcare setting.

21/11/17

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Improving teams in healthcare: Resource 2 - Team culture

The second resource in the Improving healthcare teams series explores team culture - defined as the ‘rules’ and beliefs that team members hold, that influence how the group interacts and does its work. It can be crucial in supporting - or undermining - a team’s achievements.

21/11/17

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Improving teams in healthcare: Resource 4 - Team development

The fourth resource in the Improving teams in healthcare series explains why team development is such an integral part of efficient working, and provides practical tools to help teams reflect, grow and adapt.

21/11/17

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Improving teams in healthcare: Resource 1 - Building effective teams

The first resource in the Improving healthcare teams series presents the three core factors that determine the working of ‘good’ teams: effective leadership and governance, clear roles and responsibilities, and supportive team dynamics. 

08/10/19

Acute care toolkit 15: Managing acute medical problems in pregnancy

Pregnant women can present to any acute hospital service at any time during their pregnancy or the postpartum period, which is up to 12 months post-delivery.

19/10/18

Talking about dying 2018: How to begin honest conversations about what lies ahead

The Talking about dying report seeks to offer advice and support for any doctor on holding conversations with patients much earlier after the diagnosis of a progressive or terminal condition, including frailty.

26/06/18

Hiding in plain sight: Treating tobacco dependency in the NHS

Hiding in plain sight: Treating tobacco dependency in the NHS addresses the harms and costs arising from smoking in the patients we see every day, and argues for a new approach to treating their addiction.

20/03/18

Spasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin

These guidelines provide recommendations for the treatment of adults with spasticity with botulinum toxin (BoNT) as part of an overall patient management programme.

14/11/19

Impact of the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP)

The Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) is a national clinical audit designed to monitor and improve the care provided for patients with fragility fractures.

22/02/24

Health Inequalities - Homelessness

In this video Dr Pippa Medcalf and Peter Bull discuss health inequalities for people experiencing homelessness.

29/01/24

Health inequalities in LGBTQ+ communities

In this video Professor Catherine Meads discusses health inequalities in LGBTQ+ communities. Professor Meads outlines what you, as a healthcare professional, can do to ensure you are not contributing to or worsening health inequalities within these communities.

14/08/18

Asthma Audit Development Project (AADP) phase 2 final report

The Asthma Audit Development Project (AADP): Phase 2 final report presents key findings, patient quotes, conclusions and recommendations for the next steps on how a national asthma audit should be conducted.

14/08/18

Asthma Audit Development Project (AADP) phase 2 final report (1)

The Asthma Audit Development Project (AADP): Phase 2 final report presents key findings, patient quotes, conclusions and recommendations for the next steps on how a national asthma audit should be conducted.

18/11/24

Acute care toolkit 17: Managing multiple medications

In England, we prescribe over 1 billion prescription items every year in primary care and over 1 million people in this country take 10 or more medicines for their long-term conditions. Almost half of these patients are aged 75 and over.

14/10/24

Uncertain recovery communication guide

This guide is to support doctors to have honest conversations with patients, and those important to them, about realistic treatment goals and uncertain recovery.

15/09/20

RCP welcomes new Workplace Race Equality Standard indicators for medicine

RCP responds to Workplace Race Equality Standard (WRES): Indicators for the NHS medical workforce.

16/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians awards posthumous fellowship to doctor who died of COVID-19

For the first time in its 500-year history, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has awarded a fellowship posthumously to a doctor who died in active service.

17/09/20

New RCP clinical fellow for medications safety

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jen Flatman as clinical fellow for medications safety, working in the RCP’s Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Department.

17/09/20

Keeping patients safe

As the Royal College of Physicians celebrates World Patient Safety Day, Dr John Dean, consultant physician and RCP clinical director of quality improvement and patient safety, explores how a daily focus on risk across the system can reduce patient harm.

17/09/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to government's emergency care announcement

We respond to the government's announcement of additional funding for A&E departments.

17/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to government's emergency care announcement

We respond to the government's announcement of additional funding for A&E departments.

18/09/20

The challenge of remaining research active as a full-time clinician

Dr Chetan Mukhtyar is a consultant rheumatologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. In this article, he talks about the challenges of being research active in a full-time NHS job, and the one piece of advice he’d give to anyone looking to start a career in clinical research.

18/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to adult social care winter plan

The RCP has responded to the government's announcement of a new adult social care winter plan.

18/09/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to adult social care winter plan

The RCP has responded to the government's announcement of a new adult social care winter plan.

21/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to statement by Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty

The RCP has responded to the announcement by the chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance and the chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.

21/09/20

RCP responds to statement by Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty

The RCP has responded to the announcement by the chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance and the chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.

21/09/20

Second wave | new COVID-19 survey | exams return

I ended my last bulletin with the words ‘These bulletins will go back to being monthly for the moment but obviously if needed we will increase the frequency again. My next bulletin will be on 5 October.’ Famous last words – we need to increase the frequency again (or strictly speaking, not decrease it yet).

24/09/20

RCP vice president for Wales: As the nights get longer

RCP Vice president for Wales Dr Olwen Williams gives an update on our work in Wales as we head into the winter months.

22/09/20

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Wrth i’r dyddiau fyrhau

Is-iywydd RCP Cymru Dr Olwen Williams yn rhoi diweddariad ar ein gwaith yng Nghymru wrth i ni anelu at fisoedd y gaeaf.

24/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to rollout of coronavirus contact tracing app

The RCP has responded to the rollout of the coronavirus contact tracing app across England and Wales.

24/09/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to rollout of coronavirus contact tracing app

The RCP has responded to the rollout of the coronavirus contact tracing app across England and Wales.

28/09/20

COVID-19 and the workforce: ready and waiting

The sixth survey of RCP fellows and members shows that most doctors are at work, generally feel prepared for the second wave and can access the tests they need. But problems do remain.

25/09/20

This Doctor Can: My journey from Calcutta to the UK

Growing up in India, consultant physician Dr Subir Mukherjee never imagined he’d become a doctor working for the NHS in England. In this blog post he shares his journey to the UK and reflects on his love of mentoring trainees.

26/09/20

Press release: COVID-19 testing delays continue to keep doctors away from work

RCP's sixth survey tracking the impact of the pandemic on the workforce has found delays in accessing COVID-19 tests continue to cause disruption among hospital doctor teams.

25/09/20

RCP calls on Chancellor to invest in health and social care and support research

The RCP has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with its recommendations for the Comprehensive Spending Review.

01/10/20

World Patient Safety Day – reflections 2 weeks on

We spoke to Ken Tait and Angela Chesworth, two members of the PCN, who share a bit about themselves, give their opinions on the importance of collaboration and tell us about the recent Global Patients Congress to mark World Patient Safety Day.

01/10/20

Press Release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health and Social Care Committee's report: Delivering core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond

The RCP has responded to the the Health and Social Care committee's report which makes the case for weekly testing of NHS staff to stop NHS becoming a Covid-only service in second wave.

01/10/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to the NHS's commitment to becoming net-zero by 2040

The RCP has responded to NHS England's announcement that it is committed to becoming the world’s first 'net zero' national health service.

01/10/20

RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee's report: Delivering core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond

The RCP has responded to the the Health and Social Care committee's report which makes the case for weekly testing of NHS staff to stop NHS becoming a Covid-only service in second wave.

01/10/20

RCP responds to the NHS's commitment to becoming net-zero by 2040

The RCP has responded to NHS England's announcement that it is committed to becoming the world’s first 'net zero' national health service.

02/10/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to DHSC's immigration health surcharge reimbursement announcement

The RCP has responded to the announcement that health and care staff can now claim reimbursement for the immigration health surcharge.

02/10/20

Research organisations set out principles and practical actions to address future significant disruption to clinical academic training

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes Addressing the challenges of COVID-19 second wave or another pandemic from the UK Clinical Academic Training Forum (CATF) and COPMeD. The RCP was pleased to contribute, along with representatives of postgraduate training, research funders, medical and dental schools and others across the UK.

06/10/20

Presidential statement to launch registration for the virtual Medicine 2021

RCP President Professor Andrew Goddard launches our virtual conference today:

06/10/20

How COVID-19 has made Occupational Health services indispensable

Occupational Health (OH) services deal with the effect of work on people’s health, and conversely, the effect of health on their work. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light, now more than ever, the need for OH services to act as a bridge between health and workplaces.

21/10/20

Lockdowns | second wave | long COVID | exams

The past 2 weeks have been rather busy so I will start with a couple of apologies. The first is to anyone who has sent me an email and not had a reply. My email inbox ‘over-floweth’ and if it were paper the local council would be sending officials around to complain about the mess. Fear not, I will respond and hope to have things more in control by the end of this week.The second is about my attire in the photo attached to this bulletin, which the eagle-eyed have noticed has been getting more casual over the past few weeks. This is not intentional so I am pleased that we can ‘redress’ things with a photo of me in full PRCP regalia. This was taken at our AGM 10 days ago, and was the first time I’ve worn it since the first case of COVID-19 hit our shores.I will come to the AGM later but let’s start with a COVID-19 update.

07/10/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Elizabeth Uchegbu FRCP

For Black History Month, this This Doctor Can blog focuses on the life and career of consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, Dr Elizabeth Uchegbu.

09/10/20

Recognising the vital role of healthcare scientists, clinical physiologists and technologists

The RCP has today published a statement outlining the vital, and often under-appreciated, role of healthcare scientists, clinical physiologists and technologists in delivering excellent patient care.

22/10/20

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2021 open for entries

Entries are now being accepted for the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) member-exclusive Excellence in Patient Care Awards (EPCA) 2021, which recognise, celebrate and reward the hard work done by physicians and healthcare teams in the UK and globally.

12/10/20

RCP president’s podcast offers reflections on the pandemic

RCP president professor Andrew Goddard has recorded his personal reflections on the first six months of the pandemic in a special RCP Medicine podcast.

12/10/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Downing Street briefing on rising coronavirus cases

The RCP has responded to a Downing Street briefing on rising coronavirus cases with NHS England National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

12/10/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Downing Street briefing on rising coronavirus cases

The RCP has responded to a Downing Street briefing on rising coronavirus cases with NHS England national medical director Professor Stephen Powis and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

21/10/20

RCP survey uncovers years of discrimination against black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) doctors are consistently disadvantaged when applying for jobs, according to the RCP’s latest survey of clinicians within a year of medical certificate completion of training (CCT) holders.

23/10/20

Election of the president 2021

The election of the president will be held as required by Act of Parliament on the day after Palm Sunday: Monday 29 March 2021.

21/10/20

Second wave | reinfection | remdesivir | RCP books

There is still a group of people in the UK and other countries who deny that we are in a second wave of COVID-19. For those working in hospitals bearing the brunt this is a little hard to stomach. The situation continues to change rapidly and keeping members abreast of the situation and aware of some of the stuff that doesn’t make the headlines is the main purpose of this bulletin.

20/10/20

RCP faces difficult decisions to address the financial impact of the pandemic

As with many charities at this time the RCP has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in severely reduced income streams. To mitigate this situation, we are carrying out a thorough efficiency drive looking at all expenditure including on workforce.

21/10/20

Press Release: Royal College of Physicians uncovers years of discrimination against black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) doctors are consistently disadvantaged when applying for jobs, according to a report by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

22/10/20

Royal College of Physicians - Sunway - Cambridge Medical seminars (1)

The Royal College of Physicians (London) - Sunway - Cambridge Medical seminars are back for a third time. Join us in a series of virtual seminars where our renowned international and Malaysian speakers will share their insights on a variety of topics across the geriatrics, vasculitis and oncology themes.

22/10/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to GMC’s national training survey

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council's national training survey.

22/10/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health and Social Care Committee report

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee's report 'Social Care: Funding and Workforce'.

22/10/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Omon Imohi

For Black History Month, Dr Omon Imohi talks about her background, career and setting up Black Women in Health.

22/10/20

RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee report

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee's report 'Social Care: Funding and Workforce'.

27/10/20

Health inequalities, COVID-19 and healthcare professionals

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health inequalities.

27/10/20

RCP joins with nearly 80 organisations to call for action on health inequalities

The RCP has brought together a coalition of nearly 80 organisations to press for urgent action to address health inequalities.

27/10/20

Helping homeless people in hospital

Dr Pippa Medcalf FRCP MBE is the RCP’s lead fellow for health inequalities and inclusion health. In this blog she explores the link between health inequalities and homelessness.

27/10/20

Health inequalities and tobacco

Dr Sanjay Agrawal is chair of the RCP’s Tobacco Special Advisory Group. In this blog he explores the link between health inequalities and smoking.

28/10/20

Health inequalities and obesity

Professor Rachel Batterham, RCP special adviser on obesity, explores the link between health inequalities and obesity.

29/10/20

The importance of talking about health inequalities

We spoke to Hayley Hall, a member of our Patient and Carer Network (PCN), about the need to keep the conversation flowing around health qualities.

29/10/20

RCP considers sale of non-medical assets from its collections

The RCP is currently considering the possibility of selling non-medical assets including books from its collections.

29/10/20

RCP Cymru Wales calls for a review of COVID-19 discharge guidance in Wales

The RCP in Wales has called for better communication between hospitals, local authorities and front line staff, following senior doctors’ concerns that the system is reaching capacity.

02/11/20

Fighting for everyone to have healthier lungs

Adam Croom, policy and external affairs officer at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, explores the ways in which health inequalities are particularly acute for those with lung conditions.

11/11/20

This Doctor Can: A journey from a Bedwin boy in Eastern Sudan to a professor of neurology

For Black History Month, this This Doctor Can blog focuses on the life and career of Prof Osheik Ab’Asha Seidi.

03/11/20

The climate emergency is a health emergency

We all have a duty to tackle global heating. Professor Donal O’Donoghue, RCP registrar, discusses the responsibility of the health service, the NHS Net Zero report, and what we can do to help.

17/11/20

New COVID-19 survey | steroids | exams

The second wave has been escalating in the 2 weeks since I last wrote and for many of us has taken up much of our time. That we are now in national lockdowns in three of the four home nations says much about the state of play. The effect on our professional and home lives has been highly variable and I will try to bring you up to speed with where we are in the former.

19/11/20

Applied Research Collaborations – research opportunities for RCP members

National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) have been created to ‘support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems.’ So, how can RCP members use these unique collaborations to become research active and innovative? Mark Gabbay, professor of general practice at the University of Liverpool and director of NIHR ARC NWC, explains.

27/11/20

HealthTec Cluster: Working together to connect research and innovation capabilities

Phil Carvill from the North West HealthTec Cluster outlines the importance of health technology research and how the RCP is involved.

19/11/20

The Northern Bone Health Project

Dr Sunil Nedungayil, associate medical director for the Healthy Ageing Programme at Northern Health Science Alliance, explains how he is using research to drive improvements in bone health for patients in the north of England.

10/11/20

COVID-19 and the workforce: facing the second wave

The seventh survey of RCP fellows and members shows that the vast majority of doctors are concerned about the impact of the second wave on their hospital’s ability to deliver effective care

09/11/20

RCP consultant census shows workforce pressures persist

RCP publishes its latest census of consultants across the UK.

10/11/20

Press release: Doctors concerned for their hospital’s ability to deliver effective care

The RCP has published the results of its latest COVID-19 members survey, revealing doctors' concerns about the second wave of the pandemic.

11/11/20

Being civil … and how to respond when someone isn’t

Dr Emma Vaux, consultant nephrologist and immediate past RCP vice president for education and training, explores tackling rudeness at work and how to move from bystander to upstander.

12/11/20

New guidance on ward rounds and patient assessment during COVID-19

Five health organisations release new joint guidance today to support teams caring for people with COVID-19.

16/11/20

Why we need a cross-government strategy to end inequalities in health

Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, RCP’s Academic Vice-President, contributes to Northern Health Sciences Alliance’s COVID-19 pandemic report, revealing a massive hit to the North of England’s health and economy.

17/11/20

COVID-19 survey results | mutations in mink | exam cancellations

This morning it was announced that the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine BNT162b2 is '90% effective'. I've been in clinic all afternoon so have only had time to digest the headline and need to look at the data further (it is preliminary data after all, on only 94 evaluable cases). However, this is obviously very exciting and I will update you all next week.The Wales firebreak finishes today, so it also seems a good idea to give an upbeat nod to that.

17/11/20

Vaccines | exams | testing | medical wards

It has been a week of huge highs and lows. The positivity following the announcement of exciting results from the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine on Monday was more than cancelled out by the death of another consultant colleague in Derby, Krishnan Subramanian, from COVID-19 at the end of the week. This pandemic takes more than it gives.I will endeavour to make this bulletin as positive as I can to try to lift the gloom that COVID-19 is casting. This will not be easy as the overriding sense I have had this week from conversations with physicians around the UK and indeed the world is one of fatigue. People are tired physically, emotionally and intellectually. RnR is needed by many, although following a challenge issued to me last week the best I can do for you is Gn’R.

17/11/20

Facing the second COVID-19 wave: four lessons we have learnt

With winter approaching, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard outlines four lessons we have learnt as we face the escalating second COVID-19 wave.

18/11/20

Four seasons of COVID – reflections on my first year as vice president for Wales

Dr Olwen Williams examines how healthcare in Wales has been affected by COVID-19, and reflects on her first year as RCP vice president for Wales.

18/11/20

Pedwar tymor o COVID – myfyrdodau ynglŷn â’m blwyddyn gyntaf fel Is-lywydd Cymru

Mae Dr Olwen Williams yn archwilio sut mae COVID-19 wedi effeithio ar ofal iechyd yng Nghymru, ac yn myfyrio ar ei blwyddyn gyntaf fel is-lywydd RCP yng Nghymru.

18/12/20

The RCP’s new Research Hub

Launched today, the RCP’s new Research Hub is the RCP’s one-stop shop for supporting physicians to become more involved in research and develop their career. The Research Hub fulfils one of the key aims in our research strategy, published earlier this year.

24/11/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Home Office announcement of free visa extensions for health care workers

The RCP has welcomed the Home Office's announcemnt of a visa extension to health care workers, but has called for it to include social care workers too.

20/11/20

This Doctor Can: Coaching doctors through difficult times

In this piece, Dr Rachel McCoubrie talks about her work supporting doctors and how coaching can help with self-confidence, limiting beliefs, dealing with anxiety and promoting resilience and positivity.

24/11/20

RCP responds to Home Office announcement of visa extensions for health workers

The RCP welcomes visa extension announcement but calls for it to include social care workers too.

21/11/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians calls for Spending Review to include long-term investment in health and social care

Ahead of the Spending Review, the RCP has called on the Chancellor to focus on long-term funding for public health and social care.

25/11/20

RCP calls for Spending Review to include long-term investment in health and social care

Ahead of the Spending Review, the RCP is urging the Chancellor to make long-term investments in health and social care.

23/11/20

RCP publishes new PPE guidance with patient safety at its heart

The RCP has launched new guidance that aims to help healthcare workers ensure that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) does not impair patient safety.

24/11/20

Vaccines | haemodialysis | vitamin D | dexamethasone

Another week has flown by in a blur, and as cases in many parts of the UK start to plateau and more news is released about vaccines, there is a more upbeat feel in our world. I’ve been on call this weekend so this bulletin may feel a bit more rushed and disjointed than usual (much like I do when on call).

24/11/20

Long-term funding is what health and social care needs

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spending Review, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard reflects on what health and social care needs both now and beyond the pandemic.

25/11/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Spending Review

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor's Spending Review.

26/11/20

RCP responds to National Audit Office’s report on the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic

RCP has responded to the National Audit Office’s report.

26/11/20

This Doctor Can: Encouraging doctors to become leaders

This month, This Doctor Can focuses on the ‘Springboard to Leadership: Supporting diversity’ programme from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

26/11/20

Reflections on the spending review

Following the Chancellor’s Spending Review, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard reflects on the sticking plaster for social care, the absence of public health, and the need to tackle health inequality at home and abroad.

27/11/20

RCP responds to GMC report on state of medical education and practice

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council’s (GMC’s) annual report looking at the state of medical education and practice.

27/11/20

RCP seeks clinical fellow in health inequality

The Royal College of Physicians is searching for a trainee doctor to join the policy and campaigns team as a clinical fellow in health inequality.

01/12/20

Vaccines | PPE | Christmas bubbles | RCP at The Spine

There are now less than 4 weeks to go until Christmas. The biggest news in the UK this week was the PM announcing the government’s plans for how households can mix over a 5-day period forming the so-called ‘Christmas bubbles’. In our household that phrase usually refers to a particular Canadian singer and I’ll come on to the implications of the new rules later.The past week has seen the release of a whole shelf full of reports and papers which I will try to cover but first I’ll update you on the hot topic of the moment, vaccines.

03/12/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to APPG on Coronavirus report

The RCP has responded to a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus, into the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

03/12/20

RCP responds to report by the APPG on Coronavirus

The RCP has responded to a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus, into the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

07/12/20

Prescribing clean air

In the next few weeks, MPs will have the opportunity to vote on an amendment to the Environment Bill. This, coupled with a strong, independent watchdog and enforcement measures, would reduce the level of fine particulate pollution in the air across the country, writes RCP special adviser on air quality, Professor Sir Stephen Holgate.

08/12/20

Vaccines | waves | trainees and OP | Christmas events

It has been another fast-moving week of developments in the world of COVID-19 and rather less speedy in the world of Brexit. This is a pivotal time for the UK – vaccines and trade relationships will shape our lives over the next few years.It’s not just around the pandemic and European politics that there are winds of change. At the risk of sounding very British, the weather itself has also taken a turn this week – snow in the high land and hard rain elsewhere.

17/12/20

A frontline physician’s experience of taking part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial

Following the announcement that a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in the UK, one frontline physician reflects on their experience of taking part in one of the major clinical trials. This RCP fellow has chosen to stay anonymous on the advice of the trial organisers.

11/12/20

Professor Anton Emmanuel appointed as interim senior clinical lead for the NHS workforce race equality standard programme

We’re delighted to announce that RCP’s medical director of publishing, Professor Anton Emmanuel, has been appointed as interim senior clinical lead for the NHS’s workforce race equality standard (WRES) programme.

16/12/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to review into gender pay gaps in medicine

The RCP has responded to the independent review into gender pay gaps in medicine in England.

16/12/20

RCP responds to review into gender pay gaps in medicine

The RCP has responded to the independent review into gender pay gaps in medicine in England.

17/12/20

RCP remembers | second wave | vaccines | trainees

This is my last bulletin before the Christmas ‘break’. For those getting a true break from work you will probably need to make the most of it, as many fear that Christmas may break the NHS in January if COVID-19 cases explode like a party popper.I am conscious that it is not easy to get the balance right between creating a festive mood for this bulletin while accepting we all have sombre thoughts about the year that has almost passed and the rest of winter to come. I will therefore start with the most serious topics and aim to get lighter as I go on.

17/12/20

Driving research through clinical research collaboratives

Allyson Arnold, chief operating officer of the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative, explains why this model can spur cardiovascular clinical research – and how clinicians can become involved.

18/12/20

RCP special adviser on air quality comments on Ella Kissi-Debrah inquest

Professor Sir Stephen Holgate comments on the conclusion of the inquest into the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah.

18/12/20

Masterful menu at Medicine 2021 will get the year off to a good start

The RCP’s award-winning annual conference moves online in January, when Medicine 2021 will take full advantage of technology to provide a mix of live and on-demand content with plenty of opportunities for interaction.

18/12/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Chief Medical officer’s annual report

The RCP has responded to the publication of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty’s first independent annual report ‘Health trends and variation in England', which argues for more action to address health inequalities.

18/12/20

RCP responds to Chief Medical officer’s annual report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to publication of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty’s first independent annual report ‘Health trends and variation in England', which argues for more action to address health inequalities.

18/12/20

RCP responds to question of whether Christmas COVID-19 rules should be relaxed

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard urges the public to keep their distance over Christmas.

30/12/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine approval

The RCP has responded to the news of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine being approved for use in the UK.

30/12/20

RCP responds to Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine approval

The RCP has responded to the news of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine being approved for use in the UK.

25/02/19

New UK guidelines for diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in adults

New guidelines for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have been developed for health professionals working in primary and secondary care. These guidelines provide greater clarity for the diagnosis and management of the syndrome, as well as recommendations for treatment and referral of patients with CRPS.

24/04/19

In-house training: hear from our clients

Would you like training delivered at your hospital, trust or deanery on a date convenient to you and your doctors? The RCP's in-house workshops are a cost-effective way to deliver training tailored to the specific needs of you and your doctors, on a date that suits you and at a venue of your choice.

01/10/19

'A beautiful and unbroken marriage of souls'

In the chapel of Christ's College, Cambridge stands a monumental black and white marble tomb shared by two physicians – Sir John Finch (1626–82) and Sir Thomas Baines (1622–80). Their memorial portraits are linked by a knotted cloth – symbolising in Finch’s words a ‘beautiful and unbroken marriage of souls, a companionship undivided during 36 complete years’.

19/09/19

The Censors Room: a symbolic gateway to an ancient institution

The 11th floor of Richard Rogers' internationally acclaimed Lloyd's building is famously home to the Adam Room, an 18th-century dining room. Less well known, but equally intriguing and rare, is the Royal College of Physicians' Censors Room. Inside our Grade I listed headquarters in Regent's Park – another temple of 20th-century modernism in concrete and glass – sits a 17th-century oak-panelled interior.

29/05/19

A delectable discovery: the censor’s biscuits

When rifling around in the RCP museum’s stack, you never can be sure what interesting anomalies you might stumble across. You certainly don’t expect a jar of pre-war biscuits. Such a jar of biscuits does indeed sit boldly on our museum shelf. It even has the self-preservation awareness to declare itself a ‘medical artefact’, under the category of ‘medical collections’, in our museum catalogue. An error, surely!

13/02/19

Homeless patients need better information provision to improve care, finds new reports looking at A&E care

This work hasn’t been done before, and represents the first time that a national multi-centre clinical audit of ED care for homeless people has been carried out in the UK.

29/01/19

RCP calls for EU action on air pollution

The RCP has signed an open letter to EU leaders from 76 leading health and environment organisations calling for their support European Commission proposals to restrict pollutants under the new EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive (NEC).

02/07/19

RCP garden podcast launches

Podcasts inspired by the RCP medicinal garden will tell stories behind the plants it contains and explore their connections with medicine.

11/11/19

The need for fully joined up patient services to improve hip fracture care

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), which has been recording hip fracture care data for almost 10 years, has been a crucial driver for improvement in patient care and outcomes for people following admission to hospital with a hip fracture. Professor Finbarr Martin, the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) clinical lead, discusses the need for fully joined up patient services.

18/06/19

‘Light the blue touchpaper …’: fireworks in 17th-century England

It’s the time of year when fireworks explode overhead across the country. These days we might gather round a bonfire, wave some sparklers and watch the brightly-coloured shells explode overhead. A 17th-century book in the RCP library describes some altogether more dramatic fireworks displays for use at grand occasion: probably best not to try these at home!

23/07/19

Assessing vision reduces the risk of inpatient falls

The RCP's clinical lead for the National Audit of Inpatient Falls, Shelagh O'Riordan, explains how using the RCP's new bedside vision assessment tool can help prevent inpatient falls

12/06/19

‘Some obscure dark corner’: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson writes to the RCP

Letters in the RCP archives written by the pioneering feminist and physician, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1836–1917) demonstrate her determination to achieve success in the then almost exclusively male field of medicine. In 1865, Garrett Anderson had been the first Englishwoman to qualify in medicine in England and in 1873 the first female member of the British Medical Association (the only one for 19 years).

23/07/19

RCP responds to new research on the 'weekend effect' in the treatment of elderly hip fracture patients

Responding to the University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust's newly published research into the potential ‘weekend effect’ on hospital admissions for older people sustaining broken hips, Mr Rob Wakeman, RCP’s National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) clinical lead said:

02/01/19

‘How can I improve my chances of a good death?’ New Our Future Health podcast

Today sees the launch of the RCP’s major new project, Our Future Health.

21/01/19

Nominations open for academic vice president and members of Council

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the 2018 RCP elections.

23/01/19

Mortality report shows hospitals are learning from deaths to improve patient care

Hospitals are using a standardised review approach to learn from adult acute deaths and improve patient care, a landmark report released by the RCP reveals today.

23/01/19

RCP welcomes government plans to expand genome projects from 2019

The RCP has welcomed the government's plans to expand existing genomics projects from 2019, which were unveiled at the Conservative party conference by Matt Hancock, the UK secretary of state for health and social care.

23/01/19

New person-centred care guidance puts patients at the heart of treatment

The RCP has today released new guidance to support doctors in putting patients at the heart of everything they do.

29/01/19

RCPQI at CleanMed Europe 2018

Representatives from the RCP Quality Improvement (RCPQI) project are today presenting at CleanMed Europe 2018's 'Sustainability in healthcare education and CPD' session, taking place in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

23/01/19

RCP president calls for investment in integration after latest CQC 'State of Care' report

Responding to today's release by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of its State of Care 2017–18 annual report, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard has called for further investment in integration in order to transform health and social care services and support new ideas.

23/01/19

New report asks why doctors find it so hard to talk to patients about dying

The RCP's 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.

23/01/19

Government announces regulation of physician associates

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) and the RCP said that they are 'delighted' by the UK secretary of state for health and social care, Matt Hancock's plans to move forward with plans to introduce statutory regulation of physician associates.

17/12/19

RCP offers free membership to all medical students

Undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in the UK and abroad will now be offered free membership by the RCP in a bid to help better prepare the next generation of physicians for the qualifying MRCP(UK) exams.

23/01/19

Health organisations urge chancellor to invest long-term in social care and public health

A coalition of royal colleges and health faculties has urged UK chancellor Philip Hammond to use the autumn budget to deliver a long-term investment in adult social care, public health services and the NHS workforce, or otherwise risk the NHS failing to meet demands despite the recent £20.5 billion funding increase.

23/01/19

Groundbreaking celebrations for RCP's new Liverpool home

Work has officially begun on The Spine – the RCP's new £35 million northern headquarters in Liverpool – following a recent ceremony to mark the breaking of the ground upon which it will be built.

04/01/19

RCP launches #5minutesto 2018 consultant census campaign

The #5minutesto census provides the RCP with essential data that we use to lobby for changes, such as additional consultant posts and medical student places.

01/02/19

RCP Europe and RCP Global join forces at World Health Summit

Representatives from the Royal College of Physicians have attended the 10th anniversary World Health Summit held in Berlin this week.

23/01/19

More support needed for SAS doctors according to RCP nationwide survey

The RCP is calling for greater support and recognition of specialty and associate specialty doctors (SAS) following a nationwide survey. In particular, all hospitals must fully implement the SAS Charter and SAS development guide in order to address the issues raised.

23/01/19

RCP welcomes NHSI and HEE's closer working partnership

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard welcomed today's announcement that NHS Improvement (NHSI) and Health Education England (HEE) will be working more closely together in future, and that NHSI will create a new ‘people directorate’.

23/01/19

RCP calls Budget 2018 'one step forward, two steps back' for NHS

RCP clinical vice president Professor David Oliver outlines the RCP's response to UK chancellor Philip Hammond's budget.

08/03/19

IWD 2019: Suffragettes and medical women - examining the 'jealous mistress'

As part of a week-long focus on women in medicine for International Women's Day, medical historian Dr Kristin Hussey asks whether it was possible to be a suffragette and pursue a medical career.

23/01/19

RCP launches new Code of Conduct for fellows and members

A new code of conduct is encouraging doctors to be the best they can be by being more aware of the impact of their behaviours on others.

23/01/19

Survey raises concerns over equality and diversity in consultant appointments

White trainee doctors are applying for fewer consultant posts at the end of their training than black and minority ethnic (BME) trainees, but are more likely to be shortlisted and offered a post according to the 2017 survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, CCT holders conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

13/03/19

AI for physicians: what should you be doing?

With issues around AI developing at a breathtaking pace, Dr Matthew Fenech explores the rapidly-changing landscape about AI in healthcare and offers valuable advice on how to stay on top of the curve.

28/06/19

‘One size fits all’ outpatient care no longer fit for purpose says RCP

A new approach to outpatient care is needed if it is to meet growing demand and reduce disruption to patients’ lives, according to a new report from the RCP.

23/01/19

Royal colleges urge NHS England to ensure tobacco dependence treatment for every smoker

Presidents of the medical royal colleges, the chair of council of the RCGP, and over 800 doctors, health professionals and academics are calling on NHS England to ensure that tobacco dependence treatment is provided for every smoker cared for by the NHS, as part of the long-term plan.

23/01/19

NHFD annual report cites rise in older patients receiving innovative tests for delirium

A new report released by the RCP today shows dramatic results of an innovative programme of screening for delirium which has been the focus of attention and investment through NHS England’s best practice tariff.

23/01/19

Less than a third of doctors involved in winter planning, new RCP poll finds

Less than a third of doctors (29%) responding to a poll by the RCP say they have been asked to take part in planning for winter, despite last winter being one of the worst on record for the NHS and extra pressure over summer due to the heatwave.

23/01/19

Cancer treatment progress should focus on entire workforce, says RCP

In response to the Health Foundation's latest report, Unfinished business: An assessment of the national approach to improving cancer services in England 1995–2015, which explores progress on cancer care in England over almost two decades and recommends ways in which to help close the gap in survival between England and other comparable countries, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard said:

23/01/19

RCP supports recommendations in Taskforce for Lung Health report

The RCP welcomes the release today of the Taskforce for Lung Health's 5-year plan to improve the UK’s lung health and the lives of people already living with lung disease.

23/01/19

RCP president responds to GMC national training survey 2018

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the publication of the GMC’s 2018 national training surveys, which asked doctors about burnout for the first time.

23/01/19

RCP launches guidance to promote learning opportunities for healthcare teams

The RCP's latest report, Never too busy to learn, helps healthcare teams make the most of daily learning opportunities in the workplace.

23/01/19

Medical professionalism essential but needs more support, says RCP

Supporting doctors in developing new skills and attributes linked to professionalism can help resolve the discontent that many feel with their jobs, according to a report published by the RCP.

23/01/19

RCP comment on GMC state of medical education and practice report

The RCP has responded to today’s report from the General Medical Council (GMC) warning of a future workforce crisis that could be compounded by Brexit amid a fragmented approach to the recruitment and retention of doctors.

11/11/19

Breaking ground: how Fracture Liaison Services are helping older patients

With over 300,000 fragility fractures every year suffered by individuals over the age of 50, Dr Kassim Javaid explains how Fracture Liaison Services can help prevent broken bones and provide better care for older patients.

23/01/19

Patient safety is 'critical' in any no-deal Brexit scenario, RCP president states

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard has stated that patient safety is critical in any no-deal Brexit scenario, and urged transparency about national stockpiles.

03/01/19

Medicine 2019 opens call for abstract submissions

Medicine 2019, the RCP's upcoming annual general conference, has opened its call for abstract submissions.

23/01/19

BMA and RCP publish guidance on clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration

This British Medical Association (BMA) and RCP decision-making guidance for doctors on clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for patients who lack the capacity to consent was published in 2018.

18/02/19

New legislation offering a new opportunity: discussing the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

As we approach the end of a year which has seen the number of homeless people soaring, Dr Nigel Hewett, medical director of health charity Pathway, writes for the RCP on a new duty of care that is a step in the right direction towards making a difference for this vulnerable group.

23/01/19

RCP says CQC's report on never events should 'sit side by side' with patient safety strategy for the NHS

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) new report, Opening the door to change, should 'sit side by side' with the patient safety strategy for the NHS according to Dr John Dean, RCP clinical director for quality improvement and patient safety.

23/01/19

Royal colleges support suspension of NHS overseas visitor charges pending review

Following the minister of state for health’s written statement about the review of amendments made to the NHS overseas visitor charging regulations in 2017, the RCP has joined other royal colleges in calling for the suspension of NHS overseas visitor charges pending review.

08/02/19

RCP calls for obesity to be recognised as a disease

The RCP is calling for obesity to urgently be recognised as a disease by government and the broader health sector, and warning that until this happens its prevalence is unlikely to be reduced.

23/01/19

RCP welcomes NHS plan to help smokers admitted to hospital to quit

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard has welcomed NHS England's new plan to offer every smoker admitted to hospital help to quit.

05/02/19

Wales can be a 'beacon of hope in a darkening world'

Ever since Carwyn Jones, the most senior elected Labour politician in the UK, announced his intention to step down as first minister of Wales, the race to replace him has been on. Lowri Jackson, RCP head of policy and campaigns (Wales), discusses his successor and what it means for the Welsh health service.

23/01/19

'NHS Long Term Plan provides sustainability but we need more doctors' according to RCP

The RCP has welcomed the NHS Long Term Plan's focus on changing models of working, but called for the government to dramatically increase medical school places, and the supply of doctors, to alleviate burnout rate among health professionals.

21/01/19

The Long Term Plan - are we a step closer to a workforce strategy?

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard discusses what we’ve learned from the new NHS Long Term Plan, and how to create a sustainable workforce.

14/01/19

Assisted dying: Why the RCP should be opposed

With the RCP preparing to poll its members about its stance on assisted dying, Dr Amy Proffitt, executive secretary of the Association for Palliative Medicine (APM), argues the case for opposing medical involvement.

14/01/19

Assisted dying: Why the RCP should be neutral

With the RCP preparing to poll its members about its stance on assisted dying, Professor Raymond Tallis, emeritus professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Manchester, outlines why the RCP should have a neutral position.

14/01/19

RCP to poll its members on assisted dying

The RCP is to poll its 35,000 members and fellows next month on whether or not there should be a change in the law to permit assisted dying.

31/01/19

RCP welcomes government's clean air strategy

The RCP has responded to the launch of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra's) clean air strategy.

17/01/19

'You wouldn’t tell someone with asthma to work harder with their breathing': why obesity should be recognised as a disease

Other conditions with a lifestyle component, such as lung cancer, are recognised as a disease, so why not obesity? Doing so would focus attention on improving prevention and treatment, rather than telling those with obesity to ‘try harder’, says Professor John Wilding.

22/01/19

The Long Term Plan – what does it mean for integration?

Following the announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan earlier this month, the RCP has engaged in a week-long discussion covering the plan's most important themes. Today RCP clinical vice president David Oliver, supported by Jayne Black, RCP joint head of policy and campaigns, examines what the report means for integration.

23/01/19

The Long Term Plan - 4 things we learned about the future of technology in the NHS

Following the announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan earlier this month, the RCP has engaged in a week-long discussion covering the plan's most important themes. In today’s blog, RCP registrar Professor Donal O'Donoghue examines the future of technology in the NHS.

23/01/19

The Long Term Plan – addressing health inequality

Following the announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan earlier this month, the RCP has engaged in a week-long discussion covering the plan's most important themes. Today, RCP academic vice president Professor Cheng-Hock Toh explains what it means for health inequality.

25/01/19

The Long Term Plan – patient safety is everyone’s responsibility

Following the announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan earlier this month, the RCP has engaged in a week-long discussion covering the plan's most important themes. In today's blog, Dr John Dean, clinical director for quality improvement and patient safety, explains why patient safety is everyone’s responsibility.

25/01/19

The Long Term Plan - how we educate, support and retain our workforce

Following the announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan earlier this month, the RCP has engaged in a week-long discussion covering the plan's most important themes. Today, RCP vice president (education and training) Dr Emma Vaux discusses how we will train, educate, support and retain our workforce.

31/01/19

Royal colleges call for action on social care in Wales

The RCP and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine have called on the Welsh government to speed up their plans to invest in social and community care services, especially those which help to keep older people out of hospital and in their own homes for longer.

01/02/19

Preparing for a ‘no deal’ Brexit

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard is meeting with Stephen Hammond, the health minister with responsibility for Brexit, in a few weeks’ time. Ahead of this we asked the minister for an update on the Department of Health and Social Care's Brexit preparations.

31/01/19

Memorandum of agreement marks new chapter for Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK

The presidents of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) which sets out how the colleges will continue to collaborate on key education, training and assessment activities through their working relationship known as the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

31/01/19

Doctors find transfers to social care main winter pressure point, according to RCP poll

Almost 80% of hospital doctors say delays to transferring patients out of hospital is the main pressure point this winter, according to a poll conducted by the RCP.

31/01/19

The realities of winter: discussing the impact of pressures on NHS staff and patients

The RCP has been looking at the realities of working in the NHS this winter through a poll of its members. Here, specialty trainees Dr Matthew Roycroft and Dr Megan Rutter, talk of the impact of ‘winter pressures’ on staff, the other on patients. Both have stories to tell of tears shed.

01/02/19

Answering 'This Vexed Question': A look back at our women in medicine exhibition

With the RCP’s 'This vexed question’: 500 years of women in medicine exhibition now over, senior curator Dr Kristin Hussey reflects on debates it has sparked and the legacy of the project.

05/02/19

‘We cannot underestimate the scale of the challenge’: tackling the Welsh government's obesity strategy

As a 12-week consultation period begins on the new Welsh government obesity strategy, Lowri Jackson, RCP head of policy and campaigns (Wales), discusses the key aims of the plan and the complex challenge of preventing and reducing obesity in Wales.

05/02/19

Pulmonary rehabilitation and the NHS Long Term Plan

Following last month's announcement of NHS England's Long Term Plan (LTP), the RCP engaged in an ongoing series of discussions covering the plan's most important themes. Here, Professor Mike Roberts highlights the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in the LTP.

26/02/19

Recognising obesity as a disease would help people manage their condition

Professor Andrew Goddard discusses why the RCP has called on the government to recognise obesity as a disease.

13/02/19

RCP calls on health sector to ensure workforce is fully equipped for digital future

Following the publication of Health Education England's report, The Topol Review, the RCP has called on the health sector to act to ensure its workforce is fully equipped to make the best use of digital advancements.

13/02/19

The challenge of improving migrants’ health: a way out of the quagmire?

Though it is recognised that migration and displacement can act as negative determinants of health for millions of people forced to move, and that migrants often face inequalities and inequities in accessing health services, the momentous global push towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) risks leaving migrants behind. Dr Davide T Mosca recaps the challenging political and policy environment within which efforts are made to advance the migrant health agenda globally.

13/02/19

Welsh government urged to support trainee doctors in becoming future medical leaders

Twelve medical organisations have called on the Welsh government and NHS Wales to support trainee doctors to become future medical leaders.

19/02/19

RCP hails ambition of government's new digital NHSX unit

Responding to the government's announcement that it would be creating a new unit to oversee digital transformation of the health and care system, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard welcomed the ambition to deliver 'coordination and consistency across the NHS'.

27/02/19

Understanding health needs of the Traveller community

What are the health and hospital needs of the Traveller community? Does it constitute a separate group at all? Radhika Holmström investigates misconceptions, preconceptions and language.

28/03/19

RCP announces closure of the Health Informatics Unit

After 16 years of work at the forefront of clinical informatics, the Health Informatics Unit (HIU) will close for business on 29 March 2019.

01/11/19

Medical Training Initiative celebrates 10 years of success

The RCP is marking 10 years of the national Medical Training Initiative (MTI), as research underlines mutual benefits for the NHS and the thousands of doctors from all over the world provided with training opportunities in the UK by the scheme.

06/03/19

IWD 2019: Advocating for better neurological care in East Africa

In the first of our International Women's Day 2019 blogs, Dr Marieke Dekker discusses her inspirations as a doctor and what drives her as an advocate for better neurological care in East Africa.

04/03/19

RCP joins Health for Care coalition's call for sustainable social care system

The RCP has joined a coalition of 15 health organisations in calling on the UK government to create a sustainable social care system in England.

04/03/19

RCP backs cross-party calls for measures to reduce smoking prevalence

A cross-party group of MPs have today released Delivering the vision of a ‘Smokefree Generation’, a report outlining a number of measures aimed at reducing smoking prevalence in the UK population to 5% or below.

06/03/19

IWD 2019: Exploring Dame Kumar's 'extraordinary' contribution to medicine

In today's International Women's Day blog, former RCP president Professor Jane Dacre discusses her inspirational role model Professor Dame Parveen Kumar and her 'extraordinary' contribution to medicine.

06/03/19

RCP supports national Fight Fatigue campaign

The Royal College of Physicians is supporting the national Fight Fatigue campaign to help raise awareness of fatigue among NHS healthcare staff.

06/03/19

IWD 2019: Overcoming barriers and confronting professional challenges

In the latest International Women's Day blog, Dr Fahdah Alokaily discusses the ongoing challenges that women face to succeed in professional life.

06/03/19

IWD 2019: “Always keep balance between peace and principle throughout our life”

As part of a week-long series of blogs celebrating International Women's Day 2019, Professor Aye Aye Chit reminisces about her former teacher and medical inspiration, Professor Myint Myint Aye.

23/01/26

How I helped transform the use of UCLH’s hospital at home service

Dr Lorita Krasniqi, a doctor in internal medicine training, reflects on her role in implementing the hospital at home service within acute care at University College London Hospital (UCLH). The project was highly commended in the RCP’s virtual poster competition 2025.

11/03/19

IWD 2019: Celebrating my everyday heroes

In the lead up to International Women's Day 2019, Ghanaian doctor, lecturer and advocate, Dr Dzifa Dey, celebrates the strength and resilience of ordinary African women.

07/03/19

IWD 2019: Reflections on Dr Ong, my inspiration in medicine

As part of our week-long International Women's Day series, Professor Yook-Chin Chia reflects on her relationship with Dr Aishah Ong, the inspiration for her career in medicine.

08/03/19

IWD 2019: My professional role models

In the last post of the week-long series, Dr Emma Vaux talks about her professional role models for International Women's Day 2019.

20/08/19

IWD 2019: The woman who inspired me

To celebrate International Women's Day 2019, Dr Thinn Thinn Hlaing highlights the woman who inspired her most, Burmese politician and diplomat Daw Khin Kyi.

20/03/19

RCP welcomes proposed NHS pilots of rapid care measures

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Surgeons have welcomed NHS England's plans to pilot new NHS targets and measurements for cancer, emergency and planned treatment in England.

24/01/26

International Day of Education: why professional development matters for doctors, patients and our health system

International Day of Education is a reminder of how learning shapes society, strengthens communities and improves lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in medicine. For physicians, education does not end at graduation. It is a lifelong commitment that enables safer practice, better decision making and more compassionate care. When doctors learn, patients and the NHS benefit.

12/03/19

NHS trusts to tackle sepsis using RCP National Early Warning Score

The NHS announced plans to roll out the RCP's National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) to acute and ambulance trusts in order to identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration due to sepsis.

15/03/19

RCP urges MPs to vote against no-deal Brexit

The RCP is taking the unusual step of writing to all MPs asking them to vote against the UK leaving the EU without an agreement, to protect patients.

01/04/19

National Guideline Centre celebrates 10 year anniversary

Today, the National Guideline Centre (NGC) celebrates a decade of producing pioneering NICE guidelines.

04/04/19

Are end-of-life care charities reflective of the NHS' failings?

With end-of-life care charities growing in number and strength, Dr Stephen Kirkham asks whether this is a result of the NHS' failings.

15/04/19

RCP welcomes Labour's £330m commitment to solving staff retention crisis

Following Labour's announcement that it would commit £330m to solving the NHS 'staff retention crisis', RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard said the proposal could turn the tide on the current retention challenges.

29/03/19

NHS can save millions by preventing broken bones

More than 50,000 life-altering fractures could be avoided if preventative services were made available more widely, according to a new report released today from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

29/03/19

RCP joins UK healthcare bodies in launch of ‘pragmatic’ guidance on valproate use

Experts from 13 national bodies, including the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), have joined forces to launch new practical guidance to support doctors and other health professionals around valproate use in women and girls in their reproductive years.

29/03/19

Professor Goddard appointed to new NHS Assembly

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard has been appointed to the NHS' new NHS Assembly, a collaborative forum that will support delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan.

18/04/19

RCP launches Ward Rounds 2019 survey

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK is calling on the consultant workforce to complete our Ward Rounds 2019 survey, which is used to influence government, support workforce planning, and contribute to national health policy.

23/05/19

Shortlist announced for RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2019

The RCP has announced the shortlist for the 2019 Excellence in Patient Care Awards. The awards were launched in 2015 to promote and reward the impressive work that physicians are doing around the world to improve patient care, through education, innovation, research and clinical practice.

16/04/19

The harm caused by air pollution is huge, we need to act now

RCP special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate, explains why London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone is a bold step towards eradicating harm caused by air pollution.

12/04/19

RCP publishes response to Welsh government's Healthy Weight consultation

The RCP has today published its response to the Welsh government consultation on Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales, its draft strategy to prevent and reduce obesity.

12/08/19

Two million reasons to commission a Fracture Liaison Service

Older people who have broken a bone are twice as likely to break another, causing significant impacts physically mentally and financially. Bonnie Wiles looks at how a fracture liaison service can help prevent this from happening.

25/04/19

Medicine 2019: Stop using the word burnout says RCP president

In his keynote speech to the RCP’s annual conference in Manchester today, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard says we need to stop using the word burnout in relation to doctors as that implies a failure of the individual. He says we need to make it clear that healthcare staff are ‘injured’ by the overstretched system.

26/04/19

Medicine 2019: RCP makes ‘Research for All’ call to benefit patients and doctors

The RCP is calling for more research to be conducted in NHS trusts to support high quality patient care, with ‘protected time’ for doctors, nurses and other clinicians to undertake research projects.

25/04/19

Medicine 2019: RCP beyond 500

Medicine 2019 kicked off today with the first plenary session ‘RCP beyond 500’. Chaired by Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, academic vice president of the RCP, the session featured a range of speakers, including the president of the RCP, and discussed topics from work at the RCP to the future of the NHS.

25/04/19

Medicine 2019: NEWS2 – ‘Everyone in the NHS speaking a common language’

On day one of Medicine 2019, Professor Bryan Williams gave a presentation on the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and its recent update, NEWS2.

25/04/19

Medicine 2019: Infectious diseases and sexual health

Professor Margaret Johnson, consultant in HIV/AIDS medicine and professor of medicine at Royal Free London, chaired a session on infectious diseases and sexual health.

25/04/19

Medicine 2019: Matt Hancock calls for more female leaders in the NHS

Matt Hancock MP, UK secretary of state for health and social care, delivered a speech entitled ‘My vision for the NHS’ as part of the afternoon plenary on the first day of Medicine 2019.

10/05/19

Medicine 2019: Clinicians and the importance of research

In one of the final concurrent sessions of Medicine 2019 day 1, the focus was on careers. Including talks from a number of experts.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Mental health

Chaired by Dr Kate Lovett, dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, this session focused on the mental health of both patients and practitioners.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Palliative care

Day 2 of the RCP annual conference included a session on the challenges facing palliative care and how new models and systems can help.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Clinical cases

On day 2 of the RCP Medicine 2019 conference, Dr Matthew Roycroft chaired a session on clinical cases.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Physicians of the world

On Day 2 of the RCP Medicine 2019 conference, Professor Cheng-Hok Toh chaired a session on physicians for the world.

29/01/26

RCP to stop X activity following Council review

With immediate effect, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will stop posting on the social media channel X.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Evolving systems

Day 2 of the RCP’s Medicine 2019 annual conference included a fascinating session on evolving systems chaired by Professor Dame Jane Dacre, former president of the RCP.

30/04/19

Medicine 2019: Innovation plenary

Day 2 of the RCP annual conference included a plenary session focusing on innovation, chaired by the RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard.

29/04/19

Applying service design to unlock clinician workload

Reflecting on the RCP’s move to recruit a dedicated clinical director for digital health, Dr James Maguire and Dr Sam Shah from NHSX discuss how best to unlock the clinician workload by applying service design principles.

10/05/19

‘Tackle exit block, improve recruitment and invest in the wider medical team’ – RCP Cymru Wales responds to Welsh Government national winter evaluation

The RCP has responded to the 2018/19 Welsh government evaluation of health and care winter resilience 2018/19.

15/05/19

COPD audit reveals great strides and areas for improvement

Care of patients with chronic lung conditions is improving but there are still significant deficiencies that need addressing, according to the world’s largest clinical audit of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients, run by the RCP.

29/05/19

‘Trainees are under pressure to fill rota gaps, which leads to patient safety concerns on a regular basis’

Welsh hospitals are understaffed and overstretched. Over two-thirds of trainees report regular and frequent rota gaps, almost one-third of advertised consultant posts go unfilled, and absence due to sickness is rising. As 120 doctors and health professionals gather today (9 May) in Deeside for the Royal College of Physician’s (RCP) second north Wales conference, the college has published a new report which showcases several innovative case studies and suggests how things could be improved in the future.

13/05/19

RCP Cymru Wales responds to Senedd inquiry into the management of follow up outpatients across Wales

Using case studies and feedback from physicians, the RCP has responded to the Senedd Public Accounts Committee inquiry into the management of follow up outpatients across Wales.

02/09/19

A winter’s tale - third RCP poll tells story of a service reliant on goodwill from a demoralised workforce

90% of those responding to a poll conducted by the RCP witnessed colleagues going above and beyond their jobs last winter.

20/05/19

Voting open for 2019 RCP clinical vice president and councillor elections

We are pleased to invite our fellows to vote in the 2019 clinical vice president and councillor elections, and shape the future of the RCP.

28/05/19

RCP annual conference: Medicine 2020 officially launched

Medicine 2020, the RCP’s sixth annual conference, has officially been launched and will take place 23–24 April 2020 at The ICC, Birmingham.

18/06/19

Winners announced at RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2019

The winners of the RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2019 were revealed at a dedicated ceremony held at RCP London's Dorchester Library.

15/07/19

RCP journals now available in PubMed Central

Both Clinical Medicine (ClinMed) and Future Healthcare Journal are now available in PubMed Central (PMC), a not-for-profit, web-based, free full-text archive of journal literature for all biomedical and life sciences.

29/05/19

Outpatients: the future – Webinar on 3 June

Don't miss your opportunity to take part in the Outpatients: the future – Webinar on 3 June from 1-2pm.

03/07/19

RCP welcomes recommendations for NHS Trusts to use RCP’s NEWS2

The RCP has welcomed the recommendations of a new Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) report. These include taking a national approach to tackle preventable deaths from deterioration and recommending that NHS Trusts would benefit from using the latest version of the NEWS2 observation chart and protocols.

22/10/19

Delivering research for all: What next?

There is growing momentum behind promoting a research-active NHS workforce following RCP’s statement, Delivering research for all.

02/02/26

‘When senior clinicians speak with a shared voice, it matters’: RCP publishes summary of January 2026 Council meeting

RCP Council met in open session on 28 January to discuss social media and digital harms and hear updates about the RCP’s campaigns work on training reform, workforce pressures and corridor care.

31/05/19

A step closer to doctors on the shortage occupation list

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its review of the shortage occupation list (SOL). The SOL is the list of occupations which are recognised by the government as not having enough resident workers to fill vacancies. The RCP along with others has been making the case that the MAC should consider adding doctors to the list.

04/06/19

RCP responds to publication of Interim NHS People Plan

The RCP has welcomed the publication of the Interim NHS People Plan, saying that this is a step in the right direction for the workforce. However, the Treasury must work to support NHS staff starting with addressing the current challenges around pensions.

03/06/19

Interim NHS People Plan – a vision for the workforce?

Following the publication of the Interim NHS People Plan, RCP’s president Professor Andrew Goddard, sets out how the vision will help people working in the NHS to deliver the NHS Long Term Plan.

06/06/19

RCP's National Mortality Case Record Review programme leaves a lasting legacy in patient safety

After three successful years, the RCP National Mortality Case Record Review (NMCRR) programme will close on 30 June 2019, leaving a long lasting legacy in patient safety.

28/08/19

RCP responds to independent review of gross negligence manslaughter and culpable homicide

The GMC has published the report of the independent review of gross negligence manslaughter and culpable homicide. The GMC commissioned the review following the death of Jack Adcock and subsequent conviction of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba for gross negligence manslaughter.

25/07/19

Chief registrar challenges have increased my resolve to take up future leadership roles and encourage juniors to do the same

One of the enduring legacies of the RCP Future Hospital Programme is the chief registrar scheme, about to begin its fourth year. Dr Aarij Shahid Siddiqui, RCP chief registrar 2017–18, joined the UK-wide national scheme in 2017 as a senior trainee specialising in gastroenterology at Cardiff and Vale University Health board.

21/06/19

RCP appoints new clinical director for audit and accreditation programme

The RCP has appointed Dr Jane Youde, a consultant in medicine for the elderly, as clinical director for its leading national audit and accreditation programme.

25/07/19

The last thing you want to talk about? CPR in palliative illness and the #TalkCPR project

EPCA2019 quality improvement winner’s story by Dr Mark Taubert, clinical director/consultant in palliative medicine, #TalkCPR team.

25/07/19

Nominations open for vice president for Wales

The RCP invites eligible fellows to nominate candidates for the 2019 RCP election of its vice president for Wales - to serve from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022.

24/06/19

Thousands of fractures could be avoided if we take action now

Last month, the RCP Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) published its 2019 commissioner's report on fracture liaison services (FLS-DB) across England and Wales. Dr Gareth Llewelyn, our vice president for Wales, takes a look at the findings, and looks ahead to implementing the recommendations in Wales.

28/06/19

RCP supports Clean Air Day 2019

As part of the RCP's commitment to highlighting the dangers of air pollution, we supported Clean Air Day 2019 in Liverpool.

25/07/19

Gellid osgoi miloedd o doriadau os byddwn yn gweithredu nawr

Fis diwethaf, fe wnaeth Rhaglen Archwilio Cwympiadau a Thoriadau Esgyrn Brau (FFFAP) Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon gyhoeddi adroddiad 2019 y comisiynydd ar wasanaethau cyswllt torri esgyrn (FLS-DB) ledled Cymru a Lloegr. Mae Gareth Llewelyn, ein his-lywydd ar gyfer Cymru, yn bwrw golwg ar y canfyddiadau ac yn edrych ymlaen at roi’r argymhellion ar waith yng Nghymru.

25/07/19

RCP appoints first Lay Chair of Trustees in its 500 year history

The RCP has appointed Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE as the first lay chair of its Board of Trustees. The first in its 500-year history.

24/06/19

Results of 2019 elections for RCP clinical vice president and members of Council; Appointment of new censors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has elected Dr Sarah Clarke as its clinical vice president, along with five new members of Council. The RCP also announces the appointment of a three new censors.

02/07/19

Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2019: International winner’s story

Professor Karim Manji, international winner of an RCP Excellence in Patient Care Award, discusses his winning project which used zinc treatments to manage diarrhea in child patients in India and Tanzania.

26/06/19

RCP responds to Committee report on NHS legislative proposals

The Commons Health and Social Care Committee have published a report on its inquiry into the legislative proposals set out by NHS England to support the implementation of the Long Term Plan.

05/08/19

RCP elects new clinical vice president and council members

The RCP has elected Dr Sarah Clarke as its new clinical vice president, following a vote of over 4,000 of its fellows. The RCP has also elected five new members to its Council, and appointed three new censors.

16/08/19

RCP responds to GMC report on BAME doctors

The RCP has responded to a report by the General Medical Council (GMC) titled Fair to Refer? It explores the disproportionate number of fitness to practise referrals of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) doctors made to the GMC.

29/01/26

Policy progress | digital futures | workforce

Welcome to the first bulletin of 2026. I hope you’ve all had a good start to the new year.

11/07/19

The physical health and wellbeing of veterans

Michael Almond, Professor of Veterans & Families Studies and wing commander, talks about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant, and why it is essential NHS organisations ensure they are providing the best possible support and services for veterans.

10/07/19

RCP responds to NHS Patient Safety Strategy

NHS England and NHS Improvement have launched a new strategy on patient safety today. The strategy aims to be the ‘golden thread’ running through healthcare and sets out what the NHS will do to continuously improve patient safety.

11/07/19

Hip fracture quality improvement project saves lives

By Dominic Inman, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and NHFD clinical lead.

08/07/19

‘Whose test result is it anyway?’ New guidance for clinicians on ethics in genomic medicine

New guidance from the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Pathologists and British Society for Genetic Medicine will help healthcare professionals through the complex ethical issues that arise in genomic medicine. The guidance was prepared by the Joint Committee on Genomics in Medicine, which includes representatives from all three organisations.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: Proud to be a physician

This London Pride, Dr Iain Lawrie, president of the Association for Palliative Medicine, reflected on what it’s like to be part of the medical LGBT community.

05/08/19

RCP responds to GMC 2019 national training survey

The General Medical Council (GMC) has published results from its 2019 national training survey, which shows that there has been some improvement in reducing workloads of trainee doctors. However, the RCP is calling on trusts to take immediate action to solve issues around rota gaps and creating a safe and supportive environment for doctors.

10/07/19

RCP Cymru Wales yn lansio ymgyrch i warchod amser clinigwyr ar gyfer ymchwil

Mae ymchwil yn allweddol i ofal rhagorol i gleifion. Mae ysbytai sy’n cynnal ymchwil wedi gwella canlyniadau i gleifion ac mae llawer o feddygon yn ystyried ymchwil fel rhan bwysig o’u swydd ac fel profiad positif iawn.

25/07/19

Celebrating our members' achievements: passing the MRCP(UK) exam

Some of our existing members visited RCP London on Wednesday 17 July to receive their MRCP(UK) diploma at the 'New members ceremony'.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: My journey into medicine

From Hong Kong to Sunderland, RCP Education Fellow Hussain Basheer explores his journey into medicine.

29/07/19

Diplomates receive prestigious MRCP(UK) diplomas at RCP London

Over 120 diplomates, including 26 RCP members, received their MRCP(UK) diploma during a prestigious ceremony on Wednesday 17 July.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: The listening doctor

Neurology registrar Dr Helen Grote talks about how her deafness has helped her hear those with disabilities.

31/10/19

RCP launches Retirements 2019 survey

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians are calling on the consultant workforce to complete our Retirements 2019 survey. This is used to influence government regarding retirement plans, returning to work after retirement and pensions.

25/07/19

Taking action to support specialty doctors in Wales

Dr Gareth Llewelyn, RCP vice president for Wales, looks at how we could do more to support these doctors by offering different routes to a consultant post and ensuring protected time for research, teaching and professional development.

25/07/19

RCP ‘disappointed’ by government’s public health green paper

Our first reaction to the publication of ‘Advancing our health – prevention in the 2020s’ is disappointment, both with the way in which the consultation was launched and with the content of the document.

29/07/19

Recruitment for a senior examiner (PACES)

As Dr Tanzeem Raza nears the end of his successful term as Senior London Examiner for PACES, the RCP is looking to recruit a new senior examiner (PACES) to continue Dr Raza’s good work.

29/07/19

Brexit, wherever next?

Uncertainty has been the theme of the past few months, as it became clear that the EU exit deal Theresa May’s government negotiated would not make it over the necessary parliamentary hurdles. We now have a new Prime Minister, and his clearly stated ambition that the UK should leave the EU on 31 October come what may.

15/08/19

My Liverpool

Professor Cheng-Hock Toh is the RCP’s academic vice president and the lead officer for RCP at The Spine. Originally from Malaysia, and having lived and worked in Liverpool for over 20 years, here he describes his feelings for Liverpool and its people.

05/08/19

Royal College of Physicians appoints new clinical director for digital health

The RCP has appointed Dr Wajid Hussain as its new clinical director for digital health.

04/09/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to capital funding announcement

In response to the Prime Minister's NHS capital funding announcement, Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

27/08/19

Introducing the NHS medical examiner system

Dr Alan Fletcher is a consultant in emergency medicine, and the NHS national medical examiner. Dr Fletcher explains the new medical examiner system and how it will be implemented.

16/08/19

Medicine 2020 abstract competition is launched

The RCP abstract competition for our flagship conference, Medicine 2020, is open.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: The SAS way of life

Dr Krystyna Darasz, associate specialist in cardiology, talks about her decision to become an SAS doctor.

02/09/19

Colleges in conversation: Prof Andrew Goddard interviews RCGP's Helen Stokes-Lampard

In the latest issue of the RCP's membership magazine, Commentary, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard interviews Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

06/09/19

RCP and 16 other signatories send open letter to PM calling for health to be at heart of Brexit negotiations

In the run up to Brexit, we’ve written to the Prime Minister, along with 16 other health organisations, calling for healthcare to be at the heart of EU exit negotiations.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: Can we fix it? Yes, we can

Dr Simon Fleming talks about his determination to become a doctor, despite the odds.

23/08/19

Get ready for PACES 2020

The newly improved and updated PACES carousel will go live for the 2020/3 diet in September 2020.

02/09/19

Recruitment for an RCP chief examiner

As the RCP Assessment Unit enters its second year of activity, the RCP is looking to consolidate the work achieved to date by the various examining boards which fall under the Unit’s remit by creating the exciting new role of an RCP chief examiner.

06/09/19

Audit is dead — Long live audit

Dr Jane Youde, our clinical director for audit and accreditation, writes about how QI is building on the world-leading standards audit continues to set.

08/10/19

The RCP library launches a new improved Discovery service

The RCP library is proud to launch a new search portal, RCP Discovery service, to make the library’s online collections easily accessible.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: Pregnancy, parenthood and navigating a career as a doctor

Dr Jo Szram shares how her experience has shaped her desire to create true flexibility in the NHS.

09/09/19

Turner-Warwick winners share thoughts after giving lectures

With the Turner-Warwick lectures for 2020 recently launched, we spoke to some of the winners from the 2019 lecture scheme to find out more about their experiences with the scheme and what advice they'd pass on to this year's round of trainees.

05/09/19

From Branagh to bones: Why I joined the RCP’s Patient and Carer Network

Iona Price, chair of the RCP’s Falls and Fragility Fractures Audit Programme (FFFAP) Patient Panel, reflects on why she joined the RCP’s Patient and Carer Network.

04/09/19

RCP responds to the spending review (1)

Today, the chancellor Sajid Javid, delivered a spending review statement confirming the NHS’s budget for next year. This is our response to the review.

16/09/19

RCP welcomes new chief registrars

The RCP has welcomed the latest new cohort to join the chief registrar scheme – our flagship work-based leadership programme for senior trainees.

09/02/26

Taking on extra responsibility in an overstretched system

With clinical pressures rising and workloads stretching further each year, many physicians are understandably cautious about taking on additional responsibilities beyond patient care. Time is limited, energy is finite and the costs of over-commitment are real. Yet some roles outside day-to-day clinical work can offer a different vantage point on how medicine is organised, led and represented.

17/09/19

The RCP’s patient safety work: working to set good practice in healthcare

To mark World Patient Safety day Clare Wade, the RCP’s Head of Patient Safety, reflects on the college’s work on patient safety.

17/09/19

RCP membership: a stepping stone in a physician's career

As a member-first organisation, the RCP is always looking to celebrate our members and shout about their achievements to the world. On 24 September we’ll be hosting our next ‘New members ceremony’ where diplomates will receive their MRCP(UK) diploma.

25/09/19

Diplomates receive MRCP(UK) diplomas at RCP's prestigious ceremony

Around 120 diplomates received their MRCP(UK) diploma during a prestigious ceremony on Tuesday, 24 September at RCP Regent's Park, London.

01/10/19

What the Turner-Warwick lecture scheme provides for trainees

The 2020 Turner-Warwick lecture scheme is now well underway with applications coming in from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The scheme celebrates the life and achievements of the RCP’s first female president, Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick, by shining a spotlight on the outstanding work of our trainees.

27/09/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to National Audit Office Brexit report

Responding to tomorrow's National Audit Office report outlining the risk of delays to supplies for health and social care if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) registar Professor Donal O'Donoghue said:

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: Why I'm helping the RCP put equality and diversity at the forefront of everything they do

Equality and diversity consultant, Ben Summerskill talks about why equality and diversity in medicine matters.Ben was chief executive of Stonewall from 2013-2014. He is a former commissioner at the Equality & Human Rights Commission and is currently on the board of ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).

07/10/19

A new way of thinking: designing more integrated care with patients

Change in the NHS can be slow. Here Dr Binita Kane explains how clinicians, patients and strong strategic leadership are coming together to make a difference.

07/10/19

RCP publishes guide to integrated care and the NHS Long Term Plan

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a guide for physicians on what they need to know about implementing the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) to deliver more integrated care.

07/10/19

2019 Lilly Lecture

The 2019 Lilly Lectures were delivered by Dr Emma Redfern, consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospitals Bristol, and Dr Natasha Jones, consultant in sports and exercise medicine at Oxford University Hospitals.

13/02/26

New platform unlocks clinical intelligence from routine hospital data

A new study published in the latest issue of the RCP’s Future Healthcare Journal introduces PICTURE, an innovative data platform designed to transform everyday electronic health record (EHR) data into actionable clinical intelligence – without needing specialist analysts or complex coding expertise.

07/10/19

What do legislation, collaboration and integration all have in common?

RCP’s president, Professor Andrew Goddard gives his view on the news that NHS England and Improvement has recommended an NHS integrated care bill.

21/10/19

This Doctor Can: The dyspraxic doctor

Dr Emma Tremaine talks about how being diagnosed with dyspraxia lead her to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

09/10/19

President’s perceptions: it’s a long, hot summer

As I was sitting down to write this column, many homes — including mine — were in the midst of school exam results season and the highs and lows that go along with it. Tensions were high in the Goddard household, and so we were grateful for the chance to take a break to sunny Wales. The summer's ‘good’ weather, though, had got me thinking.

10/10/19

Ensuring pregnant women get the right hospital treatment for urgent medical problems

A new acute care toolkit from the Royal College of Physicians and the Society for Acute Medicine provides practical guidance for healthcare staff caring for pregnant women with an urgent medical problem like chest or heart pain, breathlessness or severe headache.

13/10/19

Royal College of Physicians’ census shows swathes of the country struggling to employ senior doctors

Only 13% of senior doctors’ posts in England were made in rural parts of the country, according to a UK-wide census of doctors conducted by the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

13/10/19

RCP publishes census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees 2018

The 2018 census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees, produced by the Medical Workforce Unit (MWU) at RCP on behalf of RCP London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), has been published.

16/10/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to Unicef’s State of the World report

Professor Rachel Batterham, RCP special adviser on obesity and chair of our advisory group on nutrition, weight and health, responds to Unicef's report, The State of the World’s Children 2019: Children, food and nutrition.

21/10/19

The Royal College of Physicians appoints medical director of publishing.

Anton Emmanuel has been appointed to oversee the RCP’s three publications.

13/02/26

RCP appoints four associate global directors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed four new associate global directors (AGDs), strengthening its international leadership and partnerships across key regions.

28/10/19

Medical royal colleges and homelessness charities call for doctors to receive mandatory training in keeping homeless patients off the streets

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), along with seven other medical royal colleges and homeless charities, has called on the Government to urgently address the needs of homeless people treated in the NHS.

27/11/19

The six New members ceremonies of 2019: what do they mean?

Tuesday 12 November will be the last New members ceremony for 2019, where we’ll be celebrating with diplomates in a fully-booked ceremony, that is steeped in tradition and full of celebration.

25/10/19

This Doctor Can: My quest to become the best doctor in Uganda

East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACoP) trainee, Dr Ezra Nnunda Kibirango talks us through his journey into medicine.

01/11/19

Pension tax driving half of doctors to retire early

Results from a survey by the Royal College of Physicians reveal that many doctors are choosing to retire earlier than planned, citing concerns over pension tax as one of the key factors in their decision.

22/11/19

RCP launches rainbow lanyards

The RCP is rolling out new rainbow lanyards for employees and members to support the LGBTQ+ community.

13/11/19

The final MRCP(UK) diplomas of 2019 have been presented by RCP London

Around 120 diplomates received their MRCP(UK) diploma during a prestigious ceremony on Tuesday 12 November at RCP London.

01/11/19

Notice to fellows - AGM

The date and timing of RCP's annual general meeting (AGM) of fellows.

31/10/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS plans for new rapid care measures

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “It is absolutely right that key access standards are reviewed periodically to check how effective they are for patients.

01/11/19

This Doctor Can: Britain’s first deafblind medical student

Medical student Alexandra Adams talks about her journey towards becoming the first deafblind doctor in Britain.

18/12/19

Patient safety and investment: The Royal College of Physicians’ plan for the new government

The government must put patient safety at the heart of the continued Brexit negotiations and invest in the health and care workforce, public health and prevention, a capital programme and social care provision.

06/11/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to IPPR report

RCP calls for a cross government approach following IPPR report revealing poorest areas hit hardest by public health cuts.

20/11/19

RCP appoints Professor Dame Jane Dacre as new chair of the Senior Physicians Society

Professor Dame Jane Dacre, immediate-past president of the RCP, has been appointed chair of the Senior Physicians Society (SPS).

18/11/19

Caring for doctors, caring for patients – RCP welcomes final publication of GMC-commissioned independent review

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard, responds to the General Medical Council’s Caring for doctors, Caring for patients report.

22/11/19

Royal College of Physicians welcomes NHS England pensions solution

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard, responds to NHS England’s in-year solution to the current pension tax charges issue.

04/12/19

RCP is seeking views on enhanced care guidance

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) Enhanced Care Working Parties and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) are pleased to release, 'Enhanced Care: Guidance' for open consultation.

22/11/19

RCP Council receive rainbow lanyards

Today the RCP launches rainbow lanyards for RCP Council, as part of a wider programme for employees and members to support the LGBTQ+ community.

27/11/19

What are the financial benefits of research for the NHS?

As part of our week-long series on the crucial role that clinical research plays in the NHS, Professor Pratima Chowdary, professor and consultant of haematology at the Royal Free Haemophilia Centre, talks about the financial benefits of research for the NHS.

04/12/19

New website for RCP Library, Archive and Museum Services

RCP’s Library, Archive and Museum Services (LAMS) is proud to launch a new website to showcase the College’s rich 500-year history.

28/11/19

Royal College of Physicians urges more NHS trusts to benefit from the ‘research effect’

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) today launches the next phase of its campaign for more research to be conducted in NHS trusts to support high quality patient care, with ‘protected time for research’ undertaken by doctors, nurses and other clinicians.

04/12/19

Royal College of Physicians appoints two new deputy registrars

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Dr Alastair Gilmore and Dr Sonia Panchal as its deputy registrars following a competitive appointment process for these new roles.

04/12/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to Nuffield Trust report on international hospital staff

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard, responds to Nuffield Trust's report revealing that one in four hospital staff were born outside the UK.

17/12/19

RCP responds to the general election

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the results of the 2019 general election.

19/12/19

New National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) annual report shows that hip fracture mortality figures continue to improve

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP)’s Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) has today published its annual National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) report.

18/12/19

Royal College of Physicians responds to the General Medical Council’s 2019 report

A report published today by the GMC highlights changing approaches to work-life balance and career development among doctors which impact on UK health services’ ability to plan for patient demand.

27/12/19

This Doctor Can: Being both patient and doctor

After falling ill while undertaking her medical training, Dr Ruth Silverton experienced what it was like to be both doctor and patient. In this blog post, she talks us through her own unique path into the world of medicine.

31/12/19

Survey reveals barriers to providing good care and confidence in new solutions

More than 90% of doctors said they hadn’t recently conducted any outpatient consultations by video but 70% thought that at least some could be carried out in this way, according to a survey conducted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

15/05/18

Whispers from the archive

Forty-five years ago Lord Platt and two of his colleagues sat down for a meeting over lunch in the RCP’s Heberden Room. Not a particularly exciting or unusual event, you’d be right in thinking, except that this meeting was being recorded. The voices of the three men whisper from the archive and reveal information about their lives, the RCP and the society of the day that it would be almost impossible to elicit from other sources.

09/03/18

Portrait and fine art collection

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) portrait galleries show leading physicians from the last 500 years, painted by some of Britain’s greatest artists. On display are works by: Cornelius Johnson, Joshua Reynolds, Johan Zoffany, Thomas Lawrence and Elizabeth Frink.

23/10/18

Symons collection

Cecil Symons (1921–87) was a physician and cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital, London. He collected many fascinating artefacts which would have been used by physicians and for self-care in the home. The Symons collection is housed in the Treasures Room at the RCP, in a space designed especially for it by RCP architect Sir Denys Lasdun.

14/09/18

Research and Academic Medicine Committee: vacancy for a senior academic clinician

A vacancy for a senior academic clinician will arise on the Research and Academic Medicine Committee (RAMC) at the end of 2015 and we are now looking for expressions of interest from fellows.

03/04/18

PROMISE 2016

Supporting overseas doctors in their transition to UK practice.

03/05/18

Venue accessibility

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) intends to be a welcoming venue for all its visitors. Our Grade I listed headquarter is fully accessible to those who have a disability or impairment, and we are continually looking to update and improve our provisions.

25/09/18

Free seminar: 'Keeping patients safe – Trust me I'm a computer?'

On Wednesday 5 October 2016 the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) hosted the fourth in a series of events focused on patient safety, this time looking at the impact digital technology and health informatics can have on keeping patients safe.

25/09/18

Free seminar: ‘Keeping patients safe – Medication errors: reading from the wrong script’

On Wednesday 29 March 2017 the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) hosted the fifth in a series of events focused on patient safety, this time looking at medication errors and the impact that approaches to accurate prescribing can have on keeping patients safe.

18/01/18

Free workshop: 'Professionalism – how to recognise and challenge poor behaviour in the workplace'

During 2018, as part of its new programme of work focusing on professionalism, the RCP will be running a series of free workshops in partnership with the General Medical Council (GMC).

20/04/18

Nominations are open for the 2017 RCP elections

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the 2017 RCP elections.

16/04/18

Healthcare sustainability – more than just money

In support of NHS Sustainability Day, the RCP highlights how healthcare sustainibility has become synonymous with money and how some simple changes could reap large environmental rewards.

25/09/18

Free seminar: Keeping patients safe – Learning from mortality reviews to improve patient safety

On 10 May 2017, the RCP hosted ‘Learning from mortality reviews to improve patient safety’ as part of it's Keeping patients safe seminar series. The event discussed how the National Mortality Case Record Review (NMCRR) can improve care and keep patients safe.

23/02/18

Voting is open for the 2017 RCP elections

After receiving a record number of candidate nominations, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to vote in the 2017 RCP elections. This is your opportunity to shape the future of your college, so make your voice count.

25/09/18

Free seminar: Keeping patients safe – Why professional behaviour matters

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) hosted the latest in a series of patient safety seminars on Wednesday 27 September 2017. ‘Why professional behaviour matters', the seventh event in the series, discussed how professional behaviour can improve care and keep patients safe.

16/04/18

Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick DBE DM FRCP

A tribute to Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick, former president of the Royal College of Physicians, who died peacefully on Monday 21 August 2017 following several weeks of exemplary care in the Brompton Hospital, where she had practised as a physician for most of her brilliant career.

05/02/18

Physicians for Africa medical education training begins in Kampala

A Royal College of Physicians (RCP) team, led by registrar Dr Andrew Goddard, arrived in Kampala, Uganda this week to support the delivery of the first Physicians for Africa medical education course.

06/11/18

RCP launches Wellbeing 2018 survey

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is calling on the consultant workforce to complete our Wellbeing 2018 survey, which is used to influence government, support workforce planning, and contribute to national health policy.

11/05/18

RCP North: Phase 1 of the RCP's new centre for clinical excellence officially opens in Liverpool

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce the official opening of RCP North on 10 October 2017 – phase 1 in its development of a major centre for clinical excellence in Liverpool.

05/02/18

First evidence-based NICE guidance on diagnosis, monitoring and management of asthma

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its clinical guidelines for asthma diagnosis and monitoring, and asthma management. Developed by the National Guideline Centre (NGC) and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), this is the first NICE clinical guidance on asthma.

15/03/18

Research shows 44 UK cities breach World Health Organization guidelines on air pollution

New research on UK pollution published today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Lancet Countdown collaboration shows that 44 UK cities are in breach of recommended World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for air quality.

15/03/18

Guidance for writing to MPs in support of RCP policy

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is encouraging its members and fellows to engage with NHS decision makers in order to highlight the challenges facing health and social care, and the impact of these on patient safety and staff morale.

05/02/18

New RCP resource aims to improve team working in the NHS

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched Improving teams in healthcare, a set of new resources aiming to promote improved team working in the NHS, and provide guidance, case studies and practical tips for all members of a healthcare team.

05/02/18

RCP response to the Budget 2017

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre provides her response to the UK chancellor Philip Hammond's Budget 2017.

05/02/18

GMC approves new Internal Medicine curriculum for 2019

The Federation of Royal Colleges of the UK announces approval for new curriculum including the Shape of Training principles.

05/02/18

NHS England approves use of National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2 to improve detection of acutely ill patients

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has updated its National Early Warning Score (NEWS), first produced in 2012. NEWS2 has now received formal endorsement from NHS England (NHSE) and NHS Improvement (NHSI) to become the early warning system for identifying acutely ill patients, including those with sepsis, in hospitals in England.

11/01/18

RCP calls for government to retain Working Time Regulations directive after Brexit

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), along with the BMA and a number of the UK's Royal Colleges, has signed a joint letter to prime minister Theresa May calling for the government to retain the provisions of the Working Time Regulations (WTR) directive in law when Britain leaves the European Union.

10/02/18

EU announces vaccines initiative 'roadmap'

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed a European Commission (EC) 'roadmap' that recommends strengthened cooperation against vaccine preventable diseases, which was launched on 4 December.

12/03/18

RCP president urges PM to find long-term financial settlement for NHS

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) president, Professor Jane Dacre, has called on prime minister Theresa May to find 'long-term solutions, not short-term fixes' to the unfolding winter crisis.

05/02/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: RCP and Janssen partner to promote wellbeing of medical patients with mental health issues

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to welcome Janssen as the first headline partner for its annual conference Innovation in Medicine 2018.

12/03/18

NHS 'cannot match demand with current levels of resource', says RCP president

Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has responded to the latest performance figures from NHS England.

02/02/18

RCP inputs into new EU initiative on vaccines

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has contributed to a second round of consultation by the European Commission to strengthen national action against vaccine preventable diseases across Europe.

12/03/18

Lung cancer patients living for longer than ever

A new report, published by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has found that more lung cancer patients are living for longer than ever, with 37% of patients alive at least 1 year after diagnosis compared to a rate of 31% in 2010.

02/02/18

Advancing patient care symposia in Pakistan

A Royal College of Physcians (RCP) delegation, led by Professor Jane Dacre, met with Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain during a visit to the country to participate in a symposia on advancing patient care.

10/02/18

ECSACoP Educational Leaders course announced for Zimbabwe

An Educational Leaders course – designed to develop the skills of those enlisted to teach at East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACoP) Training Centres – will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe on 4-6 February.

12/03/18

RCP response to the latest survey by the BMA on rota gaps

Following new data from the BMA on rota gaps Professor Jane Dacre gives her view.

12/03/18

RCP response to the High Court decision regarding the case of Dr Bawa-Garba

Professor Jane Dacre gives her response following today's High Court decision.

10/02/18

Professor Dacre calls BMA survey results 'further evidence of ongoing crisis in NHS'

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre called the results of the British Medical Association's (BMA's) latest Workload and wellbeing survey 'further evidence of the ongoing crisis in our NHS'.

07/06/18

NHS staff shortages leave doctors working in a system that isn’t safe

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre wrote an open letter to The Guardian highlighting safety issues surrounding the ongoing staff shortages in the NHS and the issues with tier 2 visas.

12/03/18

RCP response to today’s commitment by the GMC to look at the wider issues around manslaughter

Professor Jane Dacre provides her view following today’s GMC statement

10/02/18

Applications open for the 2018 Quincentennial Lecturer scheme

In celebration of our 500th anniversary, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is appointing a Quincentennial Lecturer in each region of the UK.

05/02/18

IBD Registry seeking new CEO

The IBD Registry, founded by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), Crohn’s and Colitis UK and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), is looking for a new chief executive officer as it expands to become a new legal entity.

09/04/18

Plus ça change – but is there new hope for the NHS?

In her latest column for Commentary magazine, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre outlines how increased scrutiny on the provision of social care could improve the fortunes of the NHS, amid the health service's ongoing crisis.

12/03/18

Audit of fragility fracture prevention services calls for improvements in patient care

A report published today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) finds that while more fracture patients are receiving a bone health check by a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS), a greater standard of care for all ‘fragility’ fracture patients is required.

08/02/18

FLS audit calls for greater standard of care for all ‘fragility’ fracture patients

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has found that while more fracture patients are receiving bone health checks from Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), a greater standard of care for all ‘fragility’ fracture patients is required.

12/03/18

RCP comment on the latest NHS A&E figures

Professor Jane Dacre gives her view on record A&E delays

09/02/18

A&E figures reveal record low performance figures

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre warned that the NHS was at a point of 'no return' following NHS England's release of monthly A&E figures yesterday, which revealed it's worst recorded performance against the 4-hour A&E treatment targets.

09/04/18

The social care squeeze: why it's time for reform

In an article from February's issue of Commentary magazine – a special edition focusing on end-of-life care – Simon Bottery from The King's Fund explains why the social care system can't keep pace with increasing pressure.

06/06/18

RCP president Jane Dacre comments on Home Office delivery of Brexit report

Commenting on the Home Affairs Committee report Home Office delivery of Brexit: immigration, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

12/03/18

Voting open for 2018 RCP presidential election

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased to invite its fellows to vote in the 2018 presidential election. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the RCP, so make your voice count.

12/03/18

The Queen visits the Royal College of Physicians to celebrate its 500th anniversary

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is honoured to announce that Her Majesty the Queen visited its Regents Park headquarters today to celebrate the RCP’s 500th anniversary year.

23/02/18

The Queen visits the RCP to celebrate our 500th anniversary

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) was honoured to welcome Her Majesty the Queen on a visit to its Regents Park headquarters to celebrate our 500th anniversary year.

09/04/18

End-of-life care: can it be everyone's business?

There is a growing mantra that end-of-life care is ‘everybody’s business’, but when a mantra takes hold in the devotee it can induce an altered state of consciousness. Professor David Clark argues that it may be time for a reality check.

07/06/18

RCP joins European call to action on antimicrobial resistance

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined over 40 European health organisations in signing a joint statement calling on European policy makers to support and strengthen the European Commission's new EU One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

12/03/18

RCP action on Dr Bawa-Garba case

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre outlines the RCP’s next steps.

01/03/18

Your digital legacy: an emerging aspect of advance care planning

As part of Commentary's special feature on end-of-life care, James Norris, founder of the Digital Legacy Association, examines how a patient's digital footprint is an increasingly common part of advance care planning.

05/03/18

‘RCP – Past, Present and Future' documentary launched to celebrate 500th anniversary

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched a new 500th anniversary documentary — RCP – Past, present and future — which brings together the voices of its senior officers to tell the historical story of the college, its achievements, the organisation’s role today and our future ambitions.

12/03/18

New multi-nation initiative to improve care and outcomes for patients with asthma and COPD

A new national clinical audit programme designed to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with asthma and COPD is to be delivered by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) across England, Scotland and Wales. The National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) has been commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) for the next 3–5 years.

12/03/18

RCP comment on chief medical officer’s annual report

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre gives her view on the issue of pollution as raised by the chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

05/03/18

RCP to deliver new asthma and COPD audit programme across the UK

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) today announced its intent to deliver a new national clinical audit programme across England, Scotland and Wales that will improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with asthma and COPD.

16/04/18

Professor Dacre praises 'progressive' CMO pollution recommendations

Following the release of 'Health impacts of all pollution – what do we know?', Professor Dame Sally Davies' annual chief medical officer (CMO) report, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre called its recommendation for health impacts of pollution to be included in all curricula for clinicians in training 'a notably progressive move'.

07/03/18

Our Future Health project launches with end-of-life care podcast

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched Our Future Health, a year-long project comprising podcasts, debates, surveys and events that will explore the challenges facing doctors and patients in 2018.

07/03/18

The physician and the dance of death

As part of our end-of-life care series RCP rare books and special collections librarian Katie Birkwood explores the dance of death, an artistic genre that offers fascinating insight into mortality during the Late Middle Ages.

12/03/18

Driving high-quality training and support for registrars

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new set of quality criteria for general internal medicine (GIM) and acute internal medicine (AIM) registrars, to be implemented from 1 August 2018.

08/03/18

Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK announces new quality criteria

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK announces the launch of a new set of quality criteria for general internal medicine (GIM) and acute internal medicine (AIM) registrars, to be implemented from 1 August 2018.

12/03/18

‘We are not robots’: NHS crisis worse than last year, say doctors

Consultant physicians believe that NHS pressures have increased over the past 12 months, according to a new report NHS Reality Check Update 2018 from the Royal College of Physicians.

12/03/18

NHS being 'pushed to its limit' according to reality check report

The NHS crisis is being 'pushed to its limit' according to over 1,500 physicians surveyed by the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) in our latest report NHS reality check: Update 2018.

09/03/18

Data from the FLS-DB

Transparency data from the first Fracture Liaison Service Database (FLS-DB) report.

13/03/18

RCP attends European Health Forum Gastein advisory committee meeting

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has attended the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) advisory committee meeting in Brussels to discuss the strengthening of European political agendas in areas such as AMR, health research and health systems assessment.

09/04/18

The final frontier: taking tourists into space

Space tourism may finally be about to become a reality. What medical requirements will be involved for those who participate, and can it be made safe? Journalist Radhika Holmström boldly goes to find out.

15/03/18

RCP North’s new home named The Spine

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) new £35 million northern headquarters will officially be known as The Spine, taking its name from a striking staircase on its north elevation that resembles human vertebrae.

06/09/18

RCP to participate in London's Lord Mayor's Show for first time in 500-year history

For the first time in its 500-year history the Royal College of Physicians is taking part in London's annual Lord Mayor's Show, a public parade celebrating the inauguration ceremony of the capital's newly-appointed lord mayor.

20/03/18

RCP presidential election less than a week away

Online and postal voting for the Royal College of Physicians' presidential election closes at midday this Friday (23 March 2018). The winning candidate will be announced at our AGM on Monday 26 March.

16/04/18

Government has 'clear responsibility to take urgent action' on air pollution, according to RCP special adviser

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate, said that the UK government has 'a clear responsibility to take urgent action on the dangerously harmful levels of air pollution' following the release of a new joint select committee report on air quality.

11/04/18

New medical school places – now we’re halfway there

After the allocation of 1,000 new medical school places, Professor Jane Dacre considers workforce planning challenges facing the profession and the potential solutions available to create a sustainable workforce.

26/04/18

RCP publishes 2017 gender pay gap summary

Today we have published our annual gender pay gap report, which showed that on 5 April 2017 the RCP had a mean gender pay gap of 12.8%.

22/05/18

Reducing air pollution in the UK: Progress report 2018

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is marking 2 years since the publication of Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution with a 2018 progress update and a Westminster event that will bring stakeholders and parliamentarians together to accelerate action on air pollution.

03/04/18

Dr Andrew Goddard wins RCP presidential election

Dr Andrew Goddard has been elected the 121st president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). In a close-run election that saw nine candidates stand and the maximum seven voting transfers, Dr Goddard won with 2,313 votes, 597 more than the nearest candidate.

28/03/18

Can we use clinical resources more efficiently in our NHS? That's what Our Future Health aims to find out

Professor David Oliver discusses clinical resourcing in the NHS, and how the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) new Our Future Health programme of events, activities and publications are being organised to provide a forum for debate.

09/04/18

RCP awarded 3-year contract to deliver Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has again won the contract to deliver the Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) for the next 3 years.

10/04/18

MSc in Medical Education applications now open

Applications for the 2018–19 MSc in Medical Education, delivered jointly by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and University College London (UCL), are now open.

06/04/18

Understanding the wellbeing of consultant physicians

With the NHS nearing crisis point, Medical Workforce Unit (MWU) director Dr Nigel Trudgill outlines the results of the department's new wellbeing survey and discusses what we can do to improve wellbeing among consultant physicians.

12/04/18

Behind bars: the poor health of the prison community

Every so often hospital staff see patients literally chained to another person for much or all of their appointment. Radhika Holmström asks is this how prisoners’ healthcare is arranged, and how they get access to hospital?

10/04/18

Government urged to focus on four key priorities while developing new health and care workforce strategy

Following Health Education England’s consultation on Facing the Facts, Shaping the Future: A draft health and care workforce strategy for England, leaders from eight royal colleges and faculties have written a joint statement to urge the government and its partners to prioritise four key points while developing the new strategy.

07/04/18

Why does it take so long to publish data?

Dr Paul Beckett, senior clinical lead at the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCS) explains why it takes so long for data on lung cancer patients to be reported.

10/04/18

Patient and Carer Network launches Impact Report 2017

The Patient and Carer Network (PCN) has today released its first annual impact report, developed to provide an overview of PCN involvement in the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP’s) work throughout 2017.

11/06/18

RCP issues data sharing consultation response

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has issued its response to a review of the potential impact that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Home Office and NHS Digital might have on the health and healthcare-seeking behaviour of migrants.

16/04/18

Shortlist announced for RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2018

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced the shortlist for the 2018 Excellence in Patient Care Awards. The awards were launched in 2015 to promote and reward the impressive work that physicians are doing around the world to improve patient care, through education, innovation, research and clinical practice.

17/04/18

RCP reports find care remains variable for many patients with COPD

People continue to wait too long for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment despite improvements in the organisation of care for patients according to three new reports released by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

20/04/18

How we're keeping air quality at the top of the agenda

Two years on from our groundbreaking Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution, the report's working party chair Professor Stephen Holgate explains how the RCP is continuing to pressure policymakers to act.

19/04/18

'The first 2 years of my career could have been the last': Why doctors' health must be more than a tick box exercise

Core medical trainee Dr Carys Fleming highlights the medical profession's 'tick box' approach to trainee wellbeing, and questions whether it can be doing more to recognise health issues in students whose focus is on helping others.

20/04/18

Modest, small actions can result in significant financial savings for NHS trusts, new RCP report finds

New RCP report looks how NHS trusts and individuals can make financial savings when dealing with waste.

20/04/18

Clinical audit guidance could help trainees be 'change agents of the future'

The RCP has called for stronger educational and organisational infrastructure when promoting the benefits of NCA data to trainee doctors in its latest report, Unlocking the potential: supporting doctors to use national clinical audit to drive improvement.

23/04/18

New RCP accreditation scheme will aid quality improvement in pulmonary rehabilitation services

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) announces the launch of our new Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS).

27/04/18

Use RCP early warning score to save patients' lives, NHS trusts urged

NHS trusts are being asked to use the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) updated National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) to help frontline staff identify deteriorating patients sooner, including those with suspected sepsis.

26/04/18

RCP supports Royal Society for Public Health report on drug policy

After a meeting of Council, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) signals formal support for the Royal Society for Public Health’s report Taking a new line on drugs and the evidence-based recommendations it puts forward.

02/05/18

Less waste, more health: Procurement 101

Following the release of the RCP's sustainability report Less waste, more health: A health professional's guide to reducing waste, RCP clinical fellow for sustainability Dr Jenny Isherwood outlines how simple changes to procurement practices can positively influence societal health and wellbeing.

30/04/18

RCP renews call for government to change tier 2 visa cap policy

The RCP has again called on the UK government to change its policy on the tier two visa cap to free up places for doctors.

02/05/18

Rethinking long-term conditions and disability – why the government's new 'Improving lives' white paper is important

Dr Sara Booth discusses the government's recently published Improving lives: the future of work, health and disability white paper, which sets out policy changes intended to ‘transform employment prospects for disabled people and those with long term health conditions (LTC).'

25/06/18

Jeremy Hunt confirmed as guest speaker at Innovation in Medicine 2018

The UK health and social care secretary will be discussing the future of healthcare and answering audience questions at Innovation in Medicine 2018, taking place at ExCel London across 25-26 June.

03/05/18

Professor Jane Dacre urges prime minister to relax visa restrictions for overseas doctors

The president of the RCP has written to Theresa May in response to a report in the Evening Standard stating that calls for a relaxation of visa rules to allow overseas doctors to work in the NHS were vetoed.

09/05/18

RCP apologises for ST3 recruitment error

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre and RCP registrar Dr Andrew Goddard have apologised to candidates for an error in the ST3 recruitment process.

09/05/18

Update on the re-running of the ST3 offers process

Further to the message yesterday regarding the necessity to re-run the offers for ST3 medical specialties, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre and RCP registrar Dr Andrew Goddard have emailed all candidates interviewed in round 1 of the 2018 process; the text of that email is replicated below.

09/05/18

Update on offers - existing preferences to be used so offers can start on 10 May

Further to recent messages regarding the necessity to re-run the offers for ST3 medical specialties, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre and RCP registrar Dr Andrew Goddard have emailed candidates to update them with the latest information available; the text of that email is replicated below.

09/05/18

Latest update on re-running ST3 offers

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre and RCP registrar Dr Andrew Goddard have emailed candidates with a further update about the re-running of ST3 offers.

10/05/18

ST3 re-offers FAQs

The Royal College of Physicians has published a set of FAQs about the re-running of ST3 offers.

10/05/18

ST3 offers: revised scores and ranks now available

The RCP can confirm that revised scores and ranks have been been released to the Oriel website. Candidates in competition for offers have been emailed confirmation of this.

13/05/18

ST3 re-offers commencing

The RCP's latest update concerning the ST3 recruitment error, including a revised FAQs and timeline document.

18/05/18

Transforming urgent and emergency care services

A new project by the RCP's Health Informatics Unit will contribute to the transformation of integrated urgent care services (IUC), incorporating NHS 111 call-handling and former GP out-of-hours (OOH) services, through widespread consultation with patients, healthcare professionals and industry.

17/05/18

Essential maintenance to RCP telephone system

The RCP’s telephone system will be suspended for 2 hours on Wednesday 16 May from 17.00 BST until 19.00 BST as part of an essential upgrade.

18/05/18

RCP clarifies position on assisted dying in relation to proposed legislation in the States of Guernsey

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) does not support a change in the law on assisted dying.

06/06/18

RCP supports European cancer specialist nurses

The RCP was invited to attend a roundtable meeting in the European Parliament earlier this month to discuss challenges and opportunities for the recognition of cancer nursing in Europe. This formed part of events to celebrate European Cancer Nursing Day on Friday 18 May.

21/05/18

ST3 Recruitment update: third iteration of offers made

The third iteration of offers has now been made, and we know that most people have received the same offer, or a better offer, when compared to the original offers process.

11/06/18

RCP responds to UK government’s Clean Air Strategy launch

The RCP's response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra's) new clean air strategy, which will be officially launched by environment secretary Michael Gove later today.

30/05/18

In conversation with Sir Terence Stephenson, chair of the GMC

In excerpts from the upcoming issue of Commentary magazine, Sir Terence Stephenson, chair of the General Medical Council (GMC), is interviewed by former editor-in-chief Professor Humphrey Hodgson about relations with the medical profession, the Bawa-Garba case, and the NHS' shortage of doctors.

07/06/18

‘We need more doctors to be thinking ‘it really could be cancer’’: Increasing early detection of cancer and neurological disorders in East Africa

RCP associate international director for Sub-Saharan Africa Professor Richard Walker discusses major challenges in the fight against cancer in East Africa and the impact of the RCP’s METAF programme with Dr Sadiq Siu, clinical oncologist at Tanzania’s Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Dr Georgina Wood, medical oncology registrar and METAF volunteer.

07/06/18

The Global Health Exchange programme: a year in KwaZulu Natal

Acute care common stem (ACCS) CT3 trainee Dr Stuart Winearls reflects on the personal and professional development gained during his 1-year placement at a level one district hospital placement in South Africa, as part of the Global Health Exchange programme.

30/05/18

Winners announced at RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2018

The winners of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2018 have been revealed at a dedicated ceremony held in the RCP's Dorchester Library.

25/05/18

RCP responds to 'Under pressure: safely managing increased demand in emergency departments'

The RCP's statement on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC’s) publication of Under pressure: safely managing increased demand in emergency departments, a report that highlights areas in which health workers can come together in a more systemised way to encourage early and effective planning for both winter pressures and periods of peak demand.

24/05/18

ST3 offers update

The ST3 re-offers process has caused anxiety for many, and we have been heartened to see the way we have come together as a community to support one another.

25/05/18

More doctors refused roles in the NHS under government’s tier 2 visa cap policy

The Home Office has revealed that nearly 2,000 doctors and health professionals have had visa applications rejected between December and March due to the government's annual cap on skilled workers from non-EU countries.

29/05/18

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre to lead NHS pay gap review

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre will lead a government backed gender pay gap review aimed at eliminating the 15% difference between male and female doctors in the UK.

16/07/18

New Physicians’ CPD app will help doctors record learning on the go

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK has launched the new Physicians’ CPD app.

06/06/18

RCP releases guide for patients over 50 who have broken a bone

The RCP in association with National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) has released Strong bones after 50, a new guide for patients and carers to support older people who have broken a bone following a fall.

20/06/18

AI in the NHS: how should physicians respond?

With the UK government's assertions that artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to 'transform the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of diseases' by 2030, Professor Jeremy Wyatt addresses five key questions arising from AI in healthcare.

14/06/18

NMCRR launches new mortality review toolkit for trusts

The National Mortality Case Record Review (NMCRR) has published a new Mortality toolkit aimed at supporting trusts in implementing a standardised way of reviewing the case records of adults who have died in acute hospitals across England and Scotland.

11/06/18

London mayor Sadiq Khan discusses air quality and the NHS

London mayor Sadiq Khan talks to the Future Healthcare Journal about air quality and the NHS, and delivers his plan for cleaning up the capital.

08/06/18

RCP500 Joint Lectures: interview with Professor Colm O'Mahony

Professor Colm O’Mahony discusses his upcoming lecture AIDS – past, present and future, which is part of the RCP500 joint lecture series with Liverpool Medical Institution (LMI).

19/06/18

'#5minutesto' census launched for SAS doctors

The RCP has launched the first '#5minutesto' SAS census, which will help it influence NHS bodies and the government so that the SAS physician workforce receives the investment, support and recognition required for sustainability and to provide the best patient outcomes.

18/10/18

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre awarded DBE in birthday honours

The Royal College of Physicians is pleased to announce that Professor Jane Dacre, president of the RCP, has been awarded a DBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

15/06/18

Health and Social Care Committee's 'Integrated care' report welcomed by RCP

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has welcomed today's publication of parliament's Integrated care: organisations, partnerships and systems report, but warned that integration could be 'extremely challenging' in the current climate.

15/06/18

RCP responds to Professor Sir Norman Williams review

The RCP welcomes the publication of Professor Norman Williams' rapid policy review into gross negligence manslaughter in healthcare, and its recommendations focused on creating a stronger culture of learning within the NHS.

15/06/18

RCP welcomes government's reversal on NHS immigration cap

The RCP welcomes home secretary Sajid Javid's announcement that doctors and nurses will now be excluded from the government's cap on skilled migration.

29/06/18

Voting open for 2018 RCP academic vice president and councillor elections

We are pleased to invite our fellows to vote in the 2018 academic vice president and councillor elections, and shape the future of the RCP.

18/06/18

Professor Dame Jane Dacre pens open letter discussing NHS funding settlement

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre publishes an open letter discussing the rumoured NHS funding settlement.

18/06/18

RCP president responds to Theresa May’s £20.5bn NHS 'investment'

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre responds to prime minister Theresa May's announcement that the NHS would receive an additional £20.5bn more a year by the end of 2023-24.

20/06/18

Are we spending enough on healthcare?

Professor Martin McKee chairs an Our Future Health roundtable event that asks 'Are we spending enough on healthcare to meet the needs and expectations of physicians and the public?'

20/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Sanofi UK partners with the Royal College of Physicians to promote innovation in medicine

Sanofi UK is delighted that it will be a headline partner at the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Innovation in Medicine 2018 annual conference in London, June 25th and 26th 2018.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Focus on physicians census shows doctors ‘fear that understaffing is compromising patient safety’

Mounting concerns for patient safety have been expressed by consultant physicians responding to the profession’s annual census, Focus on Physicians 2017–18 census (UK consultants and higher specialty trainees), published today.

05/07/18

Does Brexit need a health check? Discussing the NHS post-Europe

On the second anniversary of the Brexit vote, RCP registrar and president elect Dr Andrew Goddard asks whether it's time for a Brexit health check.

22/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Focus on Physicians 2017-2018 census

Focus on physicians: the report for the 2017–18 census of the consultant physician and higher specialty trainee (HST) workforces in the UK launches on Tuesday 26th June 2018. Please check back then to view the key findings and download the report

25/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Government must double number of medical students

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has called on the government to double the number of medical school places from 7,500 to 15,000 to meet the needs of tomorrow’s patients.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Providing smoking cessation for patients in hospitals will save lives and money

A major new report released today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) calls for a radical change in the way the NHS treats smoking, by providing opt-out cessation services as a routine component of all hospital care.

16/07/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: RCP seeks to increase inclusivity as membership reaches 35,000

Following today's announcement by Professor Dame Jane Dacre that the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) now has over 35,000 active members, the RCP said it was making changes to its membership access requirements in order to increase inclusivity and encourage members of the wider physician family to join and enjoy the benefits of membership.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Professor Dame Jane Dacre opens RCP annual conference

Professor Dame Jane Dacre opened her final conference before stepping down as president by welcoming the packed hall to Innovation in Medicine 2018, and inviting them to experience the full programme of events, sessions and debates that will be taking place over the next 2 days.

25/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Improving health through engagement with patients

On day one of the RCP Innovation in Medicine 2018 conference, Lynne Quinney, Patient and Carer Network (PCN) member, talked about improving health through patient engagement.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Transforming digital health and care

In a lively digital health session, Juliet Bauer, chief digital officer for NHS England, delivered an in-depth look into the role of digital technology in reconfiguring how we deliver health and care.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: What patients say, what doctors hear

On day one of the RCP Innovation in Medicine 2018 conference, Dr Danielle Ofri, associate professor of medicine at the New York School of Medicine, and author of the book What patients say, what doctors hear, gave a presentation about the importance of communication between the doctor and the patient.

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: Day one

A round-up of news from the opening day of Innovation in Medicine 2018

26/06/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: From surviving to thriving: culture in healthcare

Professor Evarist Njelesani, president of the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ESCACoP), opened Innovation in Medicine 2018’s day 2 morning session with an overview of the clinical challenges facing Africa.

26/06/18

Innovation in medicine 2018: Infectious diseases and sexual health

Day one of Innovation in Medicine 2018 included a fascinating and varied session on infectious diseases and sexual health chaired by RCP academic vice president Professor Margaret Johnson.

26/06/18

May to give NHS 'significant' cash boost, Jeremy Hunt reveals

Exclusive: health secretary says PM 100% committed to NHS in Guardian interview

05/07/18

Innovation in Medicine 2018: health and social care secretary Jeremy Hunt discusses NHS future in keynote speech

Jeremy Hunt, the secretary of state for health and social care, delivered the keynote speech at Innovation in Medicine 2018, and addressed the government's recent £20 billion funding announcement and strategies for a modern NHS service.

29/06/18

Parliament may not have time to approve Brexit deal, MPs warn

Cross-party committee says ‘time is not on our side’ amid slow-moving talks with EU

03/07/18

The role of reflection in the post Bawa-Garba era

Dr David Nicholl, consultant neurologist at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and RCP college tutor at University Hospital Birmingham, responds to Sir Terence Stephenson's recent Commentary article where he discussed the GMC's actions in the case of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba.

06/07/18

Celebrating NHS 70

To celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS on Thursday 5 July, the RCP is marking the special contribution the health service has made to British life with a programme of activity across the week.

02/07/18

May's extra cash for NHS is not enough, says spending watchdog

NAO’s Sir Amyas Morse warns more is needed to meet needs of a changing population

02/07/18

RCP clarifies position on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare

The RCP recently provided clinical scenarios for testing an artificial intelligence (AI) application being developed by Babylon Health, but this was not a joint project.

06/07/18

RCP delivers NHS 70th birthday message

On the day the NHS turns 70, RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre reflects on our role in the creation of the NHS, addresses the challenges and opportunities ahead, and records her personal hopes and ambitions for the service in the future.

09/07/18

RCP #LightUpBlue for NHS 70

The RCP last night joined over 100 national landmarks in celebrating the NHS's 70th anniversary by lighting its iconic headquarters blue as part of the nationwide #LightUpBlue event.

10/07/18

RCP welcomes new appointments at European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)

The RCP is pleased to welcome the election of new European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) president, Mr Freek Spinnewijn from the European Federation of National Homeless Associations, as well as the appointment of RCP’s European engagement advisor Paul Belcher as strategic advisor to the new EPHA president.

10/07/18

RCP comments on GMC annual national training survey findings

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre discusses the General Medical Council's (GMC's) initial findings from its annual national training surveys.

10/07/18

RCP launches new mesothelioma report

A new report, launched today by the RCP and Mesothelioma UK, shows that more mesothelioma patients diagnosed in England and Wales during 2014-2016 are receiving active anti-cancer treatment with chemotherapy.

19/07/18

Brexit white paper – the answer to all our concerns?

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre takes a look at the government's new Brexit white paper, explains what it tells us and asks what we still need to know.

13/07/18

Making hospitals safer - RCP sets out safe staffing levels to protect patients

For the first time, the RCP has described the staffing levels that need to be in place to provide care for patients, which will enable NHS trusts to map their current staffing against the recommendations to ensure they are able to provide safe care for patients.

23/07/18

Making physicians' voices heard: the RCP's work at parliament

RCP public affairs adviser Rory Murray discusses the college's campaigning, advocacy and policy work with government, and highlights our new approach to engaging with MPs.

20/07/18

Public consultation opens on pulmonary rehabilitation clinical dataset

The National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) is inviting comment on the draft clinical dataset for the pulmonary rehabilitation audit, which is due to launch in March 2019.

20/07/18

RCP supports Irish action on alcohol and cancer

The RCP this week submitted comments to an EU consultation on Ireland's proposed cancer warning label on alcohol bottles and cans, which highlights the direct link between alcohol and cancer.

25/07/18

RCP guidelines find patients with complex regional pain syndrome need better support

The RCP's updated guidelines for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) state that adult patients need better diagnosis, treatment and management of their condition from a wide variety of healthcare professionals.

24/07/18

Speaking in tongues: how do translation services work in the NHS?

The NHS spends millions on translators and interpreters every year. Radhika Holmström asks why these services are needed in hospitals, and what do they offer?

25/07/18

The RCP president criticises tobacco firm’s ‘quit smoking’ scheme

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre has criticised Philip Morris International (PMI), the world’s biggest tobacco firm, after it was accused of staging ‘a disgraceful PR stunt’ by offering to help NHS staff quit smoking to help mark the NHS’s 70th birthday.

27/07/18

RCP responds to the Marx medical manslaughter review

The RCP has submitted written evidence to the GMC working group that is looking into how gross negligence manslaughter and culpable homicide (in Scotland) are applied to medical practice.

28/09/18

Professor Dame Jane Dacre discusses the future of health and her final days in office

In extracts from her final interview as president of the RCP, Professor Dame Jane Dacre talks to Commentary magazine about the future of the NHS, Bawa-Gaba, and dealing with former health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

09/08/18

'#5minutesto' final call to complete the SAS doctor census

The RCP is calling on doctors to complete its first '#5minutesto' SAS census, which closes at midday on Friday 24 August.

17/08/18

RCP issues consultation statement on organ donation

Following a public consultation, on 5 August the government announced plans for a new system of consent for organ and tissue donation in England. The RCP has issued a statement outlining its position.

21/08/18

Welcoming an independent ‘green watchdog’: environmental accountability post-Brexit

RCP president-elect Dr Andrew Goddard responds to the government's consultation on environmental principles and accountability for the environment.

17/08/18

Cardiff ceremony marks 'first of its kind' outside London

As part of the year-long programme of celebrations to mark the RCP's 500th anniversary, a joint ceremony for new RCP members and fellows was held in Cardiff's historic Exchange Hotel,

13/08/18

RCP statement following the court of appeal ruling on the case of Dr Bawa-Garba

The court of appeal has unanimously overturned the ruling of the high court that Dr Bawa-Garba be struck off the medical register.

05/09/18

We are 500: send us your birthday message

The RCP is inviting members and medical professionals to join in our 500th anniversary celebrations by showing us who or what inspired you to become a physician, what makes you passionate about your career in medicine, or sending us a birthday message.

23/08/18

Healthcare sustainability project launches new NHS impact animation

The RCP has launched a new animated video outlining the impact the NHS has on the environment, and how health professionals can incorporate sustainability in their work.

30/10/18

Challenging 500 years of medical history: Answering the vexed question of women in medicine

Dr Kristin Hussey, lead curator of the RCP's upcoming This vexed question: 500 years of women in medicine exhibition, discusses what its highlights are, the pieces that shocked her, and the importance of highlighting the history of women in medicine.

23/08/18

RCP responds to government planning papers for a no deal Brexit

Following today's release of the first batch of government planning papers for a no deal Brexit, RCP president-elect Dr Andrew Goddard has issued the RCP's response.

06/09/18

RCP urges 'change in perception' of alcohol following major global burden study

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre has called for a change in society’s perception of alcohol consumption to 'ensure public education reflects the risks' following a major study of the global burden of alcohol concluded that there was no healthy level of alcohol consumption.

24/08/18

Deal or no-deal: explaining the government's Brexit guidance

With the release of the government's first batch of guidance papers in the event of a no-deal Brexit, as well as a letter from health secretary Matt Hancock aimed at frontline staff and six technical documents, RCP president-elect Dr Andrew Goddard explains the wider ramifications and outlines the RCP's position on each.

18/09/18

Beyond the basics: how to fix the medical ward round

During 35 years working in the NHS, Dr Rajendra Kumar Sinha witnessed a gradual decline in the support and organisation of medical ward rounds. Physicians, he argues, seem to have given up on ward rounds, and have accepted this decline as ‘the norm’ in their day-to-day working lives. Here he outlines some of the steps the NHS should take to repair the situation.

06/09/18

RCP calls on doctors to embrace AI, but make sure it works for patients

In new recommendations for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support doctors, the RCP has called on the medical profession to embrace the technology, but to make sure that it works for patients.

13/09/18

The £490 million question: is this the new cost of overseas health workers post-Brexit?

The government's lack of clarity over how the UK's immigration system will work after Brexit could leave the NHS spending up to half a billion pounds per year on international recruitment, explains RCP president-elect Dr Andrew Goddard.

13/09/18

COPD services invited to take part in pulmonary rehabilitation audit

The National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme (NACAP) has opened the registration process for its pulmonary rehabilitation workstream.

08/09/18

Rise of the machines: AI is here, but what is it and how should we use it?

It's not a matter of if artificial intelligence (AI) is going to become an everyday reality, but when. The question facing the medical profession is how much it can be utilised and what risks are involved.

11/09/18

Looking back at 500: are we still the same organisation?

As the 500th birthday of the RCP fast approaches deputy CEO Clive Constable asks which of the founding principles are still relevant today, and whether we're still the same organisation as in 1518.

27/09/18

RCP500 birthday roundup

The RCP is inviting members, fellows and the general public to join us on and around 23 September in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the signing of its founding charter, at a series of unique events designed to commemorate the past and look to the future of the college.

16/09/18

RCP praises new CQC report highlighting quality improvement in NHS trusts

The RCP has praised the Care Quality Commission's (CQC's) new report highlighting quality improvement in NHS trusts, and said that its findings show that 'skills and behaviours of QI are a key component of modern professional practice'.

11/10/18

Why medical leadership and management is essential to being a physician

Given the current workforce and financial issues facing the NHS, should physicians just concentrate on doing their most common role; seeing as many patients as they can, as quickly as they can? Professor Namita Kumar says perhaps not.

02/10/18

Professor Andrew Goddard welcomed as RCP's 101st president

Professor Andrew Goddard has assumed the presidency of the RCP, succeeding Professor Dame Jane Dacre.

24/09/18

RCP launches Outpatients 2018 survey

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is calling on the consultant workforce to complete our Outpatients 2018 survey, which is used to influence government, support workforce planning and contribute to national health policy.

21/09/18

Rise in older patients receiving innovative tests for delirium

A new report today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) shows dramatic results of an innovative programme of screening for delirium which has been the focus of attention and investment through NHS England’s best practice tariff.

24/09/18

RCP presidents present new 500 Charter

On the day of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Royal College of Physicians, staff and wellwishers - headed by president Professor Dame Jane Dacre and president elect Dr Andrew Goddard - arrived at the college's HQ in Regents Park via bike and foot to witness the presentation of the new RCP's new 500 charter.

11/10/18

RCP delegation attends EU parliament launch of Value of Health

The RCP will today, alongside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European groups representing patients, researchers and the healthcare industry, attend the launch of The Value of Health: Improving Outcomes multi-stakeholder initiative report at the European Parliament in Brussels.

26/09/18

Liver services in Wales join RCP-led accreditation scheme

All six health boards in Wales with an acute medical intake are now registered with the UK national accreditation scheme for liver services, Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS).

03/10/18

RCP supports European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) 2018

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased once again to support the annual European Health Forum (EHFG) that takes place in Gastein, Austria, this week.

04/10/18

Important notice concerning nuisance calls from an RCP registered number

We have been notified that one of our phone extensions has been fraudulently targeted by an unidentified caller and used to contact members of the public at random.

11/10/18

Essential tools for the job: why physicians need to improve medical leadership and management

Given the current workforce and financial issues facing the NHS, should physicians just concentrate on seeing as many patients as they can, as quickly as they can? Professor Namita Kumar says perhaps not.

19/10/18

Spotlight on the National Lung Cancer Audit's evaluation of molecular testing

The National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) is running a spotlight audit evaluating molecular testing in patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in mid-October. RCP research fellow Judith Tweedie explains why.

29/10/18

New president, new priorities? Professor Andrew Goddard outlines the RCP's next 4 years

Since taking office as the RCP’s 101st president on 26 September, Professor Andrew Goddard has been introducing himself to members and fellows and outlining his priorities for his 4-year term. In his first interview with Commentary since becoming president, Professor Goddard discusses some of those priorities, while outlining some of the challenges ahead.

24/10/18

Symons collection of medical objects gifted to RCP museum

Arts Council England has announced that the Symons collection of 450 medical and self-care objects has been gifted to the RCP museum. The collection has been allocated under the cultural gifts scheme, which was introduced by the government in 2013 as a major initiative to encourage lifetime giving to UK public collections.

11/12/18

Highlighting the RCP's role in person-centred care

As the health services face louder calls for a greater focus on person-centred, co-ordinated care, and more integrated services, Professor David Oliver highlights the key policy priorities for the RCP.

30/10/18

Professor Ali Jawad named RCP vice president (Global)

The RCP has named Professor Ali Jawad, who currently represents the RCP globally as international medical director and Hans Sloane Fellow, as its new vice president (Global).

06/11/18

Healthcare systems, funding and outcomes: international comparisons and experiences

As part of its ongoing work, the RCP's Our Future Health project is exploring some of the major challenges facing the NHS, and the physicians that work within it. Here, Dr Lewis Peake compares international healthcare systems, funding and outcomes, and asks whether it's a question of how or where NHS funding should be spent.

31/10/18

RCP provides recommendations for the medicinal use of cannabis-based products

The RCP has been commissioned by NHS England to provide recommendations for the medicinal use of cannabis-based products, to coincide with new regulations coming into force on 1 November 2018.

05/11/18

CCT holders survey 2017: equality and diversity in consultant appointments

The Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow have today published the ninth annual survey reporting the experiences of and outcomes for certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders within 1 year of gaining their CCT.

15/11/18

RCP Code of Conduct: holding ourselves, and others, to account

RCP senior censor and vice president (education and training) Dr Emma Vaux explains the RCP’s new Code of Conduct, which had its first viewing at our 500th anniversary celebration on 23 September, and launched in full on 6 November.

06/11/18

Carbon Trust Standard certification awarded to RCP

The RCP has become the first royal college to receive the Carbon Trust Standard certification, in recognition of its commitment to sustainable working.

15/11/18

RCP annual conference: Medicine 2019 officially launched

The RCP has officially launched RCP annual conference: Medicine 2019, which will take place at Manchester Central Convention Complex on 25–26 April.

13/12/18

Tribute to Professor Tim Evans

Professor Tim Evans was an inspirational leader who gave so much to the RCP in various roles, including as academic vice president and the operational lead for the RCP’s Future Hospital Commission.

15/11/18

'Grasping the nettle': how we can transform outpatient care

Following the publication of Outpatients: the future – adding value through sustainability, Professor Stephen Powis argues that the traditional model of outpatient care is no longer fit for purpose.

02/12/18

End-of-life care - when there is only one chance to get it right

Honest conversations about dying need to begin with a broader understanding of what ‘end-of-life’ actually means, and practical steps to enable the conversations to take place, writes Bev Fitzsimons from the Point of Care Foundation

22/11/18

What do we value in healthcare? An economic perspective

“Value” is cited in many hard decisions in the NHS. What gets covered by the service and what does not? What should we encourage doctors to take up as best practice, or phase out as outdated? John Appleby, chief economist of the Nuffield Trust, examines how value is defined in healthcare and how it impacts everyday services.

27/11/18

RCP president makes first official Welsh visit

On his first official visit to Wales, newly elected RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard, accompanied by Dr Gareth Llewelyn, RCP vice president for Wales, visited the Prince Charles Hospital and Keir Hardie University Health Park in Merthyr Tydfil to meet local trainees, specialty doctors, consultant physicians and managers.

23/11/18

NHS whistleblowers need greater protection, says RCP

The RCP has welcomed new government plans to strengthen protection for NHS whistleblowers, following the findings of the independent panel inquiry into Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

28/11/18

Value and population health: an NHS Provider perspective

How does treating the health of the population provide value in healthcare? Dr Chris Packham, associate medical director of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, examines the changing attitude to population health in the NHS and how it needs to improve.

02/12/18

WHO director general to deliver opening message at Global Health Horizons 2018

RCP Global has announced that Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, will provide a video message to accompany the opening remarks of former RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre at the Global Health Horizons conference on 3 December 2018.

17/12/18

Medical professionalism – putting humanity in healthcare

Following the publication of Advancing medical professionalism, Point of Care Foundation chief executive Jocelyn Cornwell discusses how it aligns with her organisation's goals and findings.

19/12/18

NEWS2: supporting the physician’s role in leading on the deteriorating patient

As healthcare searches for the next big breakthrough, Dr Matt Inada-Kim argues that the next great advance will not be a cure, but a change in the way we work as a system.

04/10/17

Prolonged disorders of consciousness – new RCP guidance to help healthcare staff and families

The Royal College of Physicians has today launched new guidelines on the diagnosis and management of people with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). They should help healthcare staff, families, carers, friends and others understand the clinical, ethical and legal issues surrounding the care of these patients.

17/01/17

NHS not routinely testing for killer disease

One hundred thousand people in the UK are at risk from an undiagnosed heart condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), says the Royal College of Physicians. FH is an inherited condition causing high levels of LDL cholesterol, which causes early heart disease.

03/10/17

RCP statement on seven-day services

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre, commenting on the Secretary of State’s announcement on a seven-day service and the consultant contract, said:

21/09/17

Status symbols: the RCP coat of arms

Heraldry is an important visual symbol of status and power for families and individuals. Originally granted in 1546, the arms of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has become an important part of its identity.

07/02/17

Architecture

The current headquarters of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is a Grade I listed building designed by renowned architect Sir Denys Lasdun (1914–2001). Opened in 1964 next to Regent's Park, it is widely considered a modernist masterpiece and one of London’s most important post-war buildings.

21/02/17

The anatomical tables

The RCP holds a rare set of six anatomical tables which display human veins, nerves and arteries dissected at Padua’s famous anatomy theatre in the 17th century, skilfully arranged on varnished wooden panels. They are currently on public display on the RCP's second floor gallery.

03/10/17

Royal College leaders express concern on junior doctor contract negotiations

In an unprecedented move, 15 leaders of medical Royal Colleges and Faculties have expressed their concerns over the recent junior doctor contract proposals.

03/10/17

RCP Trainees Committee statement on junior doctor contract negotiations

The Trainees Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP) represents physicians in training up to consultant level – the group of ‘junior doctors’ who it is reported will have a new contract imposed on them in August 2016.

31/08/17

RCP welcomes latest stage in EU data protection discussions

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined 42 organisations from across Europe in signing a new statement on EU data protection regulation.

31/08/17

RCP welcomes OECD alcohol report

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) have jointly welcomed the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD's) new report ‘Tackling Harmful Alcohol Use: Economics and Public Health Policy’.

31/08/17

RCP concern over proposed EU cuts to health research

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined a coalition of European research, health professional and patient organisations to call on Members of the European Parliament to oppose planned European Commission cuts to health research.

08/12/17

LSE report on TTIP and health: RCP statement

A study carried out by the London School of Economics and Political Science has assessed the potential impact of the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on public health and health systems, and concluded there is ‘very limited evidence of direct potential health benefits’.

31/08/17

RCP calls on MEPs to strengthen EU action on alcohol

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined forces with European alcohol, public health, patient and health professional groups in Brussels to lobby MEPs ahead of a European Parliament vote on EU alcohol strategy.

31/08/17

Response to House of Lords inquiry into EU alcohol strategy

The UK Alcohol Health Alliance - comprising some 40 British organisations including the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) - has submitted a response to the House of Lords inquiry into EU alcohol strategy.

31/08/17

RCP concern at EU transfer of pharma powers to industry

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined health and consumer organisations in Brussels to voice opposition to an announcement by the new European Commission to transfer responsibility for pharmaceuticals and medical devices from the Directorate General for Health to officials responsible for industry.

03/10/17

EU Working Time Directive Taskforce publishes evidence

Evidence submitted by 14 organisations - including the Royal College of Physicians - has been published online as part of the UK review on implementation of the EU Working Time Directive which was launched by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in October 2013.

31/08/17

RCP attends 18th European Health Forum

The annual European Health Forum gathers in Gastein, Austria, this week which brings together some 700 delegates including EU Ministers and representatives of the European Commission, European Parliament, WHO, OECD, and health organisations that are active at EU level including the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

31/08/17

RCP attends 5th European Public Health Alliance annual conference

Professor Nick Sheron, RCP representative on EU alcohol policies, and Paul Belcher, RCP principal EU advisor, have taken part in the 2015 annual conference of the European Public Health Alliance in Brussels. Delegates included EU health ministers, representatives of the European Commission, WHO and OECD as well as other EPHA member organisations.

04/09/17

RCP lobbies EU against dangerous chemicals in healthcare

As part of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP’s) sustainability work, we have signed a joint letter with Healthcare Without Harm calling on the European Commission to refuse a request from manufacturers to continue using Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (commonly known as DEHP) in PVC in consumer products, including medical devices.

31/08/17

RCP supports EU campaign to phase out hazardous chemicals in medical devices

The president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Sir Richard Thompson, has joined leaders of European healthcare professional and patient groups in signing a joint letter supporting a campaign led by Healthcare Without Harm (HCWH) which calls on EU health and environment ministers to phase out dangerous chemicals in healthcare, where safer alternatives are available.

31/08/17

COP21: Climate change and health - RCP raises concerns with MEPs

On 6 November, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) took part in a roundtable meeting at the European Parliament office in London to discuss EU preparations for the COP21 UN climate change conference which will take place in Paris in December 2015.

31/08/17

RCP supports EU alcohol awareness week

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) announced that it will be supporting EU Awareness Week on Alcohol related Harm (AWARH), taking place from 16-20 November 2015. Through a range of activities, AWARH seeks to highlight the negative effects of alcohol and call for greater policy action to address the problems it can cause.

31/08/17

RCP president joins plea on EU data protection reform

Today, the president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Professor Jane Dacre, has joined leaders of over 100 national and European health organisations who have signed a letter in The Times to voice concern about the potential negative impact of EU data protection regulation on medical research.

31/08/17

RCP and health groups call for strong EU limits on air pollution

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined a coalition of 17 European health organisations in signing a letter to EU Environment and Health Ministers, ahead of a key EU Council meeting to discuss revision of the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive on December 16.

31/08/17

RCP and research community welcome EU agreement on data protection

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and other members of the European Data in Health Research Alliance have welcomed the agreement between the European Parliament, Council of Ministers and the European Commission on a new EU Data Protection Regulation.

31/08/17

New EU rules for health professionals crossing borders

A revised EU directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, which was agreed at European Level at the end of 2013, came into force in member states on 18 January 2016. EU law provides for holders of specified qualifications in professions such as medicine and nursing to practise in EU countries other than those in which they qualify.

08/12/17

RCP joins call for EU ban on routine antibiotic use in farming

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) president Professor Jane Dacre has joined 50 health and scientific leaders from across Europe including Baroness Hollins (chair, British Medical Association Board of Science) and Dr Jeremy Farrar (director, Wellcome Trust) in calling for an EU ban on the routine, preventative mass medication of healthy farm animals.

03/10/17

RCP responds to EU consultation on European Working Time Directive

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest consultation of 'EU Social Partners' (EU level employer and employee organisations) on revision of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).

10/04/17

AGM officers' reports

The annual general meeting (AGM) of fellows is combined with the election of the president each year to form the College Day.

31/08/17

RCP calls for ‘simple’ policy changes to reduce mortality

Simple, cheap and effective changes to alcohol policy by both the EU and its member states have the potential to dramatically reduce liver mortality in Europe, according to research published this month by Professor Nick Sheron, RCP representative on EU Alcohol Policies and Head of Clinical Hepatology at the University of Southampton.

31/08/17

EU referendum – call for views

Between 1 April and 15 May 2016 the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) sought views from its fellows and members and health organisations closely connected to RCP on how the result might specifically affect healthcare and public health in the UK. The purpose was to help inform our fellows and members of the potential healthcare and public health implications of the referendum result

03/10/17

RCP and RCS joint statement on publication of junior doctors’ contract and equality analysis

Following the publication of the UK government's junior doctors' contract and equality analysis, the RCP and Royal College of Surgeons have issued a joint statement highlighting the detrimental impact it will have on women in the profession.

01/03/17

Lilly Lecture 2016

The Lilly Lecture 2016 takes place on Wednesday 20 April from 7pm. This year's lecture is by Baroness Cumberlege CBE DL, House of Lords, and the subject is 'Take me to your leader'.

08/12/17

RCP joins pan-European ‘Alliance to Save our Antibiotics’

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics, which represents organisations from across Europe spanning the health, medical, and environmental sectors. Other members include the Royal College of Pathologists, UK Faculty of Public Health, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the European Public Health Alliance.

03/10/17

Chief registrar project positions junior doctors at the heart of healthcare innovation and clinical leadership

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) pioneering chief registrar pilot scheme is hosting 10 junior doctors who will join acute trust teams at the helm of medical services across the country.

31/08/17

RCP endorses European 'Value of health' initiative

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined a group of leading health organisations from across Europe in an initiative to improve quality of care and public health.

31/08/17

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges statement on healthcare standards after the EU referendum

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) has issued a paper entitled What needs to happen to maintain the standards of healthcare in the UK which identifies a set of principles that it believes should be followed following the EU referendum.

06/01/17

Hip fracture patients need better post-hospital care

The National Hip Fracture Database's (NHFD) new 2016 annual report for England, Wales and Northern Ireland on hip fracture surgery has found that not all patients are receiving properly planned care and rehabilitation after leaving hospital.

31/08/17

RCP supports draft EU guidelines on antimicrobial use

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has contributed to a consultation by the European Centre for Disease Surveillance and Control (ECDC) on proposals for draft EU guidelines on the prudent use of antimicrobials in human medicine.

31/08/17

RCP representative to speak at seminar on EU public health policy and alcohol-related harm

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) representative on European alcohol policies, Professor Nick Sheron FRCP, will appear at a public health policy and alcohol-related harm seminar in Brussels on 27 September 2016.

04/10/17

Underfunded, underdoctored, overstretched - the NHS in 2016

Today the Royal College of Physicians launches a stark report on the challenges facing the NHS. The report paints a grim picture of an NHS struggling to cope under the increasing pressure of rising demand and inadequate funding, with resulting workforce pressures threatening patient safety.

08/12/17

RCP joins delegates at European Health Forum Gastein

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased once again to support the annual European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), which takes place in Austria from 28 September 2016.

11/12/17

Emergency discharge summaries: Have your say

The RCP HIU is conducting a consultation to support the development of new standards for digital emergency department (ED) discharge summaries.

16/03/17

New programme to improve care by reviewing deaths in hospital

A new programme from the Royal College of Physicians will help hospitals in England and Scotland standardise the way they review adult deaths in hospital. The National Mortality Case Record Review Programme has the full backing of the NHS in both England and Scotland, funded by NHS Improvement and commissioned by HQIP in England, and directly funded by NHS Scotland*.

31/08/17

RCP reaffirms support for new EU data law

Following the EU referendum, there has been some uncertainty about EU legislation in the UK, including the recently agreed EU Data Protection Regulation, which became law in May 2016. This marked the culmination of several years of lobbying by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and its research partner organisations.

13/06/17

RCP comment – Leaving the EU: implications and opportunities for science and research by the Science and Technology Committee

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has today released the report Leaving the EU: implications and opportunities for science and research which calls on the Government to make an immediate commitment to exempt EU scientists and researchers already working in the UK from wider potential immigration controls.

03/10/17

Junior doctors say patient safety is suffering as a result of poor staff morale and excessive stress

A new report outlines the experiences and issues faced by junior doctors on the fronline of the NHS.

31/08/17

RCP supports call for EU action on unhealthy marketing

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined MEPs and representatives of the European Commission, WHO and European health NGOs for a discussion in the European Parliament on how the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive can be improved to protect children from the advertising and marketing of alcohol and unhealthy foods.

03/10/17

RCP welcomes Jeremy Hunt's speech at NHS Providers on improving morale and work-life balance

Following secretary of state for health Jeremy Hunt’s speech at the NHS Providers annual conference, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre provides her response.

31/08/17

Air pollution: RCP calls for stricter EU vehicle emission rules

The European commission is consulting the public on changes to European rules on vehicle emissions standards, the so-called 3rd package on Real Driving Emissions (RDE). The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has submitted a joint response with the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the European COPD Coalition (ECC) and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA).

12/01/17

'Quality of patient care threatened' physicians tell PM

Members of the Council of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have today written to the prime minister, Theresa May MP, to set out their concerns about the capacity and resources needed to meet the demands on the NHS.

23/01/17

New bedside vision check tool to help prevent hospital inpatient falls

A new tool from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), that enables ward staff to quickly assess a patient’s eyesight in order to help prevent them falling or tripping while in hospital, is being made available to trusts and local health boards in England and Wales from today.

16/01/17

Alcohol and tobacco data standards consultation

The University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians Health Informatics Unit, are developing national data standards for recording alcohol and tobacco use in electronic patient records.

31/08/17

RCP at OECD health forum

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) joins European partner organisations in Paris on Monday 16 January for the OECD Policy Forum on the Future of Health.

19/01/17

RCP appoints Dr John Dean as QI Hub clinical lead

The Royal College of Physicans has appointed Dr John Dean as the clinical lead of its new QI Hub. Dr Dean is deputy medical director (Transformation) at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, where he works across the health economy leading service improvement.

09/06/17

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2017 shortlist announced

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced the shortlist for the 2017 Excellence in Patient Care Awards. The awards were launched in 2015 to promote and reward the impressive work that physicians are doing around the world to improve patient care, through education, innovation, research and clinical practice.

25/01/17

Lung cancer report shows rise in survival as more patients receive life-prolonging treatments

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) shows a 7% increase in the number of people diagnosed with lung cancer surviving for longer than 1 year, compared with results from 2010.

26/01/17

RCP response to the National Audit Office report on ambulance services

The RCP has commented on the 25 January 2017 report from the National Audit Office (NAO) on the increasing demand for NHS ambulance services.

31/08/17

RCP lobbies MEPs on unhealthy marketing

On Tuesday 31 January a key vote takes place in the European Parliament Public Health Committee on the latest revision of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).

03/02/17

RCP launches patient-led report on insights into use of personal health records

Today the RCP launches Personal health record (PHR) - User insights, a report aimed at helping healthcare professionals, providers and commissioners better understand how the public use personal health records.

31/01/17

IBD Audit Programme celebrates 10 years of improvement in patient treatment

On Friday 3 February the RCP’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Audit Programme is celebrating 10 years of influencing improvements in patient care and the transition of the programme through to the UK IBD Registry. To mark the occasion, nearly 100 medical experts and allied health professionals from the IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) community will be attending the day to celebrate the audit’s achievements.

01/02/17

COPD report highlights concerning levels of hospital readmissions for patients in England

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians shows that 43% of patients admitted for hospital treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were readmitted at least once in the 3 months following discharge, representing a considerable increase from 33% in 2008.

08/12/17

RCP-supported antibiotics alliance wins EU prize

A Royal College of Physicians (RCP)-supported antibiotics alliance has won an EU prize for efforts to reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

08/02/17

'...lack of progress is disappointing but not surprising..' RCP comment on NAO report on health and social care integration

RCP President Professor Jane Dacre comments on today’s National Audit Office (NAO) report underlining the lack of progress in health and social care integration.

09/02/17

RCP to host public lecture on ageing following gift from the Patron’s Fund

The RCP will use a generous £2,500 gift from The Patron’s Fund to support a special public lecture on ageing in 2018.

25/09/17

RCP president responds to BMA survey of European doctors

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre's response to the BMA survey of European doctors.

09/10/17

RCP welcomes commitment to securing the status of EU nationals including researchers

In response to Leaving the EU: implications and opportunities for science and research: Government Response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee’s Seventh Report, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

25/09/17

RCP comment on King's Fund report: We must not close hospital beds before investing in community services

Commenting on today’s King’s Fund report Delivering sustainability and transformation plans, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

06/03/17

Latest SSNAP report on stroke services shows further improvement

Nineteen per cent of hospitals are now achieving the highest possible score in the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP), showing that a world-class stroke care service is achievable.

28/02/17

Continuing to improve IBD patient care after the conclusion of the audit programme

The RCP’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Audit Programme ends today after a successful decade of influencing improvements in IBD patient care. The work of the programme has transitioned to the UK IBD Registry.

03/10/17

In their own words: Doctors' experiences on the NHS front line

A new RCP publication collates the experiences of doctors on the NHS front line over the last couple of months. Against the odds: Experiences from the NHS front line features anecdotes that describe the intense pressure the NHS has undergone recently.

02/03/17

RCP launches full version of specialty service planning resource

The Royal College of Physicians, in partnership with the UK’s medical specialty societies, has launched the full version of Medical Care, its first ever web-based planning resource for medical specialties.

06/03/17

Discover the history of the RCP medicinal garden

The history of the RCP's garden of medicinal plants is explored in the latest two episodes of our garden podcast.

02/03/17

RCP responds to CQC report on rising demand in the NHS

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published a report, The state of care in NHS acute hospitals, warning that the NHS is now on ‘a burning platform’ and that patient safety is at risk due to ‘unprecedented’ demand.

09/03/17

Budget 2017: RCP comment

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre responds to the government's 2017 budget:

31/08/17

RCP contributes to EU action on antimicrobials

Following a public consultation to which the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responded, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has developed a proposal for EU-wide guidelines on the prudent use of antimicrobials in human medicine.

16/06/17

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2017 winners announced

The winners of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Excellence in Patient Care Awards were announced at Medicine 2017, the RCP's annual conference.

03/10/17

Physicians worried about future patient safety, whistleblowing and rota gaps

A new survey from the Royal College of Physicians shows that 74% of physicians are worried about the ability of their service to deliver safe patient care in the next 12 months.

16/03/17

Medicine 2017: Read RCP president Professor Jane Dacre's speech to our annual conference

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre addressed our annual conference this morning.

21/03/17

National Hip Fracture Database celebrates 10 years of improving care for patients

A Royal College of Physicians programme that has contributed to improving post-operative care of elderly people who suffer a hip fracture is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

03/04/17

A year of plenty? RCP comment on the Health Foundation's report

Responding to the Health Foundation's report A year of plenty? An analysis of NHS finances and consultant productivity, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

07/04/17

Important changes to IQIPS governance

From 1 April 2017 the governance of the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) accreditation programme will no longer be hosted by the Royal College of Physicians.

30/03/17

Sport and exercise medicine at the RCP

As delegates attend the British Association of Sport & Exercise Medicine (BASEM) spring conference, the RCP outlines the resources and guidance we provide on this medical specialty.

29/03/17

RCP CEO Ian Bullock announces the appointment of Della Freeth as the RCP's executive director of education

I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Della Freeth as the RCP’s new executive director of education.

31/03/17

RCP welcomes 'Next steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View'

Responding to NHS England’s Next steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View , RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

08/12/17

RCP at Brexit, health and trade seminar

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has contributed to discussions in Brussels on Brexit, health and trade at a seminar organised by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), in partnership with the University of Manchester and the Economic and Social Research Council.

05/04/17

RCP comment: House of Lords select committee report on the long-term sustainability of the NHS

Commenting on the report published by the House of Lords select committee on the long-term sustainability of the NHS, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

25/04/17

Infectious diseases training to begin in Sierra Leone

An intensive RCP / West African College of Physicians (WACP) infectious diseases training course begins in Freetown on Monday 1 May, marking the first RCP activity in Sierra Leone and the culmination of the RCP’s biggest international capacity development programme to date.

02/06/17

Clinical lead sought for new liver accreditation scheme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is inviting applications for the role of clinical lead for the Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS) accreditation scheme (formerly known as Liver QuEST).

13/06/17

RCP comment on the Health Committee’s report on Brexit and health and social care—people and process

Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), responds to the Health Committee's latest report - Brexit and health and social care - people & process.

02/05/17

RCP and West African College of Physicians target infectious diseases in Sierra Leone

RCP members are working with west African colleagues in Freetown to deliver an intensive clinical skills course which supports existing efforts to build resilience against infectious disease outbreaks.

10/11/17

RCP Charter Cycle: 2018 for 2018

During the next 16 months RCP registrar Dr Andrew 'Bod' Goddard will be cycling around England and Wales in order to visit as many acute NHS trusts as possible and invite RCP fellows and members to sign the RCP’s modern charter.

08/05/17

Keeping patients at the heart of the NHS: RCP's four-point plan for government

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Keeping patients at the heart of the NHS manifesto puts patients firmly at the centre of Brexit negotiations. The four-point plan, created for the next UK government, sets out a series of evidence-based recommendations to support better patient care, ensure the NHS is adequately resourced to provide that care, and how the government can support people to live healthier lives in future.

03/05/17

RCP Fellows included in the nominees for WHO Director-General

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that it has agreed a shortlist of three candidates for the post of WHO Director-General, two of which are RCP Fellows.

03/05/17

RCP Health Informatics Unit leads new consultation on digital health records for children

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Health Informatics Unit is currently hosting a consultation to seek views from parents and carers, health and care professionals and industry on the content of a new set of standards for a digital health records for children.

05/05/17

RCP steps up training across Africa

Two major milestones have been acheived in Africa this week, with Royal College of Physicians (RCP) members supporting the East, Central and Southern Africa's first Educational Leaders Meeting in Zambia, and delivering the final clinical skills course of the M-PACT infectious diseases programme in Sierra Leone.

10/08/17

NHS cyber-attack: RCP comment

Responding to the cyber-attack which hit NHS services across England and Scotland on Friday 12 May, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre said:

02/06/17

Clinical lead appointed for new RCP liver accreditation service

The Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS) accreditation scheme – a new programme launching at the RCP in May – has appointed Dr James Ferguson, consultant hepatologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), as its clinical lead.

01/06/17

Millions of patients, 500 years, 2,018 miles – celebrating the RCP's incredible history

Thursday 1 June 2017 sees the start of a 2,018-mile cycle ride around the UK, celebrating the Royal College of Physicians of London’s 500th anniversary.

08/12/17

RCP joins European parliament debate on value of UK medical research

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is joining European policymakers and research colleagues in the European parliament this week for a debate and report launch on the value of the UK’s medical research sector to the EU.

01/06/17

Presidents sign letter of intent to establish joint venture to deliver exams, training and CPD

The presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians of London have signed a letter of intent to establish a new joint venture, the Academy of Physicians Colleges UK, building on the existing relationship known as the Federation of Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom.

02/06/17

RCP launches new liver accreditation scheme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has officially launched its new exemplar liver accreditation programme, Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS).

31/08/17

RCP discusses alcohol marketing regulation in Europe

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP's) representative on EU alcohol policies, Professor Nick Sheron, will today join Dr Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European commissioner for health, and Ireland’s minister for health promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD, at a stakeholder meeting in Brussels to discuss how European countries can better protect children from alcohol marketing through effective regulation rather than industry self-regulation.

08/06/17

Patients and physicians benefit from referring wisely

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Referring wisely report aims to start a conversation between physicians about the referral processes they use each day and seeks to aid the streamlining of such processes in the long term.

12/07/17

Future Hospital Programme launches review survey

The Future Hospital Programme (FHP) team is inviting RCP members and fellows to participate in a survey which will feed into an independent review of FHP, conducted by the University of Liverpool.

16/06/17

RCP supports National Clean Air Day

As part of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) commitment to tackling the problem of air pollution, we are supporting the UK’s first-ever National Clean Air Day (NCAD) on Thursday 15 June.

15/06/17

RCP welcomes latest fall in smoking prevalence in UK adults

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre comments on new figures, released by NHS Digital, on the prevalence of smoking by UK adults.

31/08/17

RCP expresses concern over future of health in EU policies

In an open letter addressed to European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and 40 European health organisations have expressed their 'grave concern' about the future of health in European policies and programmes.

29/06/17

Health and wellbeing key features of new RCP North in Liverpool

As phase 1 of RCP North begins to gather pace, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has revealed designs for its new iconic building in Liverpool.

28/06/17

RCP response to the Queen's speech

The Royal College of Physicians' president, Professor Jane Dacre, gives her response to the announcements made in the Queen's speech.

22/06/17

The RCP and FPA's response to Pulse article on Health Education England's physician associate training support

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre and Faculties of Physician Associates (FPA) president Jeannie Watkins' joint response to reports concerning Health Education England's (HEE's) reallocation of training support from GPs to physician associates.

27/07/17

RCP appoints Dr Ian Woolhouse as clinical director of national clinical audit and accreditation programme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Dr Ian Woolhouse as the clinical director of its audit and accreditation programme.

09/10/17

RCP response to reports of fraudulent use of the RCP fellowship

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) registrar Dr Andrew Goddard's response to media reports in India of fraudulent use of the RCP fellowship.

12/09/17

Dr Emma Vaux elected as the RCP's new senior censor

Dr Emma Vaux has been appointed as the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) new vice president for education and training (also called the senior censor) following a vote by over 3,150 fellows.

12/09/17

Eastern region the next stop for the RCP Charter Cycle

Physicians in the Eastern region will have the opportunity to sign the RCP500 Charter on Thursday 29 June as the RCP Charter Cycle continues its journey around the UK.

12/07/17

RCP launches 'Research for all: Sharing good practice in research management'

Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) launches its new report - Research for all: Sharing good practice in research management.

23/08/17

Junior doctors' quality improvement projects showcased at RCP

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP’s) Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) team held a quality improvement (QI) showcase on Monday 10 July.

17/07/17

Freeing up doctors to help the wider NHS

Physicians often contribute their time to work for the wider benefit of the NHS. However, this often goes unrecognised and with increased pressures it is increasingly difficult for many hospitals to allow for such time off work to contribute in this way. As a result the four chief medical officers and the General Medical Council (GMC) have sent a letter to every trust that supports such activity.

19/07/17

RCP comment on the tobacco control plan for England

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre responds to the release by the government of a new tobacco control plan for England.

31/08/17

EU officials join RCP warning on Brexit and medical isotopes

EU officials have warned the British government not to dismiss the impact of Brexit on Britain’s access to radioactive isotopes used to diagnose and treat cancer. This reflects concerns raised by the British Nuclear Medicine Society (BNMS) with the support of the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

24/07/17

Wellbeing survey finds majority of consultants do not feel valued by their hospital

A survey by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has found that only one in four substantive consultant physicians in the UK feel valued by the hospital in which they work.

04/08/17

Public health cannot wait until 2040, say health leaders

The medical royal colleges and the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change have responded to the UK government's plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

12/09/17

RCP500 Charter to visit physicians at south-west England hospitals

Physicians working in the south-west of England can add their names to our charter of modern-day values on 8–10 August when the RCP Charter Cycle visits four hospitals in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

03/08/17

Positive changes to the format of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 written examination from 2018

MRCP(UK) have announced that the Part 2 written examination will move to a single day format from the beginning of 2018.

03/10/17

RCP says extra medical school places not enough to address current workforce gaps

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the government's response to its call for extra medical school places as a good start, but warns this will not address major gaps in today’s medical workforce.

04/09/17

RCP at European Public Health Alliance Annual Conference 2017

This week a delegation from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will be attending the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) Annual Conference 2017 in Brussels, which this year focuses on 'breaking down barriers to effective policy action against chronic diseases'.

01/09/17

Nominations open for the RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards

Entries are being accepted for the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2018, which will recognise and reward the hard work done by physicians across the UK and internationally.

06/09/17

RCP releases prescribing support for junior doctors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today released Supporting junior doctors in safe prescribing, a new guide for supporting junior doctors when prescribing in hospitals.

07/09/17

RCP response to government policy paper 'Collaboration on science and innovation'

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) academic vice president Professor Margaret Johnson responds to the publication today of the government’s policy paper, Collaboration on science and innovation: a future partnership paper.

14/09/17

Hip fracture care still improving, but two in five patients still not receiving best practice care

The National Hip Fracture Database's (NHFD's) ninth annual report shows that while more patients are receiving early surgery and surviving a hip fracture, two in five are not receiving all of the recommended elements of a hip fracture programme that represent ‘best practice’.

15/09/17

RCP Charter Cycle riding to hospitals in the East Midlands

The RCP Charter Cycle will visit the East Midlands on 14–15 September, giving physicians working in hospitals in Derby, Kettering and Leicester the opportunity to sign the RCP's charter of modern-day values, along with delegates at the RCP Update in medicine event in Loughborough.

15/09/17

RCP comment on London mayor's announcement of school air quality audits

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes London mayor Sadiq Khan's announcement to begin the first of 50 'air quality audits' for primary schools in the worst polluted areas in London, in order to help protect children from 'toxic' air in the capital.

18/09/17

Physicians in Northern Ireland have their chance to sign RCP500 Charter

The RCP500 Charter will be in Belfast and Antrim on 20–21 September, giving physicians working in Northern Ireland the opportunity to sign our modern-day charter of professional values.

18/09/17

RCP to visit OECD Paris

A delegation from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will visit Paris this week to learn more about the growing health activities of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration.

21/09/17

RCP supports findings of National Voices study on person-centred care

Research from National Voices concludes that NHS services still do not give people adequate control of their own health and care, and there is no reporting of whether people’s care is coordinated across health and social care.

04/10/17

RCP praises OECD's willingness to work with stakeholders on 'wide-ranging' health initiatives

Representatives of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) who recently visited the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have praised the Paris-based organisation's 'desire to work with expert stakeholders such as the RCP' on its wide-ranging programme of health work.

26/09/17

Healthcare professionals and engineers partner to test new model

Applying a more holistic or ‘joined-up’ systems approach to health and social care provision could help transform the way these essential services are delivered and address the needs of a changing patient population, according to a joint report published today by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

29/09/17

RCP Charter Cycle to visit more physicians in the south-west

After visiting Cornwall, Devon and Somerset in early August, the RCP Charter Cycle will travel to the south-west of England again on 2–3 October 2017.

29/09/17

RCP joins international 'Health Care Call to Action on Climate Change'

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined European and global hospital and healthcare organisations in signing the ‘Healthcare Call to Action on Climate Change' ahead of the UN Climate Negotiations, taking place in November in Bonn, Germany.

03/10/17

Revealing faces from the past with clinical imagery

The Combined Royal Colleges Lecture 2017 will describe how clinical images contribute towards the depiction of faces from the past and from contemporary forensic investigation, and discuss the challenges and limitations of this research.

03/10/17

RCP attends 20th anniversary European Health Forum

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased once again to support the annual European Health Forum (EHFG) that takes place in Gastein, Austria, this week and celebrates its 20th anniversary year.

11/10/17

RCP launches IQILS accreditation scheme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched its Improving Quality in Liver Services (IQILS) accreditation scheme at an event in London. The RCP welcomed delegates from liver services across the country as they learned about the work of IQILS, hearing from speakers from the scheme and the British Liver Trust.

12/10/17

Joint response on physician associate regulation consultation

The presidents of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA), have responded to the opening of a consultation on the regulation of physician associates.

18/10/17

Sign the RCP's modern-day charter in the West Midlands

The RCP Charter Cycle arrives in the West Midlands on 19–20 October 2017, when physicians in the region will be able to sign the RCP500 Charter.

27/10/17

Advancing patient care in low-resource settings: the RCP's first global health conference

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP's) first global health conference, Global ambition, global reach: Advancing patient care in low-resource settings, took place on Wednesday 25 October, with more than 120 health leaders, current and future partners, and members of the RCP in attendance.

07/11/17

NHS frontline physicians braced and prepared for winter pressures but need the resources to meet demand

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre has written to chief executives and medical directors of NHS trusts with guidance on how to mitigate winter pressures. The Preparing for winter guidance covers the delivery of care, patient flow, wellbeing of the workforce and minimising unnecessary hospital occupancy.

10/11/17

RCP statement on NHS England’s new medical director

The president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Professor Jane Dacre, responds to the appointment of Professor Steve Powis as NHS England’s new medical director.

15/11/17

Physicians tell chancellor: 'Give health and social care the resources they desperately need'

Members of Council at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have written to the chancellor, Philip Hammond, setting out their concerns about the capacity and resources needed to meet the demands on the NHS.

08/12/17

Brussels roundtable: Reducing waste in healthcare

Today in Brussels, the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) clinical director for quality improvement and patient safety, Dr John Dean, will take part in the latest 'Value of Health: Improving Outcomes’ multi-stakeholder roundtable to discuss reducing low-value care and waste and health outcomes measurement.

22/11/17

Prevention of inpatient falls has improved, but further change is needed

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) National Audit for Inpatient Falls (NAIF) report 2017 shows that although the prevention of inpatient falls across hospitals in England and Wales has improved slightly, many patients are not receiving the required assessments which can help prevent falls in hospitals.

21/11/17

Record number of lung cancer operations as patient survival rates continue to rise

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) today published a new report revealing that almost 6,000 lung cancer operations took place in 2015, with a record 98.1% of patients alive after 30 days of operation and 96.3% alive after 90 days.

28/11/17

Latest SSNAP report showcases inspiring work by stroke services to improve patient care

The fourth annual Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report, Rising to the Challenge, celebrates the concerted efforts made by stroke services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in using robust SSNAP data and evidence-based standards to continuously improve patient care, experience and outcomes after stroke.

01/12/17

RCP collaborates on digital transformation project to improve patient services in Wales

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is collaborating with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMUHB) and Swansea University Medical School (SUMS) to improve the quality and safety of services provided by the health board to the local population.

07/12/17

Marking World Diabetes Day: multidisciplinary conference takes place in Amman

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) marked World Diabetes Day on 14 November with a multidisciplinary conference in Amman, Jordan, where diabetes prevalence stands at more than 13% according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) figures.

13/12/17

Pulmonary rehabilitation associated with lower hospital admission rates

The Pulmonary rehabilitation: Beyond breathing better report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Audit Programme reveals that people who complete a full pulmonary rehabilitation programme are much less likely to be admitted to hospital than those who do not.

14/12/17

RCP report finds there is still room for improvement in use of high-value COPD treatments in Wales

A new report published today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) finds that two-thirds of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Wales receive the flu jab – one of the most high-value treatments to stop exacerbations of the disease.

18/12/17

RCP response to Health Education England’s NHS workforce strategy

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre gives her view on Health Education England’s NHS workforce strategy.

31/05/16

RCP statement on e-cigarettes

The RCP statement on e-cigarettes from 2014, below, has been superseded by the RCP’s April 2016 report Nicotine without smoke: tobacco harm reduction, available free to download.

03/06/16

New toolkit will help hard-pressed medical registrars with workload

A new RCP acute care toolkit The medical registrar on call: maximising clinical experience, training and patient care will help hard-pressed medical registrars improve their workload, training opportunities and supervision.

12/04/16

RCP launches revalidation eLearning tool

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) today launches an innovative eLearning tool to support secondary care doctors going through the revalidation process.

24/03/16

Care for cancer patients in crisis to be improved by better decision making and more information for patients

Emergency admissions for patients with cancer remain problematic despite the development of acute oncology. There is more that could be done to improve their care and subsequent experiences and outcomes.

22/04/16

New toolkit to deliver increased consultant care to acutely ill medical patients

The fourth in the series of acute care toolkits from the RCP has been produced in collaboration with the Society of Acute Medicine (SAM). The toolkit focuses on changes to the organisation of care, working practices and medical rotas to ensure a consultant physician is available to review acutely ill patients on the acute medical unit (AMU) 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

15/01/16

NHS missing key opportunities to tackle alcohol abuse

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has exposed missed opportunities to tackle alcohol abuse through existing sexual health services.

05/01/16

Don’t miss early signs of lung cancer

Anyone with a cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks should consult their GP and ask whether they should have a chest X-ray, as a persistent cough may be a sign of lung cancer. This advice from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) coincides with the launch of the results of the National Lung Cancer Audit.

05/08/16

Improving Quality in Allergy Services registration scheme to launch

Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS) is a new project from a joint committee of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) that aims to improve the quality of NHS specialist allergy services.

13/01/16

Doctors can promote fairness and equality in health

In the UK today social disadvantage results in vast gaps in health and mortality, but these inequalities are not inevitable.

17/10/16

RCP to host first ever UK accreditation scheme for adult allergy services

Today the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Accreditation Unit is pleased to announce it will be hosting this autumn, the first ever clinical service accreditation scheme for Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS). But in order for the allergy community to prepare, the RCP is publishing its IQAS clinical service accreditation and evidence requirements, ahead of its official launch.

05/08/16

Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services accreditation standards published

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) accreditation unit is pleased to announce the publication of the Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) clinical service accreditation standards and evidence requirements. The standards are being made available ahead of the official launch of the QPIDS accreditation scheme in the autumn.

16/03/16

Harvey’s disciples: the Evan Bedford library of cardiology

'Harvey's disciples' is how esteemed cardiologist Evan Bedford (1898–1978) described his library of cardiological books, a collection of over 1,000 titles dating from the 16th century to the 1970s. The RCP library – which has traditionally been known as the Harveian Library – now houses this splendid collection.

27/09/16

19th century RCP lectureships now online

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) holds a number of special medical lectures each year. This has been made possible thanks to bequests left to the RCP by fellows and their families. Often named in the donor’s honour, these lectures facilitate discussion and debate around cutting edge medical topics. Now many of the lectures, including the Goulstonian and Croonian lectures, delivered by physicians in the 19th century are available online through the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL).

18/10/16

Pioneering report reviews how well hospitals prevent inpatient falls

The Royal College of Physicians' National Audit for Inpatient Falls (NAIF) has today released it's review of how well hospital trusts and local health boards prevent inpatient falls in England and Wales, which are set against the NICE guideline (CG161) on falls assessment and prevention.* This is the first time this has been reviewed.

05/08/16

RCP hosts Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services accreditation scheme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) accreditation unit is pleased to announce the launch of the Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) accreditation scheme.

29/11/16

RCP joins other medical royal colleges in supporting junior doctors

The RCP today joins other medical royal colleges in a joint statement supporting junior doctors and a return to negotiation.

29/11/16

Junior doctors’ industrial action

Royal College of Physicians president Professor Jane Dacre's special bulletin on junior doctors' industrial action.

25/01/16

Stroke in the UK: what to expect

Latest annual Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report reveals further improvement in stroke care is needed.

29/11/16

RCP comment on suspended junior doctors strike

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

11/01/16

2015/16 Consultant census – iPad mini winners!

The Medical Workforce Unit is pleased to announce that we have now given away four iPad minis in our October and November prize draws. Below are some images of our census prize draw winners with their Apple iPad minis.

30/06/16

Exhibiting the lost library of John Dee

We’re currently putting the finishing touches onto our new exhibition, ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’, which will open to the public on Monday 18 January 2016.

06/01/16

RCP to host National Lung Cancer Audit workshop in Wales

The National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) is hosting a workshop for members of the lung multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in Wales on 15 January, 2016. This is a chance to hear updates from the NLCA team, discuss future data collection in Wales and participate in quality improvement facilitated discussions.

08/01/16

RCP welcomes new alcohol guidance from the UK’s Chief Medical Officers

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre today welcomed the new alcohol guidance from the UK’s Chief Medical Officers.

22/04/16

RCP produces guidance on valuing trainees

The RCP has produced new guidance outlining how trusts can support medical trainees and ensure that trainees are valued and supported to deliver high quality care.

18/01/16

Opportunity to teach in East Africa

We are currently recruiting specialists in medical oncology and neurology to help deliver clinical training courses in East Africa.

20/01/16

Cold cures and prevention in the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL)

Coughs and colds affected communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries in some similar ways as they do today. Infecting people across society, they made up the bulk of general practice complaints. Despite this, when it came to the study of disease, colds were often ignored. Robert Prosser White, who was very critical of this oversight, attempted to remedy this with his book Catarrhal fevers, commonly called colds, their causes, consequences, control and cure.

25/01/16

Latest quarterly SSNAP report shows significant improvements in results

The eleventh report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reveals today that 36 stroke services scored an overall ‘A’ score for the quality of care they provide for patients demonstrating that a world class service is achievable.

30/06/16

This book belongs to … : John Dee’s library at the RCP

The RCP library contains the largest known collection of books from the library of the Elizabethan polymath John Dee (1527–1609). These are being displayed for the first time in the current RCP exhibition, ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’.

05/02/16

The birth of mankind

The byrth of mankynde, otherwyse called the womans booke was the first book on pregnancy and childbirth printed in English.

28/01/16

RCP Patient and Carer Network (PCN) welcomes four new Future Hospital development sites

The RCP Patient and Carer Network (PCN) has welcomed the announcement of four new Future Hospital development sites, the aims of which are to pioneer new approaches to the delivery of respiratory care, paediatric allergy care and the care of people who are frail and elderly.

16/05/16

The RCP launches four new Future Hospital development sites

The Royal College of Physicians announces four new Future Hospital development sites delivering clinically-led projects, focused on providing person-centred care across integrated healthcare services.

27/01/16

Ian Bullock appointed CEO of the Royal College of Physicians

Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) can announce the appointment of Ian Bullock as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

02/02/16

One fifth of consultants state that rota gaps are causing ‘significant problems for patient safety’

The latest census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees in the UK (2014/15) produced by the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, highlights significant concerns around filling gaps in trainee rotas.

10/02/16

Pulmonary Rehabilitation delivers significant health benefits but too many patients are missing out

The National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Audit Programme’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) Report reveals substantial health benefits received by patients who complete PR treatment yet many patients are not being referred, and many patients (40%) find it difficult to complete the PR programme.

04/02/16

Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) accreditation scheme appoints new chair

Today the SEQOHS accreditation scheme is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Robert Hardman as the new SEQOHS chair. The scheme is managed by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), on behalf of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

24/10/16

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2016 shortlist announced

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced the inaugural RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards shortlist. The mission of the awards is to recognise and promote the impressive work that physicians are doing around the world to deliver patient-centred care through education, policy, clinical practice and research.

09/02/16

Khartoum Medical Training Initiative interviews - February 2016

The Medical Training Initiative team will be holding interviews in Khartoum, Sudan on 18 February 2016.

22/02/16

Gone but not forgotten

This could easily be the title of one of the RCP’s more unusual member benefits, our obituary production service. This service has produced an obituary notice for every deceased fellow since our foundation in 1518.

30/06/16

‘Doctor’ Dee: John Dee and medical practice

John Dee (1527–1609) was a true Renaissance polymath. He pursued many different branches of learning, including medicine. The current RCP exhibition, ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’, explores Dee’s life and legacy through books that Dee once owned and annotated.

29/11/16

RCP ‘deeply disappointed' at breakdown of negotiations and imposition of contract

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

13/05/16

RCP hosts pioneering national Mortality Case Record Review Programme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased to announce that the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) has awarded it the contract to deliver the first ever national Mortality Case Record Review Programme for the next 3 years.

17/02/16

Publication of Five Trauma evidence-based guidance topics

The suite of Five Trauma evidence-based guidance topics, commissioned by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has been published today.

24/02/16

NCGC develops new evidence-based guidance on motor neurone disease

A new clinical and evidence-based motor neurone disease (MND) guideline - commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) - has been published today (24 February). The report sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the assessment and management of MND.

26/02/16

‘The size of a tennis ball!’: surgery and Samuel Pepys

If you’ve ever been under the surgeon’s knife or had more than a check-up at the dentist, you’ll be very aware of the wonderful discovery of anaesthesia. Spare a thought for Samuel Pepys who, like many others, bravely underwent intricate surgery to remove a bladder stone in 1658 without pain relief. Bladder stones still affect around 6,000 people a year in the UK, although they are less well known than their fellows, the kidney stones.

10/08/16

Doctors say 40,000 deaths a year linked to air pollution

A landmark report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has set out the dangerous impact air pollution is having on the UK's health – with around 40,000 deaths a year linked to air pollution. Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution presents that the harm from air pollution is not only linked to short-term episodes but is also a long-term problem with lifelong implications.

25/02/16

RCP IBD programme report indicates encouraging moves from trusts and healthcare boards to improve services and care

UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) programme has today launched it's Improving quality in IBD services report detailing the process and success of a series of workshops, webinars and site visits.

26/02/16

The anatomy of a building: Denys Lasdun and the Royal College of Physicians

Discover London's most extraordinary building and the art of modern architecture. A unique exhibition marking the centenary of visionary architect Sir Denys Lasdun and his modernist masterpiece – the Royal College of Physicians.

26/02/16

‘This bewitching poison’: alcohol and the Royal College of Physicians

An exhibition exploring 300 years of drinking history through the work of artists, doctors and satirists.

06/07/15

The mirror of health: discovering medicine in the golden age of Islam

An exhibition revealing the development of medical tradition in Europe and the Middle East from the collections of the Royal College of Physicians.

26/02/16

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: how disability was kept in a box

Join critically acclaimed actor and performance artist Mat Fraser for a journey through the history of disability – a history lesson with a difference.

26/02/16

Early medical printing and the Fasciculus medicinae of Johannes de Ketham

The RCP library recently purchased the 1500 Latin edition of the Fasciculus medicinae attributed to Johannes de Ketham. Join us for an evening lecture and reception to uncover the beauty and significance of this seminal work of early medical printing.

29/02/16

Election of Clinical Vice President and Four Members of Council

Fellows should have received the nomination papers to propose candidates for the office of clinical vice president, and for four directly-elected members of Council. These were sent with the Annual General Meeting papers, but if you need another copy they can be downloaded below.

04/03/16

‘To fetch out the fire’

In 1666 London, including the Royal College of Physicians, was devastated by fire. From September 2016 a new RCP exhibition explores the fire, its consequences and medical treatments for its effects.

04/03/16

The Kings Fund - Improving quality in the English NHS: A strategy for action

The Kings Fund's Improving quality in the English NHS: A strategy for action is a landmark report that the NHS in England should take very seriously. Here at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) we particularly welcome the emphasis on a systematic approach to improving quality of care.

10/08/16

RCP briefing on Air Quality Diesel Emissions in Urban Centres Bill

Read a short briefing on the Air Quality Diesel Emissions in Urban Centres Bill.

24/03/16

Lung cancer surgery survival increase

A report published by the Royal College of Physicians and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland demonstrates that survival rates after major lung cancer surgery is improving.

11/03/16

19th century cardiology texts from the Evan Bedford Collection now online

The RCP is home to an excellent collection of books donated by RCP fellow Evan Bedford (1898–1978). There are over 1,000 books in this collection, dating from the 16th century to the 1970s, each one drawn from his area of expertise, cardiology. Now many of the 19th century items have been digitised and are available to read online for the first time as part of the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL) project.

16/03/16

Taking action: Staff wellbeing in healthcare settings

RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre comments on staff health and wellbeing in the NHS.

11/03/16

RCP briefing on Sugar in Food and Drinks (Targets, Labelling and Advertising) Bill

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has produced a briefing in support of Geraint Davies MP’s Private Member’s Bill on Sugar in Food and Drinks (Targets, Labelling and Adverstising) ahead of it's second reading, scheduled for Friday 11 March in the House of Commons. The briefing outlines some key statistics on the prevalence of obesity in the UK, and the impact and financial cost of sugar in food and drink to the NHS.

15/03/16

Lack of time greatest barrier to doing research, say doctors

The Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) new report Research for all: Building a research-active medical workforce has noted that the greatest barrier doctors face in engaging in research is a lack of time, even though they are eager to do so. Drawn from the findings of a survey of almost 2,000 doctors, the report shows that respondents cited the lack of time as having a ‘significant impact’ on their ability to engage in research.

03/06/16

Exceptional & Extraordinary: unruly minds and bodies in the medical museum

Coming soon: two unique evenings of film, dance, performance and comedy inspired by museum collections exploring our attitudes towards difference.

18/03/16

‘The redoubtable Miss Cook’: a woman in the Royal College of Physicians

Women are scarce in Raymond Piper’s 1968 group portrait of RCP fellows attending their Annual General Meeting (AGM). Of 89 figures depicted by Piper, just seven are women. Four provide administrative support and are stationed down the painting’s left hand side. Their position behind a flank of senior officers disguises the authority of Ina Cook (1909–1996), who alone gazes wryly out towards the viewer through sharply angled spectacles, dressed in a brown mac.

16/03/16

One size doesn’t fit all - GPs and physicians innovate to improve patient care

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of General Practitioners shows how GPs and physicians are innovating to improve patient care.

30/06/16

Code making and code breaking: John Dee and the art of cryptography

One of the rare 16th-century books displayed in the current RCP exhibition ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’ is the Polygraphie et universelle escriture cabalistique by Johannes Trithemius (Paris, 1561).

25/10/16

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards winners announced at Medicine 2016

The winners of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Excellence in Patient Care Awards were announced at Medicine 2016, the RCP annual conference. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the impressive work of our membership and their dedication to delivering excellent patient-centred care.

06/04/16

NCGC develops new guidance on the use of preoperative tests before elective surgery

A new clinical guideline on preoperative tests is published today (6 April), which sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the use of routine preoperative tests before elective surgery. It was commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) which is hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

29/03/16

Obesity Health Alliance welcomes sugar levy announcement

The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), a coalition of 30 national health charities, medical colleges and campaign groups, yesterday welcomed the announcement in the Budget of a tax on the soft drinks industry.

17/03/16

IQIPS patient engagement day proves a resounding success

On Tuesday 16 February, Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) hosted its very first patient engagement event at The Royal College of Physicians (RCP). The event was a valuable opportunity for ensuring that programme standards are based on patient centred evidence as well as clinical evidence, while bringing the focus back to patients and raising awareness of the IQIPS scheme among patient groups.

21/03/16

Professor Jane Dacre's presidential welcome speech - Medicine 2016

Professor Jane Dacre's presidential welcome speech, presented on the 15 March 2016 at Medicine 2016.

24/03/16

‘Habitual gentleness’: a portrait of Jean-André De Luc

This small painting, a depiction of the Swiss geologist and meteorologist Jean-André de Luc (1727–1817), is an unlikely portrait to find in the RCP museum collection. De Luc was not a physician, but he was a fellow of the Royal Society at the same time as famed surgeon and anatomist John Hunter (1728–1793) and would have moved in the same circles.

01/04/16

You’re so vain, you probably think this blog is about you

The two vainest presidents of the RCP, Sir William Browne (1692–1774) and Sir Henry Halford (1766–1844), currently find themselves sharing wall space in the Lasdun Hall. Installing Henry Glindoni’s painting in the exhibition ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’ has displaced the portraits that normally hang on the wall outside the Osler Room, resulting in some unusual pairings.

27/06/16

World class stroke care is achievable: Latest quarterly Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) results

The thirteenth report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reveals today that 25 stroke services scored an overall ‘A’ score for the quality of care they provide for patients, demonstrating that a world class service is achievable.

29/11/16

Academy statement on junior doctors’ dispute

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges' statement on the junior doctors dispute.

29/03/16

Appointment of RCP Deputy Treasurer

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Chuka Nwokolo as deputy treasurer of the RCP.

31/03/16

New RCP End of Life Care Audit shows steady progress in care of dying people

New end of life care audit is run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and is funded by NHS England and Marie Curie, and commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.

30/06/16

Samuel Pepys and the library of John Dee

In the first in a new series of guest posts about John Dee’s life, books and publications, the Pepys Librarian at Magdalene College, Cambridge writes about books owned by both John Dee and Samuel Pepys.

30/06/16

The mystical objects of John Dee

As part of our series of guest posts about John Dee’s life, books and publications, Mehzebin Adam from the Science Museum, London, writes about mystical objects believed to have been owned by Dee. These objects can been seen in the current RCP exhibition ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’.

30/06/16

John Dee’s Books at Middle Temple Library

To accompany our current exhibition, ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’, we have invited guest posts from other libraries which hold books formerly owned by John Dee. Today, Renae Satterley writes about the Middle Temple Library, London.

30/06/16

A work by John Dee in Cambridge

As the current RCP exhibition ‘Scholar, courtier, magician: the lost library of John Dee’ continues, Liam Sims from Cambridge University Library describes some books written by Dee now to be found in libraries in Cambridge. This is part of series of guest posts.

08/04/16

Beef tea, a very 19th century remedy

If you open a book about 19th century dietary remedies it would be hard to find one that does not mention beef tea. It was a type of broth – made with beef and water – given to patients to drink if they were suffering from digestive problems, fever or weakness. People believed that the tea was nutritious and easy on the stomach, which would help patients to return to their former fortitude.

01/04/16

Election of the new regional adviser for North Wales

RCP vice president for Wales, Dr Alan Rees, calls for nominations to be made for the new regional adviser for North Wales by all RCP fellows based in Wales.

11/04/16

RCP Digest - April 2016

A round-up of RCP news.

15/04/16

Paediatric cardiology: a view from medical history

The specialty paediatric cardiology traditionally includes the care of patients of all ages with congenital heart disease and is a sub-specialty of (adult) cardiology rather than of paediatrics. For this reason physicians training in the specialty are overseen by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) rather than the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

29/04/16

Written in the stars: a horoscope in the RCP archives

Astrology, the study of the cycles of the stars and the planets and their influence on events on Earth, can be traced back to ancient civilisations. By the medieval period astrologers were usually respected scholars who believed that the movements of the stars influenced most things, including the weather, growing seasons for crops, people’s personalities and the inner workings of bodies.

29/11/16

RCP statement on the escalation of the junior doctors' strike

RCP president Jane Dacre’s statement on the escalation of the junior doctors' strike:

14/04/16

Foundation for the Development of Internal Medicine in Europe - clinical research course. Paris.

The 12th Foundation for the Development of Internal Medicine in Europe (FDIME) clinical research course will take place on the 4-6 July in Paris.

14/04/16

Improving Quality In Physiological Services (IQIPS) accreditation scheme reaches 40th service benchmark

The Royal College of Physicians’ IQIPS scheme, is pleased to name University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust’s Respiratory and Sleep service, as the 40th healthcare service to receive accreditation.

30/06/16

‘Rapt in secret studies’: was Shakespeare’s Prospero inspired by John Dee?

In Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, the character Prospero uses magical powers to intimidate his enemies and to manipulate the natural world. The character may have been inspired by the Elizabethan mathematician, astrologer and book collector John Dee.

29/11/16

Letter to David Cameron by Royal College presidents ahead of the junior doctors' strike

Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and a number of other Royal College presidents have sent a letter to David Cameron in response to the on-going dispute between junior doctors and the Government about junior doctor contracts. They call for an end to this damaging stand-off ahead of tomorrow’s planned industrial action.

29/11/16

Joint statement by Jane Dacre, president of the RCP and Dr Carol Postlethwaite, chair of the Trainees Committee of the RCP

Joint statement on the eve of the junior doctor's strike

17/05/16

Bookplates and porcelain: new research from the RCP archives

A bookplate, or ex libris, is a printed label used to indicate ownership of books, usually placed inside the front cover. Bookplates originated in Germany not long after the invention of printing. Early bookplates often incorporated the coat of arms of the owner but others were typographic labels. Bookplate is an Anglo-American term that came into usage in England towards the end of the 18th century; the term ex libris originated in France and is used universally in the non-English speaking world.

29/11/16

Message from RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre, regarding the junior doctors’ strike

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre provides a short video message on the junior doctors’ strike.

12/05/16

Promote e-cigarettes widely as substitute for smoking says new RCP report

The Royal College of Physicians' new report, ‘Nicotine without smoke: tobacco harm reduction’, has concluded that e-cigarettes are likely to be beneficial to UK public health. Smokers can therefore be reassured and encouraged to use them, and the public can be reassured that e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking.

28/04/16

Making it real – engaging patients, carers and clinicians in developing information models

The HIU has led development of professional standards for the structure and content of patient records for over 10 years, culminating in publication in 2013 of the AoMRC standards. Since then the focus has been on developing these professional standards further so that information can be carried in a computable format from hospitals to general practices and incorporated into the patient record without entering the data again (in other words, enabling interoperability).

11/05/16

Pioneering report reviews the provision of NHS services to prevent fragility fractures

The Royal College of Physicians Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP) Fracture Liaison Services Database (FLS-DB) for the first time reviews the provision of NHS services to prevent further fragility fractures in England and Wales.

23/05/16

Live stream: Future Hospital Partners Network - Thursday 2 June

Mastering the modern tools and methods of improvement - what do physicians need to know about quality improvement science?

29/11/16

RCP statement on the junior doctors’ contract talks

Following the conclusion of talks between the BMA and the government regarding the junior doctors’ contract, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

20/05/16

Thomas Willis: the father of neurology

Thomas Willis (1621–1675) can claim to be the father of the specialty of neurology: the study and treatment of the nervous system. Willis was a fine anatomist, celebrated for the dissections of the brain and of the cranial and spinal nerves, and his writings include the first use of the word ‘neurology’ itself.

18/05/16

The RCP welcomes the sugar tax announcement in the Queen's Speech

The RCP welcomes the government’s announcement of the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, which has been included in the 2016 Queen's Speech.

23/05/16

Professor Jane Dacre’s speech to the BMA special representative meeting

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre addressed the BMA special representative meeting on 3 May.

30/06/16

Our favourite John Dee exhibits

Seventy books, paintings and artefacts from the RCP library and elsewhere have been brought together in our current exhibition to illustrate the life and work of the Tudor polymath John Dee (1527–1609). Each member of the exhibition team has picked a favourite object, and explains why they think it’s so intriguing.

25/07/16

Third annual HiSLAC point prevalence survey

The High-intensity Specialist Led Acute Care (HiSLAC) project will launch its third annual survey of all hospital specialists in England in June.

28/05/16

Obesity Health Alliance: Public urges government to tackle childhood obesity

Public opinion figures from the Obesity Health Alliance urges government to do more in tackling childhood obesity

03/06/16

'Hold the hearse!': exceptional and extraordinary lives

Playwright and theatre-maker Julie McNamara has written a guest post for the RCP museum blog as she prepares for the performance of her new work exploring perceptions of disability, 'Hold the hearse!', at the RCP on Monday 13 June 2016.

09/06/16

RCP CEO Ian Bullock’s visit to the Middle East Patient Safety & Quality Congress

RCP CEO Ian Bullock recently attended the Middle East Patient Safety & Quality Congress in Dubai.

31/05/16

'Eat Fat, Cut the Carbs' report. RCP comment

RCP comment on recent report: Eat Fat, Cut the Carbs and Avoid Snacking To Reverse Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

01/06/16

Leading health informatics unit launches landscape review of personal health records activity

Today the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) Health Informatics Unit (HIU) has published an NHS England funded review, looking at the landscape of personal electronic health records in the UK.

10/06/16

Around the world in 80 resorts: travelling for health in the 19th century

A surprisingly large number of books and pamphlets about health resorts have been spotted in the RCP library collection during the library’s participation over the last year in the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL) project. Two hundred titles have come to light which provide information on health resorts as treatment, and attempted cure, for a range of 19th-century diseases.

14/06/16

Variations in care quality occur across the whole week, not just at weekends – BMJ letter

Kevin Stewart, the RCP’s clinical director of the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, along with other members of the RCP’s Care Quality Improvement Department recently authored an article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on the topic of care quality throughout the week.

19/07/16

Clinical neurophysiology: historical highlights

Neurological disorders range from acute emergencies such as stroke and meningitis to long-term conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Clinical neurophysiologists assess nervous system function, and diagnose and monitor neurological disorders using electrical, magnetic and computerised techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS) and evoked potentials (EPs). This distinguishes them from the neurologists who go on to treat these patients.

20/06/16

New RCP clinical vice president announced

Today we can announce that Professor David Oliver has been elected to the post of clinical vice president for the RCP. Elected by RCP fellows, Professor Oliver was one of five candidates for the role.

24/06/16

Vacancy for Future Hospital Programme clinical fellow

The Future Hospital Programme (FHP) at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is seeking to appoint a clinical fellow (through secondment) to support the research and evaluation activities of the FHP. The post is full-time (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) and fixed for 12 months.

24/06/16

Allies: the First World War and drugs

The First World War prompted many changes in the medical profession. This was certainly the case in pharmacology, where the standardisation of drugs became a priority. RCP fellow and Nobel prize winner Sir Henry Hallett Dale helped lead this movement.

24/06/16

RCP seeking new associate international directors

The Royal College of Physicians is recruiting new associate international directors for three regions. Associate international directors guide our activity within specific regions of the world, building links with local physicians and institutions, participate in clinical training projects and act as RCP ambassadors.

30/06/16

RCP member engagement survey 2016 - you spoke, we're listening

The biennial RCP member engagement survey is an opportunity for our members and fellows to tell us what we're doing well, and what we could be doing better. Here we share the key results of our 2016 survey and outline how your feedback will help shape our future activities.

14/12/16

Historic first general meeting of East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians begins in Zimbabwe

The inaugural general and scientific meeting of the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP) starts today in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, just 7 months after the new college was established.

01/07/16

Joint letter to The Times: Why we must support our EU NHS staff

A joint letter to The Times newspaper from the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Faculty of Dental Surgeons and Royal College of Emergency Medicine stating why we must support our EU NHS staff.

04/07/16

Join the Future Hospital Programme at development site event

The Future Hospital Programme (FHP) invites you to Pinderfields Hospital on 5 July for a 'big conversation' event.

10/08/16

Comment on Faculty of Public Health report 'Local action to mitigate the health impacts of cars'

Following the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) report on air quality earlier this year, the RCP's special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate, has commented on the publication of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) report Local action to mitigate the health impacts of cars.

29/11/16

RCP comment on BMA junior doctors' contract ballot result

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has commented on the outcome of the junior doctors' contract referendum after British Medical Association (BMA) members voted to reject the new terms and conditions proposed by the government.

07/07/16

RCP comment on the national data guardian’s 'Review of data security, consent and opt-outs'

Comment from Professor John Williams following the release of the Review of data security, consent and opt-outs carried out by the national data guardian, Dame Fiona Caldicott.

11/07/16

Patients in the driving seat: personal health records and person-centred care

The RCP's Health Informatics Unit (HIU) examines what person-centred care means in an increasingly digital world.

14/07/16

Future Hospital Programme chief registrar project is recruiting trainee doctors

In partnership with the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM), the Future Hospital Programme (FHP) is recruiting for the second cohort of chief registrars.

14/07/16

Future Hospital Programme case study wins cardiac care award

The Future Hospital Programme's Tell us your story - Reducing acute kidney injury through fluid management case study has been named as the 2016 winner of the Cardiac Care award at the HSJ Providers Awards.

22/07/16

RCP comments on Department of Health’s annual accounts

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has issued a statement commenting on the publication of the Department of Health’s annual report and accounts for 2015–16.

13/09/16

RCP response to the Public Accounts Committee’s report on discharging older people from hospitals

Responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s report on discharging older people from hospitals, RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre, provides her view.

25/07/16

RCP president’s reflections following the death of Dr Kate Granger

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has paid tribute to Dr Kate Granger, the hospital consultant who has died after raising £250,000 for a cancer charity.

27/07/16

RCP further strengthens ties with West African College of Physicians

Three senior fellows of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) who have led joint RCP / WACP activity in West Africa were awarded fellowship at yesterday afternoon's ceremony.

28/07/16

NHS England guidance says audiology services should be accredited by RCP programme

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the publication of Commissioning services for people with hearing loss by NHS England. The new guidance places a strong and clear emphasis on the requirement for audiology services to attain accreditation through the RCP's Improving Quality In Physiological Services (IQIPS) programme.

29/07/16

RCP North: centre for clinical excellence to be created in Liverpool

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce a major development in partnership with Liverpool City Council which will create RCP North, a centre for clinical excellence.

02/08/16

RCP scheme awards first occupational health physiotherapy accreditation

The Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) is delighted to award its first occupational health physiotherapy accreditation to Crystal Palace Physio Group.

01/08/16

RCP welcomes NHS England's new Accessible Information Standard

The Royal College of Physicians' Health Informatics Unit (HIU) is pleased to support the NHS' new Accessible Information Standard guidance, aimed at ensuring clearer health and care information for disabled people and their carers.

08/08/16

NHS England pledges over £100 million for digital innovation fund

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the announcement by NHS England of a funding pot in excess of £100 million for the creation of global centres of digital excellence.

16/08/16

RCP joins METAF programme to increase neurology and oncology specialty skills in East Africa

The East Africa Medical Training and Fellowship (METAF) programme has been launched in Nairobi, Kenya. METAF is aimed at building capacity to manage cancer and neurological disorders across East Africa and is a collaboration between the RCP, the East African Development Bank (EADB) and the British Council.

05/09/16

Twitter chat: The role of patient involvement in clinical research

On Wednesday 7 September at 8pm, the Royal College of Physicians will be hosting a Twitter chat, in partnership with WeDocs, on involving patients in clinical research.

25/10/16

Watch interviews with RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2016 winners

With nominations being accepted for the RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2017, individuals and teams interested in entering are invited to watch interviews with the winners of the 2016 awards.

19/08/16

RCP president Jane Dacre 'disappointed' with government childhood obesity plan

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has responded to the government's new childhood obesity plan, which outlines its aim to 'significantly reduce childhood obesity over the next decade'.

01/09/16

Junior doctor blog competition

The RCP is launching its first blog competition, by asking junior doctors to describe what single change would improve their lives as doctors for the better.

29/11/16

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges statement on proposed further industrial action by junior doctors

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) has set out its position in light of the decision by the British Medical Association to call fresh strikes in the junior doctors' dispute.

06/09/16

RCP launches second phase of chief registrar pilot

The Future Hospital Commission report hightlighted the need to establish new, senior leadership roles focusing on the delivery high quality, safe care. As a result, the Future Hospital Programme (FHP) is piloting the role of chief registrar to determine the skills, protected time and training needed to support this new leadership position.

09/09/16

Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal endoscopy appoints new chair

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Siwan Thomas-Gibson as the chair of the Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal endoscopy (JAG). This is with effect from 1 January 2017 when the current chair, Mr John Stebbing, leaves the position.

15/09/16

Social care for older people: RCP comment on King's Fund and Nuffield Trust joint report

The King's Fund and the Nuffield Trust have produced a joint report on the current state of social care services for older people in England.

15/09/16

RCP welcomes Department of Health's £816m research funding announcement

The RCP has written to UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt MP and Nicola Blackwood MP, minister for public health and innovation, welcoming the Department of Health's commitment earlier this week to invest £816 million in health research.

22/09/16

UK IBD audit highlights potential huge cost savings of using new biosimilar medicines

A new report into the use of biological therapies to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has found that new biosimilar* medicines, which work in the same way as the more expensive existing treatments, are safe and effective for patients and if adopted could reduce the cost of treatment by half.

20/09/16

Neurology clinical skills training begins in Kenya

The first clinical skills course of the 'Medical Training and Fellowship Programme', aimed at building capacity to manage cancer and neurological disorders across East Africa, is underway in Nairobi.

21/09/16

CEEU hosts four regional quality improvement workshops

During June 2016, the CEEU's End of Life Care audit team held four regional quality improvement workshops in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Leeds.

28/10/16

RCP and Global Health Alliance announce PACES training in New Delhi

The Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP) and the Global Health Alliance (GHA) have joined forces to deliver a series of training courses in New Delhi aimed at supporting junior doctors preparing to take the MRCP(UK) Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES).

26/09/16

RCP seeking associate international director for international medical graduates

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is seeking an associate international director (college officer) to oversee the Medical Training Initiative: an ambitious and expanding programme which enables junior doctors from all over the world to work and train in an NHS trust for up to 2 years.

27/09/16

SSNAP team to support Public Health England's delivery of cardiovascular disease masterclasses

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) will be attending a series of free to attend regional masterclasses which are being delivered by Public Health England (PHE) through the National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network (NCVIN).

04/10/16

IQAS scheme announces first accredited allergy service

The RCP is pleased to award its first Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS) accreditation to Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

29/11/16

Examination and training fees frozen for the fourth year running

The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK is pleased to announce that for 2017 fees for all parts of the MRCP(UK) diploma and Joint Royal College of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) enrolment will continue at their current level.

29/09/16

RCP comment: Improving the health of the public by 2040

RCP academic vice president Professor Margaret Johnson welcomes the Academy of Medical Sciences’ call for stronger collaboration between sectors in this area in its Improving the health of the public by 2040 report.

03/10/16

RCP launches #5minutesto consultant census campaign

#5minutesto...…influence governments, support workforce planning and contribute to health policy.It only takes 5 minutes to complete the new, shorter annual census of consultant physicians – you can even fill it in on your phone!

03/10/16

RCP guideline calls for suspected stroke patients to be scanned within 1 hour of hospital admission

New guidance for the treatment of stroke from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) calls for all patients to receive an urgent brain scan within 1 hour of being admitted to hospital.

04/10/16

RCP comment: Jeremy Hunt announces 1,500 new medical school places

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre welcomes the pledge by the secretary of state for health, Jeremy Hunt, that UK medical schools will be able to offer 1,500 new places a year.

07/10/16

Joint letter to The Guardian: Value and support NHS staff wherever they are from

A joint letter to The Guardian from the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Surgeons stating why we must support all NHS staff

18/10/16

New RCP report highlights inconsistencies in diagnosis and management of COPD in Wales

Today, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched Primary care: Time to take a breath, the UK’s first ever primary care snapshot audit assessing the clinical effectiveness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care in Wales.

19/10/16

New RCP advice aims to reduce inpatient injury from trips and falls

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has produced Falls Prevention in Hospital: a Guide for Patients, their Families and Carers, a guide designed to help prevent serious injury and unnecessary cost to the NHS caused by older people tripping or falling when they are in hospital.

27/10/16

Future Hospital Programme Podcast: After Action Review

In the first of the Future Hospital Programme's new podcast series, Clara Kalu, programme lead at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, discusses After Action Review (AAR) and explains how it can help teams learn from past events, offers examples of how AAR works in action and advocates for greater engagement from clinical teams in quality improvement initaitives.

27/10/16

RCP president responds to research on doctors' low morale

The General Medical Council (GMC) today published State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK 2016, which warned that low morale amongst doctors was putting patient safety at risk. It also found that fewer doctors are going on to specialty training, with many stating that ‘burnout’ was the reason for taking a break from medicine.

27/10/16

Advanced Medicine Congress 2016

The second Advanced Medicine Congress, a collaboration between the RCP and the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, will bring together physicians from around the world to discuss the latest trends and developments in general neurology, haematology and cardiology. Patient safety is the theme for this year's conference.

31/10/16

RCP to attend eighth International Conference of the Jordanian Royal Medical Services

A team from the RCP will be participating in the eighth International Conference of the Jordanian Royal Medical Services. The conference, which begins on 15 November 2016, takes place at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center, Dead Sea, Jordan, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein.

03/11/16

RCP welcomes Health Committee report: Winter pressure in accident and emergency departments

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre welcomes the findings of the House of Commons Health Committee report on winter planning in accident and emergency (A&E) departments.

07/11/16

Listen to the latest RCP garden podcast: 'A classical plant with a mistaken name'

The latest episode of the RCP garden podcast, presented by Professor Anthony Dayan, discusses deadly nightshade – a classical plant with a mistaken name.

09/11/16

RCP participates in West African College of Physicians annual meeting

An RCP team travelled to Liberia last week to participate in the 40th Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

09/11/16

RCP comment: NHS England proposes to cut the sale of sugary drinks on NHS premises

The RCP’s spokesperson on obesity, Professor John Wass, has welcomed a call by NHS England to cut the sale of sugary drinks on NHS premises.

10/11/16

RCP’s pioneering chief registrar programme urges trusts to allow the leaders of tomorrow to be the leaders of today

Today the Royal College of Physicians chief registrar scheme has opened recruitment to trusts across the UK.

11/11/16

RCP responds to NHS England performance data release

NHS England yesterday (10 November 2016) published combined performance data setting out a range of outcomes data and providing clear evidence that demand on the health service is increasing.

14/11/16

18% of hospitals now achieving the highest possible score in the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme, indicating a world class stroke service

Latest stroke audit results for April-July 2016 reveal that 42 (18%) of all inpatient stroke services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland achieved an “A” score indicating a world class stroke service, with a further 59 teams (26%) achieving a “B” score. That only 12 (5%) stroke services scored in the lowest “E” banding shows that despite stringent targets much progress has been made in stroke care in recent years.

29/11/16

New RCP Wales report calls for ambitious national vision to tackle whole-system medical recruitment challenges

Today the Royal College of Physicians launched Physicians on the front line, a major new report on the medical workforce in Wales which calls for a long-term vision for the Welsh NHS that shows real ambition on service change.

16/11/16

New national COPD primary care report for England shares lessons learnt from Wales

Today, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a report looking at the clinical effectiveness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care in primary care in England.

23/11/16

RCP comment on the government’s autumn statement

Reacting to the government’s autumn statement, Royal College of Physicians president Professor Jane Dacre gives her view on the lack of new funding for our NHS.

29/11/16

Are stroke services in the NHS still improving?

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) has today launched findings from its 2016 Acute Organisational Audit showing that the way that care is provided for people with acute stroke continues to improve with more provision of weekend therapy and better access to early supported discharge (ESD) teams.

29/11/16

Stroke in the UK: Mind the Gap!

Latest (third) annual Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report reveals further improvement in stroke care is needed.

25/11/16

RCP supports launch of major healthcare accreditation initiative

The RCP is pleased to support the launch of a major health accreditation initiative today, designed to improve patient care, provide consistency for clinicians, reduce the burden on healthcare regulators and help ensure value for money in healthcare.

02/12/16

RCP’s Future Hospital Programme receives award for care innovation

The RCP’s Future Hospital Programme (FHP) has received an award for innovation from the healthcare market intelligence provider LaingBuisson.

06/12/16

Survival rates for patients receiving lung cancer surgery continue to rise

The new report published by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) demonstrates further improvements in survival rates following lung cancer surgery as the number of operations to treat the disease increases.

05/12/16

Inaugural RCP TV broadcast to feature at Medicine 2017 annual conference

We are excited to announce that RCP TV will debut at Medicine 2017: RCP annual conference in Manchester on 16–17 March 2017. RCP TV will bring a different element to the conference using video, and will engage speakers and delegates in important issues facing the NHS and the physicians and other healthcare professionals who work within it.

05/12/16

Occupational health service accreditation scheme awards accreditation to 200th service

Today the Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) accreditation scheme is delighted to award its 200th accreditation to Glenn Raybone , based in Kidderminster, Worcester.

08/12/16

New mesothelioma lung cancer data shows increase in 1 year survival despite regional variation in treatment

The second mesothelioma report, launched today by RCP London, demonstrates improvement in the number of people diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) surviving for more than 1 year*.

07/12/16

‘Pressure of work’ forcing many consultants to consider early retirement

New census data notes the impact our ageing population will have on our ability to provide world class healthcare in the future.

14/12/16

RCP comment. CQC calls for action to end missed opportunities to learn from patient deaths

In a report out today the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised significant concerns about the quality of investigation processes led by NHS trusts into patient deaths.

15/12/16

Government says council tax can rise to help fund social care. RCP comment

Professor Jane Dacre RCP president comments on the need for more money in social care

20/12/16

Upcoming PACES training courses in Yangon

Members of the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow are delivering two more training courses aimed at supporting Burmese trainees preparing to take the MRCP(UK) PACES exam in Yangon in January 2017.

15/07/15

RCP welcomes publication of NHS England’s Five Year Forward Review

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre, today welcomed the publication of NHS England’s Five Year Forward review. She said:

14/07/15

RCP announces joint appointment of Professor Jonathan Brown to Health Informatics Unit

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and British Society for Gastroenterology (BSG) are pleased to announce the joint appointment of Professor Jonathan Brown to the role of informatics lead for gastroenterology in the Health Informatics Unit (HIU) at the RCP.

21/07/15

New RCP toolkit helps emergency patients to be diagnosed and treated the same day

Rates of emergency admission have been rising for some time in the UK and there is significant concern around the degree to which the system is being stretched. Over the past few years, doctors and managers have been looking for ways to reduce emergency admissions without compromising the quality of patient care.

14/07/15

UK’s first IQIPS accreditation for gastrointestinal physiology awarded to The Functional Gut Clinic

The Functional Gut Clinic has become the first gastrointestinal organisation to be granted UKAS accreditation under the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) programme. The accreditation award is for the clinic’s range of gastrointestinal (GI) services carried out at its four clinics across London and Kent.

14/07/15

AHA comment: New research confirms MUP impacts harmful drinkers

In response to new research on the impact of introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol by the University of Sheffield, published today in the BMJ, Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), said:

15/07/15

UK IBD audit calls for IBD care to be given ‘formal recognition’ by national decision makers

The UK IBD audit programme is calling for an NHS national strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in order for national healthcare decision makers, doctors, nurses and patient groups to better prioritise care for patients with IBD. Evidence from the audit highlights the need for a national strategy to make sure IBD services in England and Wales are the best they can be for patients.

14/07/15

Future hospital development sites aim to improve care of frail older patients

The Royal College of Physicians has chosen to partner four NHS Trusts across England and Wales as Future Hospital Development Sites. The RCP’s Future Hospital Programme was developed from the RCP’s Future Hospital report published in September 2013. The Programme aims to implement the RCP’s vision in improving the care of medical patients by bringing medical specialist care closer to the patient wherever they are, in hospital or in the community.

15/07/15

Leading physicians from the RCP and East, Central and Southern Africa aid an exciting development in African health

On 11 and 12 September, nominated representatives of the Associations of Physicians across East, Central and Southern Africa met in Nairobi to discuss the establishment of a new college of physicians for the region.

14/07/15

Stop reorganising, increase funding, and commit to free NHS

On the eve of the party conference season, the Royal College of Physicians calls on government and politicians to stop reorganising the NHS from the top down, increase funding to avoid a crisis in care, and commit to an NHS free at the point of delivery.

30/06/15

More patients surviving due to continued improvements in hip fracture care

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) national report 2014 shows that improvements in care mean that more patients are surviving after hip fracture. The report is launched today at the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) congress in Brighton.

10/12/15

Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) day of action

Members and supporters of the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) have called for action to tackle alcohol harms.

14/07/15

New toolkit will help doctors recognise and treat sepsis

A new toolkit from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the UK Sepsis Trust will help doctors recognise and treat sepsis on acute care wards.

15/07/15

Changes to Map of Medicine and Royal College of Physicians collaboration

From 31 August 2014, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will no longer contribute to individual care pathways through Joint Specialist Committees (JSCs). The RCP has played a huge role over the past 6 years in shaping and developing a suite of content for clinicians that is clinically robust. National evidence-based pathways continue to facilitate the rapid uptake and dissemination of care pathways across the wider UK health economy, and raise clinical standards.

14/07/15

Joint statement on the announcement of more physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians and the UK Association for Physician Associates welcome the announcement today from the Department of Health that there are to be more physician associates in future, but believe that statutory regulation would allow physician associates to make a more effective contribution to the health service and the health economy as well as offering better protection to the public.

15/07/15

New research shows an association between stroke mortality and weekend working

Associations between Stroke Mortality and Weekend Working by Stroke Specialist Physicians and Registered Nurses: Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study, an article written by Dr Ben Bray, has been published by PLOS medicine.

14/07/15

Latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) results published today

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) is the first national stroke register in the world to collect information about the entire stroke pathway, from being admitted to hospital to the 6 month follow-up appointment. The results are updated every 3 months, and cover all hospitals treating stroke patients in England and Wales, together with two hospitals in Northern Ireland.

29/06/15

RCP comment on the All-Party Parliamentary Group on alcohol misuse manifesto launch

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, the RCP’s special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance said:

15/07/15

Harmful drinkers would be affected 200 times more than low risk drinkers if a Minimum Unit Price was introduced

A new study of liver patients by the University of Southampton shows that a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) policy for alcohol is exquisitely targeted towards the heaviest drinkers with cirrhosis.

29/06/15

A presence in every hospital in the UK – RCP membership reaches 30,000

Dr Clare Farrington has become the 30,000th member of the RCP. As a consultant in palliative medicine, Dr Farrington adds her voice to the tens of thousands of hospital doctors working in the UK and across the globe today.

14/07/15

RCP comment on more flexibility for NHS doctors under European Working Time Directive

RCP president Sir Richard Thompson welcomed today’s response by the Department of Health on the report by the Independent Working Time Regulations Taskforce:

14/07/15

12 more hospital wards receive the Elder Friendly Quality Mark

A second wave of wards has been awarded an Elder Friendly Quality Mark in recognition of the support staff give to older people.

14/07/15

New advice to help alleviate pressure on hospital ‘front door’

New advice published jointly by three Royal Colleges representing physicians across the UK sets out how NHS Trusts and Health Boards can deploy trainee doctors to ensure safe patient care and alleviate the clinical pressure on medical registrars.

29/06/15

Acute and emergency care: prescribing the remedy

Acute and emergency care: prescribing the remedy is published today jointly by the College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons. This report sets out 13 recommendations to address the challenges facing urgent and emergency care services across the UK and Ireland.

14/07/15

Health workers urged to ‘get tough’ on antibiotics

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists are being urged to get tough on antibiotics, and say ‘no’ to patients who ask for prescriptions to treat minor illnesses.

29/06/15

Experts develop new decision support system for lung cancer care

Published today in Interface, journal of the Royal Society, the study ‘Lung cancer assistant: a hybrid clinical decision support application for lung cancer care’ describes how lung cancer assistant (LCA) can assist doctors, nurses and specialists in the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in making treatment decisions for patients with lung cancer.

29/06/15

Health and Work Development Unit to close

The Health and Work Development Unit (HWDU), and its occupational health National Quality Improvement Programme, will be closing in the near future.

29/06/15

RCP welcomes the publication of the Priorities for Care for patients at the end of life

Dr Anita Donley, RCP clinical vice-president, welcomed the publication today of One chance to get it right by the Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People (LACDP), which contains the Priorities for Care of the Dying Person as the new basis for caring for patients at the end of their life.

21/07/15

RCP welcomes updated NICE guidance for people with common heart rhythm disorder

'Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains lamentable with far too many people having strokes because they have not been adequately treated either to get them back into a normal rhythm or to anticoagulate them,' Professor Tony Rudd, chair of the Intercollegiate Working Party for Stroke said today.

14/07/15

Patients experience variable IBD care, latest results from UK inflammatory bowel disease audit show

Patients are experiencing differences in the quality of care and treatment they receive for ulcerative colitis (UC) according to the latest round of results from the UK inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) audit.

14/07/15

New report underlines importance of not transferring patients during the night

Dr Andrew Goddard, Royal College of Physicians registrar, welcomed the publication of the NCEPOD report On the Right Trach?.

14/07/15

RCP welcomes NICE guidance on weight reduction

Commenting on the new NICE guidance Managing overweight and obesity in adults – lifestyle weight management services, published on Wednesday 28 May, RCP president Sir Richard Thompson, said:

14/07/15

How good is your hospital at treating stroke?

From now on, the public can access very recent data on how their local hospital is diagnosing, treating and managing stroke.

14/07/15

Significant variation in standards of care for people dying in hospital

A new audit on the provision of care for people dying in hospitals has found significant variations in care across hospitals in England. While every patient has different needs, and some will need more pain relief than others for example, there should be no variation in the quality and provision of services, or training in the care of people dying in hospitals. The audit shows that major improvements need to be made to ensure better care for dying people, and better support for their families, carers, friends and those important to them.

14/07/15

Complacency in asthma care must end, says first confidential enquiry report from Royal College of Physicians

Asthma is still killing people. The confidential enquiry, the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD), is calling for an end to complacency around asthma care so that more is done to save lives.

30/06/15

'Forks In The Road', the autobiography of Lord Turnberg

Today sees the release of the autobiography of former Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Lord Turnberg.

01/07/15

RCP statement on the judgement from the Scottish Court of Session on minimum unit pricing (MUP)

In response to yesterday's judgement from the Scottish Court of Session that minimum unit pricing (MUP) is to be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians special advisor on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance said:

30/06/15

Professor Jane Dacre is elected president of the Royal College of Physicians

Professor Jane Dacre was elected president of the Royal College of Physicians today, by single transferable vote from a field of 10 candidates, in a ballot organised by Electoral Reform Services. The result was announced at the end of College Day, the day of the RCP’s Annual General Meeting. Professor Dacre won by 281 votes from the next nearest candidate and becomes the third female president in the RCP’s history.

30/06/15

New RCP mentoring scheme for core medical trainees (CMTs)

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) recently launched a new mentoring scheme for core medical trainees (CMTs). The new scheme, which will concentrate on CMT members of the RCP, aims to provide support to CMTs during what is often a busy period in their professional lives.

14/07/15

Five hospital wards receive the Elder Friendly Quality Mark

Five wards from three NHS trusts have become the first in the country to receive an Elder-Friendly Quality Mark in recognition of the support staff give to older people.

30/06/15

Guardian interview with RCP president Sir Richard Thompson

RCP president Sir Richard Thompson gave an exclusive interview to the Guardian this week on the acute pressures facing the NHS, increasing workload, and the workforce crisis.

14/07/15

RCP comment on introduction of standardised packaging following Chantler Review

Professor John Wass, academic vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians and its public health policy lead, said he was delighted by today’s news:

30/06/15

RCP welcomes independent report on EWTD

RCP president Sir Richard Thompson welcomed the publication of the Report of the Independent Working Time Regulations Taskforce to the Department of Health today. He said:

14/07/15

Training losing out to NHS pressures, say junior doctors

A new survey of junior doctors in core medical training (CMT), undertaken by the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) and the Royal College of Physicians is published today in the RCP’s journal Clinical Medicine.

14/07/15

Professionals are divided over best care for hip fracture patients, latest audit results show

The latest report from the Falls and Fragility Fracture Programme (FFFAP) National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) shows that just over half of patients are receiving pain relieving anaesthetic (known as a ‘nerve block’) as part of their care for hip fracture.

14/07/15

Scrapping alcohol duty escalator is a backwards step says RCP

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has expressed disappointment in the government’s decision to scrap the alcohol duty escalator.

30/06/15

RCP welcomes 'Joined up Clinical Pathways for Obesity'

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the conclusions of working group report Joined up Clinical Pathways for Obesity.

14/07/15

The RCP and Lasdun: a year of celebration!

In 2014 the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) celebrates the 50th anniversary of its iconic headquarters in Regent’s Park, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, coinciding with the centenary of Lasdun’s birth.

14/07/15

RCP comment on Fracture Liaison Services

Commenting on fracture liaison services, professor David Marsh, clinical lead for Fracture Liaison Services, said:

01/07/15

RCP comment on Independent Commission on Whole Person Care

Commenting on the report of the Independent Commission on Whole Person Care, chaired by Sir John Oldham, the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) president Sir Richard Thompson said:

14/07/15

Pioneering stroke audit is setting precedent for improving quality of stroke care nationally

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) is the most comprehensive and reliable source of information about the performance of stroke services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. SSNAP aims to improve stroke care by measuring the quality of stroke services against evidence based standards and supporting staff to make improvements.

14/07/15

Alcohol Health Alliance urges chancellor not to drop the price of drink in this year’s budget

The Alcohol Health Alliance has written to chancellor George Osborne urging him to stand firm and maintain the alcohol duty escalator in the 2014 budget.

15/07/15

RCP welcomes latest findings for diagnosis of COPD

Professor Mike Roberts, programme lead for the National COPD Audit Programme at the RCP welcomes the latest findings for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), published today in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine UK:

14/07/15

Professor Tony Rudd comments on latest study of data from Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP)

Commenting on the recent study, The Effect of Out of Hours Presentation with Acute Stroke on Processes of Care and Outcomes: Analysis of data from the Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP), published in the PLOS ONE journal, Professor Tony Rudd said:

14/07/15

RCP welcomes step towards ban on smoking in cars with children

MPs have voted in favour of legislation giving the health secretary powers to introduce a ban on smoking in cars with children.

01/07/15

RCP comment on the first anniversary of the publication of the Francis Inquiry report

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, commenting on the first anniversary of the Francis Inquiry report, said:

01/07/15

Healthcare groups call for greater consultation in the Trust failure regime

Later today (30 January 2014) the committee of MPs scrutinising the Care Bill is expected to debate Clause 118 on the powers of Trust Special Administrators. The Bill extends the remit of an administrator brought in to manage a failing trust, so that he or she can make recommendations about other trusts in the area.

01/07/15

RCP welcomes Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation review

Dr Anita Donley, clinical vice president of the RCP, supports the review from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF), published today, highlighting how vitally important the audit is to developing the care for patients with lung cancer:

14/07/15

Just over half of NHS trusts have a mental wellbeing policy in place for staff, latest public health guidance audit results show

Only 57% of NHS trusts have a mental wellbeing policy in place to support staff, according to new audit results from the Health and Work Development Unit (HWDU) at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

14/07/15

RCP comment on secretary of state's 'treating patients as people’ speech

Commenting on the speech made by the secretary of state for health, Jeremy Hunt MP, on ‘whole stay doctors’, Dr Anita Donley, clinical vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

01/07/15

RCP comment on the opening of a pub at motorway service station

On Tuesday 21 January JD Wetherspoon will open a pub at a motorway service station on the M40. Commenting on the opening, Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians' special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

14/07/15

New RCP training events increase student and junior doctor membership to over 1,000

The introduction of dedicated training events for medical students and junior doctors by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has had the result of increasing the total number of medical student and foundation doctor membership to over 1,000 for the very first time in the RCP’s history.

14/07/15

RCP launches teaching project in South Sudan

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is officially launching a new capacity building project in South Sudan, its first venture in the newly formed Republic of South Sudan. Teams of volunteers will deliver a basic medical training curriculum to junior doctors whose current postgraduate education is extremely limited.

01/07/15

RCP comment on new measures unveiled by Sir Bruce Keogh to implement a 7 day service

The RCP has welcomed new measures unveiled by NHS Medical Director, Sir Bruce Keogh, to implement a 7 day service across the NHS.

01/07/15

RCP comment on the NICE guideline on IV Fluid therapy in adults in hospital

Commenting on the NICE guideline on IV fluid therapy published on 10 December 2013, Dr. Anita Donley, RCP clinical vice-president said:

14/07/15

Could a minimum unit price benefit the UK?

On Monday 9 December, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) special adviser on alcohol and President of the British Society of Gastroenterology, will outline the benefits that the introduction of evidence-based alcohol policies such as minimum unit pricing could have on the health of the UK population. Speaking at a joint conference of the RCP, the British Society of Gastroenterology and the British Association for the Study of the Liver, Sir Ian will highlight the growing problem of alcohol in the UK and how minimum unit pricing could have a substantial impact on this.

14/07/15

GMC trainees surveys: raising of concerns and bullying

The General Medical Council (GMC) has conducted two surveys of doctors in training; one to assess trainees’ concerns about patient safety, and one to investigate undermining and bullying in the workplace.

15/07/15

‘Re-framing disability': portraits from the RCP. Displayed in Parliament from the 2 December

An exhibition exploring four centuries of hidden history with responses from disabled people today.

14/07/15

RCP comment on the announcement by government of an independent review on standardised packaging

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

02/07/15

RCP launches Future Hospital Programme in Parliament

On Wednesday 27 November the RCP is holding a parliamentary briefing to launch its Future Hospital Programme. In September the RCP’s Future Hospital Commission published its groundbreaking report, Future Hospital: caring for medical patients, which recommended that care should come to the patient rather than the patient being moved around the hospital.

14/07/15

RCP comment on NICE guidance on smoking cessation in secondary care: acute, maternity and mental health services

Commenting on the guidance Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

02/07/15

RCP welcomes NCEPOD report about recognition and treatment of patients with brain haemorrhage

Commenting on Managing the flow?, the report published today from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), the Royal College of Physicians' Dr Gareth Llewelyn, chair of the Joint Clinical Neuroscience Committee, says there is scope for improvement in recognition and diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and the implementation of evidence-based best practice.

02/07/15

RCP comment on the Government’s response to the Francis report

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, today welcomed the Government’s response to the Francis report. He said:

14/07/15

Patrice Moor: life and death in the garden - paintings inspired by the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians

Patrice Moor is the current RCP garden artist-in-residence. She began working as an artist in 1993. Her work tends to follow the still life tradition; focus centres on one subject or detail which is removed from context when suspended on the canvas. The scale of subject often unnatural, engorged to larger-than-life proportions or in miniature to be studied at close quarters.

02/07/15

RCP welcomes latest report from National Audit of Intermediate Care

Commenting on today's report from the National Audit of Intermediate Care, Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEU) at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), says the UK needs more intermediate care services in order to provide joined up care for patients who don't need to be in hospital.

14/07/15

Drop in number of new physicians securing consultant posts

New data from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) shows that just 56% of newly qualified physicians are securing substantive consultant posts.

02/07/15

RCP comment on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society: ‘Now or Never: shaping pharmacy for the future’

Commenting on the latest report from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Now or Never: shaping pharmacy for the future, Royal College of Physicians president, Sir Richard Thompson said:

02/07/15

RCP welcomes latest Inflammatory Bowel Disease standards

Commenting on the latest Inflammatory Bowel Disease standards (IBD) published today, Dr Ian Arnott, Clinical lead for the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease audit said:

14/07/15

RCP comment: 7 day service

Commenting on a position paper from the British Medical Association (BMA) on 7 day service, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president, Sir Richard Thompson, said:

14/07/15

Benchmarking occupational health services nationally: new quality improvement programme supports OH physicians to revalidate

A dynamic programme of quality improvement initiatives that will support the occupational health (OH) specialty to benchmark and improve its practice is now open. The programme includes national clinical audits of conditions commonly encountered by OH clinicians (back pain, and depression associated with long-term sickness absence). This programme supports the implementation of evidence-based best practice and the delivery of high-quality OH care. In addition the programme will benefit patients (workers) in all employment sectors including the NHS, other public sectors and the private sector.

02/07/15

Royal College of Physicians to join independent review on the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive in the NHS

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is to join an independent review on the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive (EWTD). Chaired by Professor Norman Williams, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, the taskforce will focus on how the Directive has been implemented in the NHS and its impact on health professionals.

02/07/15

RCP launches careers support programme as number of members reachers 29,000

The Royal College of Physicians has launched a new careers development programme for fellows and members, as the number of members reaches 29,000 for the first time.

02/07/15

Promoting better care for cancer patients with urgent medical problems

A new toolkit from the Royal College of Physicians aims to improve the care of cancer patients admitted to hospital as an emergency with medical problems due to their cancer or their treatment.

14/07/15

Care is improving for hip fracture patients, latest national report shows

It is estimated that there are 70,000 hip fractures a year in the UK[i] and this is only set to increase as the population gets older. The latest National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) report, from the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) and the RCP, finds that care for patients with hip fracture is improving. More patients are receiving surgery within 48 hours of admission than in 2012 and almost all patients (94%) are receiving a falls assessment before being discharged from hospital.

02/07/15

Future Hospital Commission: Care comes to the patient in the future hospital

A new report from the Future Hospital Commission recommends that in future, care should come to the acutely ill patient, rather than the patient being moved around the hospital.

02/07/15

Once in a generation…

The independent Future Hospital Commission was established by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in March 2012 and has now reported.

02/07/15

Patricia Wright appointed as new RCP CEO

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Patricia Wright to the post of chief executive.

15/07/15

RCP sets challenge to realise Francis' vision

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has committed to a series of wide-ranging actions to help realise the recommendations of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, and has called on other healthcare organisations to rise to the challenge set by Robert Francis.

15/07/15

New report shows improvement for patients with IBD following biological therapy

Over half of patients saw an improvement after being treated with biological therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data from the first national report of biological therapies shows that 62% of adult patients and 73% of paediatric patients saw the severity of their disease decrease after 12 weeks of treatment with biological therapy.

15/07/15

High street hearing service receives quality stamp of approval

Less than 12 months after introducing NHS hearing services in over 80 of its UK branches, Scrivens Opticians & The Hearing Company is the first high street multi-sited retailer to achieve Improving Quality in Physiological diagnostic Services (IQIPS) accreditation.

02/07/15

Royal College of Physicians' comment on Berwick report

Commenting on Professor Don Berwick’s report, Improving the safety of patients in England, the RCP said:

06/07/15

Comment on Health Committee's urgent and emergency services report

Commenting on the publication of the Health Select Committee’s report, Urgent and emergency services, Dr Patrick Cadigan, registrar of the Royal College of Physicians said:

02/07/15

Ten priorities for action to improve the care of acutely ill patients

Four organisations whose members are responsible for the care of acute patients in hospital, today set out 10 priorities for action to address the challenges faced by urgent and emergency care services. These challenges include:

02/07/15

Government drops plans for minimum unit pricing

Commenting on the government’s decision to drop plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

02/07/15

RCP comment on Keogh Mortality Review

Commenting on Sir Bruce Keogh’s review of mortality rates at 14 outlier NHS Trusts, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

02/07/15

RCP comment on Independent Review of Liverpool Care Pathway

Commenting on publication of the Independent Review of the Liverpool Care Pathway, Dr Linda Patterson, clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

02/07/15

RCP comment on RCN response to Francis

Commenting on the Royal College of Nursing’s response to the final report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) registrar of Dr Patrick Cadigan said:

02/07/15

RCP welcomes National Dementia Audit report from Royal College of Psychiatrists

Commenting on the National Dementia Audit report published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists today, Dr Kevin Stewart, Clinical Director, Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEU) said:

02/07/15

Deep disappointment at standardised tobacco packaging decision

Commenting on news that the government will not introduce standardised packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

02/07/15

Stop reinventing the wheel! Standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records formally launched

Formally launched today, the latest version of healthcare record standards will inform the development of electronic health records by both clinicians and industry. This guidance can help to meet the Secretary of State for health’s challenge to the NHS to ‘go paperless’ by 2018. By following these standards for the structure and content of patients’ healthcare records, the NHS can improve patient care and the quality of data available for measurement of whole system performance, and stop reinventing the wheel.

02/07/15

RCP welcomes launch of new IBD registry designed to improve clinical information and patient care

Commenting on the launch of the IBD Registry, Dr Ian Arnott, clinical lead for the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease audit said:

02/07/15

RCP welcomes the NICE Ulcerative colitis: management in adults, children and young people guidance

Commenting on the NICE Ulcerative colitis: management in adults, children and young people guidance published today, Dr Ian Arnott, Clinical lead for the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease audit said:

02/07/15

Acute Care of Older People must be improved

The recent focus on the pressures on A&E departments has led to renewed debate about where older people should be treated, with repeated assertions that care should be provided in the community. Today the British Geriatrics Society and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) are addressing the need to improve the acute care of older people through a joint conference being attended by over 200 healthcare professionals.

02/07/15

First NHS IQIPS accreditation awarded

Commenting on the first NHS IQIPS accreditation to be awarded to Aintree University Hospital Dr Kerry Tinkler, the clinical lead for the IQIPS programme at the RCP, said:

15/07/15

RCP comment on call to end ‘silent scandal’ of NHS errors

The secretary of state for health, Jeremy Hunt, will today make a speech on patient safety and the need for a change in culture to support staff to ensure patient safety is core to all the NHS does. Commenting on the speech, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

02/07/15

Prof Iain Carpenter welcomes OECD/EC report 'A good life in old age?'

Commenting on the OECD/EC report, A good life in old age?, published today, Professor Iain Carpenter, said:

02/07/15

RCP comment on care of people with alcohol-related illness

The latest National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report, Measuring the Unit, finds that hospitals are missing opportunities to intervene early in the care of people with alcohol-related illness.

02/07/15

RCP comment on regulation of nicotine-containing products

Commenting on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announcement on nicotine regulation, Professor John Britton, chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group, said:

03/07/15

RCP welcomes the NICE guideline on rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke

Commenting on the NICE guideline on rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke published today, Professor Tony Rudd, chair of the intercollegiate stroke working party said:

29/10/15

RCP launches new commissioning resources hub

The Royal College of Physicians today launches its new Clinical Commissioning Hub - an online resource for those commissioning secondary care services in England, service planners and clinicians designing these services across the UK. It is also aimed at RCP fellows and members interested in finding out more about the new health structures in England, including how they can get involved.

15/07/15

RCP comment on King’s Fund analysis of A&E waiting times

Commenting on the King’s Fund analysis of A&E waiting times, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

21/07/15

RCP comment on plans for bar in motorway service station

Commenting on plans for a new Wetherspoons bar in a motorway service station, Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

03/07/15

RCP comment on latest alcohol statistics

Commenting on new alcohol statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre, Dr Nick Sheron, Royal College of Physicians advisor on alcohol, said:

03/07/15

RCP elects clinical vice president and new Council members

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced the election of a new clinical vice president and of four new members of RCP Council.

03/07/15

RCP comments on King’s Fund Leadership Survey

Commenting on the King’s Fund patient-centred leadership report, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

03/07/15

Royal College of Physicians leads revision of standards for electronic records and communications

The latest record standards have been approved by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC). Standards for admission, handover, discharge, outpatient and referral records and communications have been revised and updated as part of phases 2 and 3 of the Clinical Documentation and Generic Record Standards (CDGRS) project.

03/07/15

RCP welcomes electronic records investment

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the Secretary of State’s announcement today for investment to help hospitals implement electronic health records. Professor John Williams, Director of the RCP’s Health Informatics Unit (HIU) said:

03/07/15

RCP comment on latest obesity figures for Wales

Commenting on figures in the Welsh Health Survey showing an increased number of overweight and obese adults, Professor John Williams, senior college officer for Wales, said:

03/07/15

RCP comments on All Party Parliamentary Group for Continence Care survey report

Commenting on a survey report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Continence care published today, Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the RCP’s Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, said:

03/07/15

RCP welcomes College of Emergency Medicine report

Commenting on the publication of The College of Emergency Medicine’s report The drive for quality – How to achieve safe, sustainable care in our Emergency Departments, Dr Patrick Cadigan, registrar of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

15/07/15

Right patient, right bed

A new toolkit from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) for the recognition and care of seriously ill patients recommends that patients admitted as emergencies should only transfer out of the acute medical unit to a ward area that has facilities to meet their clinical needs. The toolkit is being launched today (Thursday 9 May) at the Society for Acute Medicine spring conference in Coventry.

06/07/15

Health groups: Let Parliament decide on standardised packaging

Members of the Smokefree Action Coalition, including the Royal College of Physicians, have written to prime minister David Cameron and secretary of state Jeremy Hunt expressing deep disappointment that legislation to introduce standardised packaging of tobacco products was not included in the Queen’s Speech.

03/07/15

Royal colleges join forces with Australian counterparts in call for standard packs

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Australian counterparts, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, to call on the government to push ahead with plans for standardised packaging of tobacco products.

06/07/15

RCP comment on Secretary of State's speech: NHS continues to treat older patients as a surprise

Commenting on the Secretary of State’s speech, Will we rise to the challenge of an ageing society?, Dr Linda Patterson, clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said:

06/07/15

First students awarded MSc in Medical Leadership

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is celebrating its MSc in Medical Leadership students as they become the first to graduate from the innovative programme.

10/11/15

Smoking neglected in people with mental health conditions, leading to premature death

A major new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) says that smoking in people with mental disorders is neglected by the NHS. Smoking and mental health says that much of the substantially lower life expectancy of people with mental disorders relates to smoking, which is often overlooked during the management and treatment of their mental health condition.

15/07/15

RCP comments on the government’s Francis Inquiry response

Dr Patrick Cadigan, registrar and lead officer for the Francis Inquiry, said:

06/07/15

RCP comment on ‘Whole-person care’ report

Commenting on the publication of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ report, Whole person care: from rhetoric to reality, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

06/07/15

Sir Richard Thompson re-elected as president of the RCP

Sir Richard Thompson was today re-elected as president of the RCP in a ballot organised by the Electoral Reform Services (part of the Electoral Reform Society). Sir Richard has been president since 2010. The other candidate in the election was Dr Richard Taylor.

06/07/15

Increase in alcohol-related cancers despite well-established link

A new report from the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) has found that hospital admissions for alcohol-related cancer in England have jumped 28% in just 8 years.

06/07/15

Research shows worrying rise in young people with alcohol-related liver disease

Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, has published research that shows there has been a worrying rise in the number of young people with alcohol-related liver disease.

06/07/15

RCP welcomes National Hip Fracture Database supplement to 2012 report

Dr Kevin Stewart, Clinical director of the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEU) at the Royal College of Physicians very much welcomes the latest data published by the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) today, he said:

06/07/15

Health professionals commit to action to reduce health inequalities

University College London’s Institute of Health Equity has published a report titled Working for Health Equity: The Role of Health Professionals. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) contributed to the report, and commenting on its publication Sir Richard Thompson, president of the RCP, said:

06/07/15

RCP comments on Chartered Society of Physiotherapy report - 'Fit enough for patients?'

Dr Sian Williams, Clinical Director of the Health and Work Development Unit (HWDU) at the Royal College of Physicians said:

06/07/15

Prime minister urged to show courage on minimum price on alcohol

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) has invited the prime minister and other cabinet members to visit hospitals to see first-hand the damage caused by alcohol misuse. This would show ministers why the introduction of a minimum unit price is essential to tackle the problem.

06/07/15

Health bodies say government must stand firm on minimum unit pricing

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) today urges the government to stand firm on its commitment to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol (MUP).

06/07/15

RCP responds to Secretary of State 'Coasting Hospitals' speech

Reacting to health secretary of state Jeremy Hunt’s speech to the Nuffield Trust today, (8 March), Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said:

06/07/15

Unmanageable workload for medical registrars poses future threat to patient care, says RCP

Medical registrars are the backbone of any hospital delivering patient care round the clock. However, the heavy workload for medical registrars, compounded by limited training opportunities and an unequal distribution of senior specialist doctors across the country is posing a major threat to high quality hospital care. These are the three key findings of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) new report Hospital workforce: Fit for the future? The RCP is calling for urgent action to resolve these issues to prevent patient care being threatened.

06/07/15

Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK

Commenting on Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK, RCP president, Sir Richard Thompson, said:

06/07/15

RCP comment on under-reporting of alcohol consumption

Commenting on research published by University College London into the under-reporting of alcohol consumption, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

06/07/15

Quality of stroke – Quarterly local hospital results for patients admitted between October and December 2012

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England are now available.

06/07/15

RCP comment on Academy of Medical Royal Colleges' obesity report

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has published a new report titled Measuring up: The medical profession's prescription for the nation's obesity crisis. Commenting on the report, Royal College of Physicians academic vice-president, Professor John Wass, said:

06/07/15

Over 78,500 children have started smoking since consultation on standardised tobacco packaging ended

This Valentine ’s Day the Smokefree Action Coalition is calling on the government to take action and ‘have a heart’ by committing to legislation to make all tobacco packaging standard. Today is the tenth anniversary of the implementation of the ban on tobacco advertising and the seventh anniversary of the Commons vote for smokefree legislation. Valentine’s Day is therefore an ideal date for the government to make its decision known.

06/07/15

RCP responds to the publication of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the Inquiry’s call to make patients the priority at all times. The Inquiry identified key problems that make it difficult for doctors and nurses to provide good quality care, such as a lack of team working and lack of continuity of care.

06/07/15

Physical activity at work unlikely to pose a risk to pregnancy

Pregnant women who undertake strenuous physical activity at work can be reassured by the latest guidance for doctors, issued today by the Health and Work Development Unit (a partnership between the RCP and Faculty of Occupational Medicine). However, the guideline says employers should consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to limit excessive work demands where women experience discomfort and fatigue, particularly later in pregnancy.

06/07/15

RCP exhibition scoops top award

The Royal College of Physicians Is delighted to announce that the recent ‘Curious Anatomys’ exhibition won first prize as the best small exhibition on the history of science and medicine, 2012, awarded by the British Society For the History Of Science.

06/07/15

Consultation launched on declaration of payments from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare professionals

The Ethical Standards in Health and Life Sciences Group (ESHLSG) has launched a consultation on establishing a public register of payments made to healthcare professionals by commercial organisations.

06/07/15

First IQIPS Accreditation granted to Action for Deafness

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has granted the UK’s first accreditation for Improving Quality in Physiological diagnostic Services (IQIPS) to Action for Deafness for adult hearing services to the IQIPS standards.

06/07/15

AHA says drinks industry is now using tactics of Big Tobacco against minimum unit pricing

Commenting on the forthcoming launch of the Wine, Spirit and Trade Association campaign against minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol – ‘Why should we pay more?’, Dr Nick Sheron, member of the executive committee of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said:

06/07/15

RCP comments on publication of Emergency Medicine Journal study

Commenting on Emergency Medicine Journal's study into 'Emergency medicine admissions, deaths at weekends and the public holiday effect' Dr Mark Temple, RCP acute care fellow said:

06/07/15

Health bodies back minimum unit pricing on alcohol but call for more action

The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) will today (24 January 2013) submit its response to the public consultation on the government’s Alcohol Strategy for England and Wales. The response expresses strong support for plans to introduce a minimum unit price (MUP) and a ban on multi-buy deals for alcohol products.

06/07/15

RCP comments on publication of Health Committee’s report on NICE

Commenting on the Health Committee’s report on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Dr Linda Patterson OBE, clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

06/07/15

RCP comment on Health Secretary's challenge to NHS to go paperless

Commenting on the Health Secretary's challenge to NHS to go paperless, Prof John Williams, Royal College of Physicians’ Director of Health Informatics Unit (HIU) said:

06/07/15

NHS must step up to obesity challenge

The healthcare system in Britain must adapt to the demands of an increasingly obese nation, concludes a new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

06/07/15

RCP comment on NHS Commissioning Board plans for 7 day a week services

Commenting on the NHS Commissioning Board’s plan for increased access to services 7 days a week announcement from the NHS Commissioning Board, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

06/07/15

Ground breaking new national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease audit announced

At midday today, a new national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) audit programme for England and Wales was announced at the British Thoracic Society Winter meeting. The programme will be clinically led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), the Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS-UK) and in partnership with the British Lung Foundation (BLF), and will commence in early 2013.

06/07/15

New Stroke audit report recommends seven day working for therapists

While there has been rapid growth in the number of NHS services offering 6 or 7 day working for acute stroke therapy, the number of therapists has not changed substantially, according to the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) acute organisational audit.

06/07/15

Comment on chief nursing officer's compassionate care initiative

Royal College of Physicians clinical vice-president, Dr Linda Patterson, welcomed today's initiative from chief nursing officer Jane Cummings to focus more heavily on care and compassion in nursing practice and training. Commenting on the initiative, she said:

21/07/15

New Faculty of Physician Associates launched today

Today sees the launch of the Faculty of Physician Associates, a Faculty of the Royal College of Physicians. The UK Association of Physician Associates (UKAPA), the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Health Education England (HEE), in conjunction with other medical royal colleges, have been working together over the past 2 years to set up the faculty. It is hoped that the establishment of the faculty at the RCP will further strengthen and develop the close working relationship between doctors in many specialties and physician associates.

21/07/15

RCP welcomes Welsh government Green Paper

Royal College of Physicians welcomes Green Paper and the broad thrust of its wide ranging proposals.

06/07/15

RCP comments on Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ report, Seven day consultant present care

Commenting on the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ report, Seven day consultant present care, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

06/07/15

RCP comments on the publication of Dr Foster's Good Hospital Guide

Commenting on the publication of Dr Foster’s Good Hospital Guide, Is your hospital fit for the future?, Dr Andrew Goddard, director of the Royal College of Physicians’ Medical Workforce Unit, said:

07/07/15

RCP welcomes start of revalidation

Dr Ian Starke, medical director for revalidation at the Royal College of Physicians, welcomed the commencement of revalidation for doctors today, commenting that:

07/07/15

HSJ names Professor Jane Dacre in its 2015 Clinical Leaders list

Yesterday evening, the Health Service Journal announced this year’s Clinical Leaders list for 2015. The list highlights leaders whose clinical background enhances the work they do and those who have either made a significant impact on health service policy, healthcare delivery or medical clinical advances. Among those named is the current RCP president Professor Jane Dacre.

07/07/15

RCP response to publication of Alcohol strategy consultation

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the publication of the Alcohol strategy consultation. The RCP has long called for the introduction of a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol, which the evidence tells us will reap significant health benefits across the population. While the RCP has called for a 50 pence MUP, we support the government’s intention of tackling cheap alcohol.

07/07/15

Royal College of Physicians calls for NHS board members to proactively lead staff health improvement

In a new report, endorsed by the NHS Chief Executive, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) call for a board level lead in every NHS trust to take proactive responsibility for staff health improvement and wellbeing.

07/07/15

AHA welcomes minimum alcohol unit price consultation and calls for 50 pence per unit

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA UK), of which the RCP is a member, today welcomes the publication of the government’s consultation on a minimum unit price for alcohol, and calls for a 50 pence minimum unit price.

07/07/15

New toolkit ensures high quality care by injecting education back into the acute take

The Acute Medical Unit is traditionally one of the busiest medical environments in a hospital, with large numbers of staff and a high throughput of patients. This provides an enormous opportunity for learning as trainees of all disciplines are exposed to a wide range of clinical scenarios. The intensity of work, however, means that training opportunities are often overlooked.

07/07/15

Over 1 million employees now receiving a better occupational health service

Figures from the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) team show that occupational health (OH) services serving more than 1 million employees had achieved SEQOHS accreditation by October 2012. SEQOHS is managed by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) on behalf of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).

07/07/15

Older people are at no higher risk of bleeding following thrombolysis than younger people

A study, published in Age and Ageing describes the findings from the Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP), which collects data on the quality of care stroke patients receive during their first 3 days following admission to hospital. Currently, 107 hospitals in England take part in the audit.

07/07/15

Thank you for life; Campaign for a national monument

The campaign for a national monument to organ donors was officially launched today (Wednesday 21 November).

07/07/15

Quality of stroke – Quarterly local hospital results for patients admitted between July and September 2012

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England are now available.

07/07/15

RCP comment on CMO call for action on liver disease

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, welcomed the chief medical officer’s focus on the damage that alcohol misuse is causing:

07/07/15

RCP welcome the Alzheimer’s Society report 'My life until the end'

Dr Linda Patterson, RCP clinical vice-president, welcomed the Alzheimer’s Society report My life until the end: dying well with dementia, launched today. She said:

07/07/15

Draft NICE guidance for harm reduction approaches to smoking

Professor John Britton, chair of the RCP’s Tobacco Advisory Group, commenting on the new draft guidance from NICE, Tobacco: harm-reduction approaches to smoking, said:

07/07/15

RCP welcomes revalidation announcement

Sir Richard Thompson, Royal College of Physicians president, welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, that revalidation for doctors will start in December 2012:

07/07/15

Despite falling death rates, we must not be complacent about smoking

In this year’s Harveian Oration at the Royal College of Physicians, Professor Sir Richard Peto, co-director of the Clinical Trial Service Unit (CTSU) at the University of Oxford, will say that despite falling death rates from smoking in the UK, we must not be complacent about current smoking rates and continue to press home the message ‘Smoking kills – stopping works’. In terms of saving lives, it is better to have a moderate reduction in a big cause of death than a major reduction in a small cause of death.

15/07/15

Expert researcher joins the Health Informatics Unit at Royal College of Physicians

Dr Jeremy Wyatt FRCP, the newly established Leadership chair in eHealth Research in Leeds*, has joined the Health Informatics Unit (HIU) as the lead for a new technologies programme.

07/07/15

Dr Ian Arnott welcomes new NICE Crohns guidance

Commenting on the new NICE clinical guideline, Crohn’s disease: management in adults, children and young people launched today, Dr Ian Arnott, Clinical Lead, UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit said:

07/07/15

Make ward rounds the cornerstone of care, say RCP and RCN

In a joint statement, Ward rounds in medicine: Principles for best practice, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are united in calling for ward rounds to be made the cornerstone of patient care, and for a ‘concerted culture change’ with clinical staff, managers and hospital executives engaging with, and focusing on, improving the quality of ward rounds.

07/07/15

Pregnancy guideline opens for public consultation

A new concise guideline on pregnancy and work, aimed at clinicians who may be asked by their patients about the risks of undertaking physical activity at work while pregnant, is being developed by the Health and Work Development Unit (HWDU).

07/07/15

New home for lost van Dyck portrait

A painting attributed to one of the greatest artists to work in Britain, Sir Anthony van Dyck, is now on display at London’s Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

07/07/15

More stroke patients should be considered for thrombolysis

The latest national clinical guideline for stroke recommends that all patients*, regardless of how old they are or how severe their stroke is, should be considered for clot-busting treatment (thrombolysis). New research has shown that these categories of patient, formerly not thought to benefit from thrombolysis, should now be offered it with other patients within 3 hours of the appearance of stroke symptoms.

07/07/15

One year anniversary of student and foundation doctor membership

Twelve months since the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) opened membership to medical students and foundation doctors, the two new schemes have helped hundreds of future physicians further their career.

08/07/15

Royal colleges advise professions of cost-effective prevention for VTE

The four professions* (doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists) have come together to review the evidence for prevention of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE), and to advise their members to follow NICE recommendations on risk assessment and prevention for VTE.

08/07/15

Open House: Top five Brutalist buildings

As part of Open House London 2012, the grade I-listed Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will be open to the public on Saturday 22 September 2012 between 11am and 4pm.

08/07/15

Acute hospital care could be on the brink of collapse, warns RCP

The demand on clinical services is increasing to the point where acute care cannot keep pace in its current form says Hospitals on the edge? The time for action, a new report from the RCP. The hard-hitting report highlights that there are a third fewer general and acute beds now than there were 25 years ago, [i] yet the last decade alone has seen a 37% increase in emergency admissions.[ii]

08/07/15

RCP welcomes audit report for Intermediate Care Services

The RCP welcomes the report from the National Audit of Intermediate Care. The audit, devised by clinicians and commissioners, measures the service provision of intermediate care against standards derived from Department of Health guidance.

08/07/15

Hidden drinkers, hidden diseases – Panorama highlights alcohol abuse in older people

Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance, said that next week’s Panorama programme (10 September) will highlight the rarely publicised problems suffered by older drinkers:

08/07/15

RCP supports hip fracture audit

Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the RCP’s Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, welcomed the publication today of the National Hip Fracture Audit:

08/07/15

UK Carotid Endarterectomy Audit report demonstrates continuing improvement and commitment to quality patient care

Round 4 of the UK Carotid Endarterectomy Audit analysed 5,543 cases and participation has increased to involve 98% of trusts in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales ‒ making this the largest and most robust audit of carotid endarterectomy practice in the UK. The headline message is that the average delay from onset of symptoms to undergoing surgery continues to decline, demonstrating continued improvement in the quality of service.

08/07/15

RCP measures trusts' progress with NICE public health guidance

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published the interim report and a summary of its Staff Health Improvement Project.

08/07/15

RCP comment on assisted dying case

Commenting on today’s judgment in the Tony Nicklinson assisted dying case, Professor John Saunders, Chair of the RCP’s Ethics Committee, said:

08/07/15

Local hospital results for stroke patients admitted between April and June 2012

New quarterly figures from the Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP), the continuous national stroke audit which looks in detail at the first 72 hours of care, show the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England.

08/07/15

Consultants facing hostile job market in a cash-strapped NHS, RCP survey finds

The fourth annual survey of holders of the certificate of completion of training (CCT, the final qualification for specialist training allowing junior doctors to apply for consultant posts) has been completed. The survey, which covers the medical specialties in England, shows a hostile job market for consultants. Worrying findings include:

08/07/15

RCP comment on NHS Kidney Care report

A report from NHS Kidney Care has found that kidney disease costs the NHS more than breast, lung, colon and skin cancer combined, yet too many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. Commenting on the report, Dr Charlie Tomson, chairman of the RCP Joint Specialty Committee for Renal Medicine, said:

08/07/15

New National Early Warning Score could save 6,000 lives

A new working party report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) says there should be a national system for recognising very sick patients whose condition is deteriorating and who need more intensive medical or nursing care. The working party also developed and piloted a National Early Warning Score for this purpose, which if implemented across the NHS, would result in a step-change upwards in patient safety.

08/07/15

Step inside the strange world of medical museums

This summer three of London’s medical royal colleges have joined together to open their doors to the public.

08/07/15

Educating and empowering nurses to prevent falls on hospital wards.

The FallSafe project involved educating, inspiring and supporting acute, rehabilitation and mental health nurses to deliver multifactorial assessments and interventions through a care bundle approach. The care bundle, the FallSafe project final report, and How to… guides for implementation comprise the Falls Prevention Resource pack, which launches today.

08/07/15

Doctors call for more use of exercise in the treatment and management of disease

Ahead of the Olympics, a new report from the Royal College of Physicians highlights the need for more medical engagement in the delivery of exercise for both injury and illness. Other key findings include exercise being critical in both the prevention of disease and managing established disease.

08/07/15

RCP named 'World’s Best Convention Centre'

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has this week won the title of ‘World’s Best Convention Centre’. The Regent’s Park venue beat off competition from leading conference and convention venues from across the globe.

08/07/15

RCP comments on the publication of the mandate consultation

The RCP welcomes the opportunity to respond to the consultation regarding the mandate. This will be a crucially important document setting out the future direction of the NHS.

08/07/15

Shipwreck, famine and disease: The incredible adventures of doctors and plants

A new book from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) commemorates the lives of doctors – dedicated, amazing, diverse and often ephemeral. Some who travelled the world enduring great privations and even shipwreck in the search for new species of plants; others who wrote herbals, proposed ludicrous doctrines or made revolutionary discoveries, built cities, fought in forgotten wars, dissected eyeballs or made book illustrations by covering flowers with printer’s ink and pressing them onto the page. They all have one thing in common; they have plants named after them.

08/07/15

RCP opens its doors ahead of Olympics

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will once again open its doors to the public free of charge for its Open Day on Saturday 7 July between 11am and 4pm.

08/07/15

Clear, practical advice to support revalidation for physicians

The specialty supporting information guidance for revalidation has been published today for use by physicians across the UK. The guidance helps doctors to collect and prepare their supporting information for annual appraisal. This in turn contributes to their revalidation evidence to their Responsible Officer, who will recommend to the General Medical Council (GMC) that they remain fit to practise.

08/07/15

RCP welcomes new interactive map for people affected by lung cancer

The RCP welcomes a new interactive map for people affected by lung cancer launched today by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF). The map was developed using data from the National Lung Cancer Audit’s (NLCA) 2011 report and has been designed to inform patients about lung cancer treatment at their local hospitals.

08/07/15

RCP clinches success in national conference awards

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the venue overlooking London’s Regent’s Park, has achieved an important accolade in this year’s Conference Awards. It beat off competition from six other venues nationwide to clinch the ‘Best Conference Venue under 250 people’ title at the awards event on Friday 15 June.

08/07/15

Diabetes – the time for action is now

Diabetes UK and a number of senior health professionals, including Dr John Newell-Price, chair of the Royal College of Physicians’ Joint Specialty Committee for Endocrinology and Diabetes, have written to the Times ahead of today's Public Accounts Committee hearing on the National Audit Office report on diabetes healthcare:

08/07/15

RCP comment on the NCEPOD report 'Time to intervene'

Dr Mark Temple, the RCP’s acute medicine fellow, welcomed the publication of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report, Time to intervene, which highlights the importance of early consultant review of patients admitted acutely to hospital.

08/07/15

RCP elects academic vice-president and appoints two new senior officers

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced the election of a new academic vice-president and appointment of two new senior officers.

08/07/15

RCP welcomes passing of Scottish Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill

Commenting on the Scottish parliament’s Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill, Sir Ian Gilmore, RCP special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

08/07/15

RCP comments on report linking calcium supplements to significantly increased heart attack risk

Commenting on research published in the online issue of the journal Heart linking calcium supplements to significantly increased heart attack risk, RCP cardiology spokesman Dr Kevin Fox said:

21/07/15

RCP comment on Iain Duncan Smith speech on help for alcoholics and drug addicts

Commenting on reports of Iain Duncan Smith’s speech tonight to Alcoholics Anonymous on help for alcoholics and drug addicts, Sir Ian Gilmore, RCP special adviser on alcohol, said:

08/07/15

Health and life sciences group agrees new clinical trials transparency principles

The Ethical Standards in Health and Life Sciences Group (ESHLSG) is today publishing a new series of Clinical Trial Transparency Principles and Facts.

08/07/15

RCP welcomes Health Committee’s call for more clarity regarding medical workforce plans

The RCP welcomes the Health Committee’s Education, training and workforce planning report. RCP president Sir Richard Thompson, responding to the report, said;

08/07/15

Back pain myths must be dispelled in the NHS

A new report released today highlights the need for all NHS staff to be given good advice about back pain. Musculoskeletal problems such as back pain account for 40% of sickness absence amongst NHS staff and costs approximately £400 million per year.

08/07/15

RCP welcomes DH Information Strategy

The director and associate director of the RCP’s Health Informatics Unit, both welcome the publication today of the DH Information Strategy.

08/07/15

Local hospital results for stroke patients admitted between January and March 2012

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England have been published by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

08/07/15

‘Thank you for letting me get the chance to live’

The Royal Free Hospital, in conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has launched a ‘call to action’ for people to sign the organ donor register. More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant and of these, 1,000 die waiting each year as there are not enough organs available.

08/07/15

RCP comments on Scottish government’s preferred minimum price for alcohol

Commenting on the Scottish government's announcement that it wants to set a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit, Sir Ian Gilmore, RCP special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

08/07/15

RCP comments on new chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma guidance

In response to the Department of Health’s (DH) new guidance on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, said:

08/07/15

‘Curious anatomys’: an extraordinary story of dissection and discovery

Health informatics and healthcare records should be seen as a leadership issue at every level – national, hospital and ward, say the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

09/10/15

Swiney cups

This silver cup is a new addition to the collection at the RCP. The museum has a beautiful collection of silver and decorative art, which continually grows as objects are donated or purchased. The silver collection is particularly special as the objects come to life when they are used or displayed during particular ceremonies and formal dinners.

08/07/15

RCP welcomes 500th student and foundation doctor as total membership passes 27,000

Just 7 months since the introduction of two new membership categories, the number of Royal College of Physicians (RCP) medical student and foundation doctor members has passed 500.

08/07/15

New toolkit aims to improve care for frail older people

The third in the series of acute care toolkits from the Royal College of Physicians aims to improve the care of the frail older patient.

08/07/15

Lung cancer teams pair up to share best practice and improve patient care

Thirty lung cancer teams across England have been working together to improve care for patients. The Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP), based at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), and involving eight partner organisations*, brought the teams together to work collaboratively and share practice to improve the quality of care and patient experience for lung cancer patients.

08/07/15

Nationwide survey of hospital care for complex bowel conditions finds positive patient experience in the UK

A survey of over 2,000 adults and over 160 children treated in hospital in the UK for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) found that over 90% of patients regarded their care as good, very good or excellent.

08/07/15

GPs want more information and education about Crohn’s and colitis

A survey of GPs treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (covering patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) found that GPs wanted more information about local services for their patients.

08/07/15

New guidance highlights prevalence of occupational asthma

New guidance launched today calls on doctors to explore the potential job-related causes of asthma when diagnosing patients. An estimated one in six cases of asthma in people of working age is either caused or aggravated by work-related factors.[i]

08/07/15

Patients benefit from continued consultant cover

A survey of over 100 hospitals in England by the Royal College of Physicians has shown for the first time that patients have better outcomes and are less likely to be readmitted to hospital if cared for on wards where the physicians practising acute medical care:

08/07/15

Healthcare community agree on principles for working together to improve patient health

Healthcare leaders from across the UK have today published a new set of guidelines to promote positive collaboration between health organisations and the pharmaceutical industry and help guide their working practices and interaction. The statement of best practice was signed by 18 healthcare organisations, including the Department of Health, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.

08/07/15

NHS exercise programmes a success with older people but not always evidence-based

A new RCP survey of over 1,700 older people who had attended an NHS-run exercise programme to reduce falls shows that 96% felt the exercises were either beneficial or quite beneficial, and 95% were either satisfied or very satisfied with their exercise programme.

08/07/15

RCP comments on dementia funding

Commenting on the announcement that funding for dementia research is set to increase, Dr Linda Patterson, Royal College of Physicians clinical vice-president said:

08/07/15

RCP welcomes minimum unit price in government's alcohol strategy

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, RCP special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

08/07/15

Care of patients at the end of their lives must improve, says Royal College of Physicians

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) recommends that all hospital doctors, not just palliative care doctors and geriatricians, must be supported to improve the care they give to patients at the end of their lives.

08/07/15

More patients receiving clot-busting treatment for stroke

The Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme (SINAP), commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) and run by the Royal College of Physicians’ Stroke Programme, shows that 8% of patients received clot-busting treatment (thrombolysis) following a stroke, up from only 1% in the 2008 audit.

08/07/15

Results of RCP Health and Social Care Bill survey

In our survey launched on 5 March 25,417 fellows and members of the Royal College of Physicians were asked their views of the Health and Social Care Bill and wider health issues. Thirty-five per cent (8,878) responded to the survey, which ran from 5 March to 15 March. The survey took place during the final stages of the Bill in the House of Lords and was in response to a request for an Extraordinary General Meeting called by 20 fellows of the RCP and attended by 189 fellows.

08/07/15

Chief Clinical Information Officers network launched at the RCP

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) today hosted the launch of the eHealth Insider Chief Clinical Information Officers (CCIO) Leaders Network, a professional network designed to support doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who are stepping up to take the lead on IT and the use of information in healthcare.

09/07/15

One hundred million years of life will be lost by those smoking now

At a 1 day conference to commemorate 50 years since the publication in 1962 of its first ever report on smoking – Smoking and health – the Royal College of Physicians sets out a stark warning about the current and future dangers of smoking, and sets out the key public policy areas for action to deal with the UK’s largest cause of preventable deaths.

09/07/15

RCP statement on survey following the EGM

Following the Extraordinary General Meeting of fellows held on 27 February a motion to survey all 26,000 members and fellows about their attitude to the Health and Social Care Bill was passed. At that meeting we undertook to ensure that the survey was robust, secure, would go to all members and fellows within five working days of the EGM [by 5 March] and would if it all possible go out in time to still influence the outcome of the Bill before the House of Lords completes its deliberations.

09/07/15

RCP comment on consultation report 'Delivering dignity'

Dr Linda Patterson, RCP clinical vice-president, today welcomed the publication of Delivering dignity, a joint report for consultation from the Local Government Association, NHS Confederation, and Age UK:

09/07/15

RCP votes to survey fellows and members for views on Health Bill

At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Royal College of Physicians today, 189 attending fellows of the RCP voted by 80% to 16% (4% abstaining) to survey fellows and members for their views on the Health and Social Care Bill.

09/07/15

RCP comment on Daily Telegraph letter

Responding to a letter published in The Daily Telegraph today (23 February 2012), Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

09/07/15

RCP comment on new study of women and heart attack symptoms

Commenting on the paper from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Association of age and sex with myocardial infarction symptom presentation and in-hospital mortality, Dr Kevin Fox, RCP joint specialty committee for cardiology, said:

09/07/15

Crohn’s and colitis – care improving but services fall short in key areas

The third round of the UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Audit, carried out in 2010, shows that care for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) has improved across a wide range of measures since the previous two rounds in 2006 and 2008.

09/07/15

RCP comment on meeting with prime minister

Commenting on today’s meeting with the prime minister on the implementation of the health reforms, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

09/07/15

Latest projections of alcohol related deaths in England and Wales

A comment authored by two of the RCP’s special advisers on alcohol, Sir Ian Gilmore and Dr Nick Sheron, and colleagues from the British Society of Gastroenterology provides the latest projections on alcohol-related deaths in England and Wales over the next two decades, based on data up to 2010.

09/07/15

Quarter of physicians say continuity of care is poor in their hospital

A new survey from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that over a quarter (28%) of consultant physicians surveyed rate their hospital’s ability to deliver continuity of care as poor or very poor.

09/07/15

RCP comment on minimum unit pricing

Commenting on today’s announcements from the Prime Minister David Cameron, Sir Ian Gilmore, the RCP’s special adviser on alcohol and the chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

09/07/15

Quarterly local hospital stroke care results

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England and Northern Ireland are now available.

09/07/15

RCP comment on Health Committee report on Social Care

Commenting on the Health Select Committee report on Social Care, Dr Linda Patterson, clinical vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

09/07/15

RCP comments on weekend hospitalisation and death rates research

Commenting on research published in the Royal Society of Medicine Journal on weekend hospitalisation and death rates, Dr Andrew Goddard, Royal College of Physicians director of medical workforce, said:

09/07/15

Landmark project to reduce asthma deaths starts today

A landmark project starting today brings together medical professionals and families to investigate the cause of asthma deaths with the aim of reducing asthma deaths in future.

09/07/15

RCP agrees with Health Select Committee conclusions

Commenting on the publication on the Health Select Committee’s Public Expenditure report, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

09/07/15

RCP signs Malaysian agreement

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Newcastle University will tomorrow sign a joint agreement with the Malaysian Ministry of Health to help develop world-class medical education in Malaysia.

09/07/15

RCP supports Science and Technology Committee’s Alcohol Guidelines report

Commenting on the publication of the Science and Technology Select Committee’s Alcohol Guidelines report, Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) special adviser on alcohol, said:

09/07/15

RCP comments on review of nursing standards

Commenting on the newly announced Nursing Quality Forum, Dr Linda Patterson, clinical vice president of the RCP, said:

10/07/15

RCP response to report on services for people with neurological conditions

Commenting on the National Audit Office (NAO) report on services for people with neurological conditions, Dr David Bateman, chair of the joint Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Association of British Neurologists (ABN) report Local adult neurology services for the next decade, said:

10/07/15

Concern over NHS relying on consultants' good will

Consultant physicians are increasingly working above and beyond their contracted hours. The NHS is relying on this good will to deliver the service that patients need. The amount of time consultants have to spend with trainees is decreasing and some specialties are experiencing low levels of growth in consultant numbers.

10/07/15

RCP comments on NCEPOD report

RCP registrar Dr Patrick Cadigan, commenting on the new National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report Knowing the risk, said:

10/07/15

RCP comment on NHS Outcomes Framework

RCP president Sir Richard Thompson, commenting on the launch of the NHS Outcomes Framework, said:

10/07/15

RCP comment on CRUK statistics on preventable cancers

Commenting on the release of new statistics on the amount of preventable cancers from Cancer Research UK, published as a supplement to the British Journal of Cancer, RCP president Sir Richard Thompson said:

10/07/15

Patients receive high-quality care at the end of life

An audit of the provision and delivery of care for patients in the last hours or days of life has shown hospitals are reaching high standards of care in a wide variety of areas. The audit included clinical data from over 7,000 patients (from 127 NHS trusts) whose care was supported by the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP), and organisational data regarding provision of care for patients in the last hours or days of life was submitted from 131 NHS trusts in England.

10/07/15

RCP comments on Dr Foster hospital guide

Commenting on the publication of the Dr Foster Inside your hospital report, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

10/07/15

RCP welcomes NHS operating framework focus on care for older people

The RCP has welcomed the focus on raising standards of care for older people contained in the NHS operating framework 2012/2013. Dr Linda Patterson, RCP clinical vice president, said:

12/11/15

RCP and Shape win prestigious award for ‘inspired’ exhibition

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and partners, Shape, have won a top award for helping to build a more inclusive world for disabled people, with their ‘challenging’ exhibition of RCP portraits Re-framing disability: portraits from the Royal College of Physicians.

10/07/15

Future Forum interim advice: RCP positions on integration and information

As the Future Forum presents interim advice to the Secretary of State for Health today, please see below for the RCP’s positions on both integration and information. The RCP has today submitted its evidence to the Future Forum workstream on integrated care.

10/07/15

RCP ‘disappointed’ that obesity advisory group disbanded

Commenting on the news that the government expert advisory group on obesity has been disbanded, professor John Wass, chair of the RCP working party on the management of obesity, said:

10/07/15

RCP comments on calls to ban smoking in vehicles

Commenting on the BMA’s review of evidence on passive smoking in vehicles, professor John Britton, chair of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Tobacco Advisory Group, said:

10/07/15

Stroke care audit results - November 2011

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England and Northern Ireland are now available from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

10/07/15

Royal colleges sign contract for revalidation online portfolio

A cohort of medical royal colleges has today signed a contract with Equiniti 360° Clinical to provide an online portfolio to support UK doctors through their appraisal and revalidation. Revalidation means that from 2012, all doctors who hold a license to practise will have to demonstrate to the General Medical Council (GMC) that they remain fit to practise, and are doing so in accordance with the relevant professional and specialty standards.

10/07/15

RCP welcomes new Patients Association CARE campaign

Dr Linda Patterson, RCP clinical vice president, speaking at the launch of the new Patients Association CARE campaign, said she welcomed and supported the campaign as the RCP was committed to improving care for patients:

10/07/15

Importance of preventing and treating osteoporosis to be recognised

Commenting on the inclusion of new points for preventing and treating osteoporosis in the Quality Outcomes Framework indicators, announced today by NHS Employers, Dr Jonathan Treml, Royal College of Physicians is (RCP) associate director for falls and bone health, said:

10/07/15

RCP calls for public health professionals to have strong links with the NHS

Commenting on the publication of the Health Select Committee’s public health report, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

10/07/15

Patients need guarantee of national standards for doctors training

In its evidence on education and training to the Future Forum, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) stresses the need for all postgraduate medical education to be nationally planned and led by Health Education England (HEE) working with the royal colleges, and for the number of trainee placements for medical specialties to be set at a national level.

10/07/15

Commissioning groups need local knowledge, says RCP

As the Health and Social Care Bill goes to committee stage in the House of Lords, the RCP is calling for the government to guarantee that specialist doctors and nurses who sit on the boards of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) do not have to be from outside the local area. CCGs will need local knowledge to make the best commissioning decisions. CCGs should be able to appoint the best person for the job against a clear role specification. We also believe this will help to improve integrated working.

10/07/15

RCP comments on the frequency of alcohol consumption

Following oral and written evidence given to the Science and Technology Committee's Inquiry into the evidence base for alcohol, Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) special adviser on alcohol, has commented on the frequency of alcohol consumption. In a written comment given to the Daily Mail, Sir Ian said:

10/07/15

New toolkit to support high quality care for acutely ill patients

The pressures on acute medical services in NHS trusts are immense. Increasing numbers of patients with medical emergencies are being admitted to hospital, particularly elderly patients with multiple, complex medical conditions. This workload requires care to be organised on the basis of 7 day working and to ensure that sufficient staff with the right skills and expertise are available to not only meet demand, but also provide the best outcomes for patients.

10/07/15

RCP comments on Lords Committee report - Safety First: Mobility of Healthcare Professionals in the EU

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), welcomed today's House of Lords Social Policies and Consumer Protection EU Sub-Committee report, Safety First: Mobility of Healthcare Professionals in the EU. The report addressed many of the RCP’s concerns about the sharing of fitness to practice information between countries and language competence and testing. Sir Richard said:

10/07/15

Divided we fail: Harveian Oration 2011

In this year’s Harveian Oration, Dr Iona Heath, President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, explores the divisions within the medical profession, dualistic views of the human body, divisions within society and the implications of each for the future of medicine. In an Oration brought to life with illuminating quotations from writers, poets and scientists, Dr Heath argues that we need to bridge those divisions to improve care for patients and create a fairer society. Key excerpts below:

10/07/15

RCP comments on the latest referral to treatment waiting times statistics

Commenting on the latest referral to treatment waiting times data from the Department of Health, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:

10/07/15

NHS services for multiple sclerosis patients remain poor

Services that people with multiple sclerosis depend upon from the NHS have shown little or no improvement in the last 5 years, and guidelines issued by NICE for the management of patients with MS are no closer to being met today than when they were first launched in 2003.

10/07/15

RCP comment on Commission on Generalism report: Guiding Patients through Complexity: Modern Medical Generalism

The RCP says increasing generalist skills in hospitals will complement excellent specialist skills and help to improve patient care overall.

10/07/15

‘An end to good manners’: The RCP and the English Civil War

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has opened a new exhibition revealing 17th century tales of conflict, diplomacy and the medical world.

10/07/15

Why people matter in medicine

A new report has outlined the need to bridge the gap between patients and the medical industry for a more beneficial, effective system of prescribing.

10/07/15

RCP comment on GMC report 'State of Medical Education and Practice'

Commenting of the General Medical Council (GMC) report, State of Medical Education and Practice, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said:

10/07/15

RCP welcomes first medical student and foundation doctor members

For the first time in its 493 year history, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has opened membership to medical students and foundation doctors.

10/07/15

RCP comment on Health Select Committee reports on CQC and on Monitor

Commenting on the Health Select Committee’s reports on the Care Quality Commission and on Monitor, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

10/07/15

Explore a Grade I listed modernist masterpiece

The Grade I listed Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will be opening its doors to the public on Sunday 18 September 2011 between 11am and 4pm as part of Open House London 2011.

10/07/15

RCP statement on report stage and third reading of Health and Social Care Bill

The Health and Social Care Bill will have its third reading and report stage in the House of Commons on 6 and 7 September. The RCP is calling for the following changes and clarity in the health reforms:

10/07/15

RCP comment on King’s Fund briefing paper 'Reconfiguration of hospital services'

The RCP welcomes the publication of the King’s Fund briefing paper Reconfiguration of hospital services. Commenting on the report, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the RCP, said:

10/07/15

New advances prompt genetics guidance update

As genetic technologies advance both in terms of speed and reducing costs, more and more clinical applications are seen in the NHS. This brings many benefits for diagnoses, risk prediction and clinical management, but there are accompanying ethical and legal issues of managing information that is relevant to both the individual and their family.

10/07/15

RCP statement: latest government amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill

Commenting on the publication of the government’s amendments to part three of the Health and Social Care Bill, which deal with access to services, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the RCP, said:

10/07/15

RCP statement on the next phase of the NHS listening exercise

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the announcement of the next stage of the listening exercise. The four areas of work that are key issues for the RCP and our members and fellows are: education and training, information, public health and integration, will all benefit from the Future Forum’s scrutiny.

10/07/15

Stroke care audit results

New quarterly figures showing the quality of stroke care in hospitals in England between 1 April 2011 and 30 June 2011 are now available from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

10/07/15

New project to help reduce deaths from asthma

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), in partnership with a consortium of professional and patient bodies concerned with asthma, has commenced work on a National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The project has been commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP).

10/07/15

RCP responds to Health Select Committee Annual Accountability of Regulators Reports

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the Health Select Committee’s reports on the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The RCP agrees that medical regulators must show leadership to give doctors and nurses the confidence to report instances of sub-standard care. The environment in which health professionals work must also be supportive of this. The RCP wants to break down traditional professional boundaries regarding raising concerns; between them doctors and nurses must feel confident highlighting concerns about all standards.

25/07/11

New toolkit based on RCP discharge summary record launched

A new Discharge Summary Implementation Toolkit is being launched today, 25 July 2011

10/07/15

RCP president: NHS creaking at the seams

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, commenting on today's release of waiting list statistics from the Department of Health, said he was worried about the implications of the rise in the number of patients waiting for diagnosis and treatment:

10/07/15

Government prevaricates over public protection

Despite repeated calls from the public health profession for statutory regulation of all public health specialists to ensure public protection, government is choosing dogma over public protection, warn UK Faculty of Public Health and the Royal College of Physicians.

10/07/15

First ever occupational health service standards awards

Six companies and organisations have won the first ever awards for achieving high standards in occupational health services. The companies and organisations have met the accreditation standards of SEQOHS - Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service, run by the Royal College of Physicians on behalf of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. By meeting these standards, they have shown that they are able to maintain and improve the quality of people’s health while in work.

10/07/15

New RCP toolkit launched to avoid handover errors

Poor handover between doctors, nurses and multidisciplinary teams is a common cause of error in hospitals, and is a major preventable cause of patient harm. It can lead to inefficiencies, repetitions, delayed decisions, repeated investigations, incorrect diagnoses, incorrect treatment, and poor communication with the patient. Some hospitals do not even have a handover protocol in place.

10/07/15

Considerable regional variations in access to NHS stroke prevention surgery

Despite countless initiatives and high profile public awareness campaigns, more than half of NHS patients with symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini stroke) are still failing to get fast access to life-saving, stroke prevention surgery. A lack of public and professional awareness about the need for quick treatment, combined with badly designed hospital services, is resulting in hundreds of preventable strokes. Surgeons say that unless awareness is increased to a level where these patients are routinely treated as emergencies, it will not be possible to meet Government stroke care standards.

10/07/15

‘FallSafe’ project aims to reduce falls in hospital

A group of health organisations have joined together in a project to help prevent people falling in hospital. Accidental falls are the most commonly reported patient safety incidents in NHS hospitals, with over 280,000 falls reported each year. They can lead to injury, including fractures and head injuries, impaired confidence, anxiety and poor rehabilitation, and are a frequent factor in patients needing long-term care.

10/07/15

RCP response to government’s response to Future Forum report

RCP president, Sir Richard Thompson said:

10/07/15

RCP response to Future Forum report

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased that the Future Forum has recommended multiprofessional involvement and an increased role for hospital doctors in commissioning.

10/07/15

Medical training under threat from proposed immigration changes

VSO and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) are concerned that the government’s proposed changes to immigration laws announced today, will have a significant impact on a training initiative that increases the quality of medical healthcare in the developing world and has significant benefits for the NHS.

10/07/15

RCP comment on the prime minister’s speech on NHS reforms

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the prime minister’s commitment to the integration of services. We believe that a commitment to give hospital doctors a role in local commissioning bodies is essential to achieve the best quality care for patients, and comprehensive and efficient health services for all.

10/07/15

Neurology services not meeting patients’ needs

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and the Association of British Neurologists says that overall, services for patients with neurological conditions are poorly organised, and do not meet patients’ needs.

09/10/15

Audiovestibular medicine in history: rare books on deafness and hearing loss

One of the oldest books in English in the RCP library concerning hearing loss is John Bulwer’s Philocophus: or, The deafe and dumbe mans friend, published in London in 1648. Bulwer (1606–1656) was a physician and wrote several books concerning communication. The book is devoted to promoting the benefit of learning to lip read, a skill that Bulwer describes as ‘subtile art, which may inable one with an observant Eie, to Heare what any man speraks by the moving of his lips.’ It presents the story of a deaf Spanish man, Don Luis Velasco, who was taught to lip read and to speak by a schoolmaster.

10/07/15

Make all doctors a part of commissioning, says RCP

In its response to the Future Forum as part of the government’s listening exercise on the Health and Social Care Bill 2011, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) says that:

10/07/15

Many hospitals not reaching national standards for treating inflammatory bowel disease despite improvements in services

Care for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has improved since 2008, according to the third UK IBD audit, but many hospitals are still not reaching the National IBD Service Standards, launched in February 2009.

10/07/15

Lack of national software for care records makes implementing national record standards even more important says RCP

Responding to the recent National Audit Office report on the delivery of detailed care records, the directors of the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Health Informatics Unit (HIU) agree that the delivery of a central system for care records is not achievable. Instead, Professors John Williams and Iain Carpenter say that the way forward is to implement national standards for the structure and content of care records from a clinical perspective.

29/10/15

NHS services for falls and fractures in older people are inadequate, finds national clinical audit

The National Audit of Falls and Bone Health in Older People reports that there is unacceptable variation in the quality of NHS services for care and prevention of falls and fractures. In many areas, there is a major gap between what NHS organisations claim to provide, in terms of commissioning, protocols or structure; and what clinical audit reveals in terms of actual care provided. The audit shows that older patients with fractures do not routinely receive key aspects of care for falls prevention or bone health, needlessly exposing them to a greater risk of further falls and fractures.

10/07/15

Stroke care still improving but concerns remain

The final report of the National Sentinel Stroke Audit shows that care for patients with stroke is still improving 12 years after the start of the audit. Eighty-eight per cent of patients spent at least some time on a stroke unit which is excellent progress from 74% in 2008. Patients on stroke units have better outcomes than those admitted to and treated on general wards.

10/07/15

RCP comment on 'The Health Impacts of Cold Homes and Fuel Poverty'

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), welcomed the publication of The Health Impacts of Cold Homes and Fuel Poverty, written by the Marmot Review Team for Friends of the Earth.

10/07/15

NHS trusts failing to tackle staff obesity

A new report published today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine has revealed that only 15% of NHS trusts have a policy or plan to help combat staff obesity.

10/07/15

RCP welcomes proposed international actions on non-communicable disease

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the new proposed international priorities to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which will be put forward by The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance in The Lancet, 6 April 2011.

10/07/15

RCP statement on Health Select Committee 'Commissioning: further issues' Report

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the Health Select Committee’s report, Commissioning: Further Issues. We hope the government will adopt the recommendations, which we believe will improve the Health and Social Care Bill. The RCP also recommends that the Bill includes a provision to guarantee a local comprehensive health service.

10/07/15

‘If we’re going to get looked at anyway, we might as well get paid for it’

These are the words of Sophie Partridge, a disabled focus group participant discussing the representation of disabled people, as part of a new exhibition at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

10/07/15

New guidance to stop people dying from acute gastric bleeding

Sudden, acute bleeding from the stomach is a common medical emergency, affecting around 30,000 people every year in the UK. One in 10 patients affected die as a result of the bleed, rising to one in four when acute bleeding happens to patients who are already in hospital for some other reason. A range of treatments including endoscopy, X-ray procedures and surgery can stop bleeding and save lives, and the earlier these treatments are used, the better the outcome. Unfortunately in the UK whilst 60% of patients are admitted outside of normal working hours:

10/07/15

Key health organisations do not sign responsibility deal

Six health organisations previously involved in the government’s Responsibility Deal Alcohol Network (RDAN) have decided not to sign up to the overall Public Health Responsibility Deal because of serious reservations about the proposed alcohol pledges.

10/07/15

RCP comments on the tobacco control plan for England

Commenting on the publication of the tobacco control plan for England, Professor John Britton, chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group said:

10/07/15

Concerns over gaps in NHS care following cap on non-EU doctors

The introduction of an immigration cap for skilled workers entering the UK has made it extremely difficult for NHS Trusts to fill gaps in hospital rotas. Now, medical leaders at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have expressed concern that another route for experienced international doctors looks set to be blocked.

10/07/15

RCP response to the Health and Social Care Bill

The Health and Social Care Bill proposes fundamental changes to our health service. The Royal College of Physicians will analyse the Bill in detail, and continue to work to ensure the development of a system that delivers quality care for all.

10/07/15

NHS reorganisation more significant than peer review in improving COPD care

A project measuring whether care for patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) could be improved by mutual peer review visits to respiratory units has shown that although the project brought benefits to both patients and health professionals, the effects were not as significant for the provision of COPD services as the continuing reorganisation and restructuring of the NHS.

10/07/15

RCP comments on Health Select Committee Report on Commissioning

response to the Health Select Committee Report on Commissioning, Sir Richard Thompson, President of the Royal College of Physicians says:

10/07/15

Government minimum alcohol pricing "will have negligible impact"

In response to government plans to ban retailers from selling alcohol below the rate of duty +VAT, Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance and former President of the Royal College of Physicians said:

10/07/15

RCP audit highlights occupational health services success in driving down sickness absence

The second round of the national clinical audit of occupational health (OH) care on depression detection and management of staff on long-term sickness absence in England demonstrates that higher quality care is now being delivered. Between April and June 2010, the average sickness absence rate for the NHS in England was 3.89%.

10/07/15

Response to Liberating the NHS: Legislative framework and next steps

Responding to Liberating the NHS: Legislative framework and next steps, Dr Patrick Cadigan, registrar of the Royal College of Physicians said:

10/07/15

RCP concerned that NHS 'may reach breaking point within the next few years'

The 2009 census of the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK shows the current strain the NHS is under in specialties caring for very sick patients. Dr Andrew Goddard, RCP director of medical workforce, suggests that increasing hospital admissions, inflexibility of junior doctors' hours due to the European Working Time Directive, and fewer new consultant posts being created ";are adding further stress to a system which may reach breaking point within the next few years."

10/07/15

RCP comment on upper GI bleed study

Commenting on a new study released today in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dr Andrew Goddard, Royal College of Physicians director of medical workforce, said:

21/07/15

RCP comment on the BMA's report 'Food for thought'

RCP President Professor Jane Dacre welcomed the BMA’s report Food for thought: promoting healthy diets among children and young people published today. She said:

13/07/15

RCP report concludes that all health professionals need obesity training

A new report produced for Foresight by the Royal College of Physicians says that in future every health professional will need to be trained to identify people at risk from increasing body weight, and be skilled at managing obesity.

13/07/15

Patients deserve better out of hours care, says RCP president

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said today that patients deserve better care in hospitals in the evenings and at weekends. Introducing a new statement produced by the RCP's Council on doctors working hours, he said that many hospitals did not have enough senior doctors present to care for patients out of hours and at weekends, and that new working patterns would be needed in future.

13/07/15

RCP survey reveals need for more trained doctors at weekends

A new survey from the Royal College of Physicians of the way care for very ill patients is managed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland recommends that hospitals need to increase the availability of senior doctors in acute admissions units, particularly at weekends. Previous studies show that a consultant-delivered service is best for patient treatment and recovery.

13/07/15

RCP responds to public health white paper

Responding to the Public Health White Paper published today by the Department of Health, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

13/07/15

RCP argues flexible commissioning is key to high quality rehabilitation services

The future of medical rehabilitation (RM) services hinges on more flexible commissioning arrangements

13/07/15

RCP publish Lansley interview

The Royal College of Physicians has published a recent interview with Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley.

13/07/15

'Thank you for life' captures benefit of donation

Launch of a moving new book containing the letters sent to organ donor families by transplant patients.

13/07/15

Medical students require improved leadership training

Report calls for more to be done to help medical students acquire the skills they will need to become future leaders of the health service.

13/07/15

Redefining disease could transform diagnosis and treatment

Defining disease according to its causes would improve our understanding of medicine.

13/07/15

RCP comment on GMC's response to their revalidation consultation

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) commends the GMC on addressing a number of concerns shared by the RCP and other Royal colleges.

13/07/15

RCP comments on the launch of the Department of Health's 'An Information Revolution' consultation

Responding to proposals set out in the Department of Health’s consultation Liberating the NHS: An Information Revolution (launched earlier today), Professor John Williams, Director of the Health Informatics Unit at the Royal College of Physicians said:

13/07/15

Heart attack treatment: primary angioplasty overtakes clot-busting drugs

For the first time, heart attack patients in England are more likely to have their damaged artery opened with a balloon catheter (primary angioplasty) than receive clot-busting drugs (thrombolysis).

13/07/15

Incontinence causing a 'life sentence' of suffering

The findings of the National Audit of Continence Care have been published today by the Royal College of Physicians.

13/07/15

RCP issues a cautious welcome to the DH statement on the National Programme for IT

Today, Professor Iain Carpenter, co-director of the RCP’s Health Informatics Unit, has responded to a written ministerial statement on the proposed devolution of NHS IT leadership to local organisations:

13/07/15

RCP Statement on the CfWI's Recommendations for Medical Specialty Training 2011

The Royal College of Physicians is in broad agreement with the recommendations made in this, the first, Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) report on the future of specialty training. Given the short timescale CfWI has had to gather the data and the clear acceptance of the limitations of this data in the report, it is nontheless a big step in the right direction for medical workforce planning in England. In particular it supports the key recommendations made by Sir John Temple in his report on the effects of the European Working Time Directive on medical training in this country.

13/07/15

Better community care needed to help stroke victims recover

Short falls with community rehabilitation services are undermining the advances in acute medicine for patients who have suffered a stroke, according to a new report produced by the Royal College of Physicians. For the first time the Sentinel Stroke Audit, commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), has investigated the follow-up care that patients receive when they are discharged from hospital. It shows that while many aspects of acute care have improved, post acute services have not kept up and there is a lack of access to long term rehabilitation services, particularly to help people return to work.

13/07/15

Response to comments about decriminalisation of illicit substances made by former president of the RCP, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore.

The RCP has responded to comments about decriminalisation of illicit substances made by the former president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Professor Sir Ian Gilmore.

13/07/15

Findings from the Vascular Surgical Services and Clinical Endarterectomy (Round 2) Audits now available

The RCP has published the findings from the UK Organisational Audit of Vascular Surgical Services 2009, and the results of the second round of the clinical UK Carotid Endarterectomy Audit on its website.

13/07/15

RCP Appoints First Female Treasurer

The Royal College of Physicians has appointed its first female Treasurer, Professor Linda Luxon.

13/07/15

Response to DH White Paper 'Liberating the NHS'

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

13/07/15

25,000 members at the heart of healthcare

As Dr Helen Skinner, a consultant geriatrician at the University Hospital of North Tees, became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians at a ceremony on Friday 25 June, she also became the 25,000th person to be a member or fellow of the College at any one time.

13/07/15

RCP Mersey revalidation appraisal pilot completed

The RCP piloted the GMC Appraisal Framework in secondary care in the Mersey region on behalf of the Revalidation Support Team (RST) and the report was presented to the UK Programme Board on Monday 5 July. The pilot included an exploration of what supporting information might be available and of the new appraisal process, and was supported by an electronic toolkit developed by the Revalidation Support Team. The RCP role was to co-ordinate and run the pilot, and to carry out the evaluation.

13/07/15

New guidance to protect workers from chicken pox

Guidance to protect workers from Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), commonly known as chicken pox or shingles, has been published by the Royal College of Physicians’ Health and Work Development Unit, funded by NHS Plus, and includes a section aimed specifically at employers. The updated guideline extends previous recommendations with regard to pregnant women and people whose immune systems are compromised.

13/07/15

Omani health minister becomes RCP fellow

On June 25, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Sa'eedi (His Excellency the Minister of Health for Oman), will become a Fellow of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP), the oldest medical college for physicians in the United Kingdom.

13/07/15

Lebanese health minister becomes RCP fellow

On June 25, Professor Mohamed Jawad Khalife (His Excellency the Minister of Health for Lebanon), will become a Fellow of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP), the oldest medical college for physicians in the United Kingdom.

13/07/15

Progress on allergy - how can we do more?

The 2007 House of Lords (HoL) Science and Technology Committee inquiry into allergy recommended practical steps to improve allergy services by developing expert centres to lead cost-effective service improvement. A new report shows that although there has been limited progress in some areas of allergy care, in the majority of areas it has been slow or non-existent, despite a huge commitment by allergy specialists, patients and professional societies.

13/07/15

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore responds to NICE guidance on cardiovascular disease

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians responded to the NICE guidance on the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

13/07/15

RCP President recognised in Queen's birthday honours list

Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has today been recognised by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for his service to medicine in her birthday honours list, with the award of a knighthood.

13/07/15

Drinks industry should change way it works to help lower alcohol deaths

Reducing deaths from alcohol-related liver disease need not affect the bottom line of the drinks industry, according to a new article published in Clinical Medicine, the journal of the Royal College of Physicians. Using the example of alcohol policy in France over the last 40 years, the study shows that by improving the quality, but reducing the quantity of wine produced, lives were saved while the industry continued to be profitable.

13/07/15

RCP President's Prescription Charges Review published

The Department of Health has today published the Prescription Charges Review, authored by RCP President Professor Ian Gilmore. He said:

13/07/15

Doctors can be a driving force for change, says RCP

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians argues that doctors are in an ideal position to drive changes in healthcare for the benefit of patients. Future Physicians: changing doctors in changing times urges doctors to take up leadership positions in medicine and in public life to accelerate improvement in health outcomes.

13/07/15

RCP president responds to manifesto document

On learning of the new government’s plans to tackle health inequalities and reduce alcohol-related harm, Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicans said:

13/07/15

EU rules on working weeks leading to higher rates of junior doctor sick leave

A new study published today in Clinical Medicine, the journal of the Royal College of Physicians, shows that the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) may be failing in its primary objective – to improve the welfare of employees. A group of doctors have found a link between the introduction of rotas compliant with a 48-hour working week and increased prevalence and longer periods of sick leave in junior doctors.

13/07/15

Sir Richard Thompson elected president of the Royal College of Physicians

Sir Richard was elected from a field of six candidates by single transferable vote, the result having been made public as College Day (29th March 2010) drew to a close.

13/07/15

RCP president responds to Health Select Committee report on Commissioning

Responding to the publication of the Health Select Committee’s Report on Commissioning (HC 268-I), Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians said today:

13/07/15

Passive smoking is a major health hazard to children, says the RCP

Passive smoking in the home is a major hazard to the health of the millions of children in the UK who live with smokers. Passive smoking and children, a major new report launched today from the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians says that children are particularly vulnerable to passive smoke exposure, most of which occurs in the home. About 2 million children currently live in a household where they are exposed to cigarette smoke, and many more are exposed outside the home.

13/07/15

RCP outlines health considerations ahead of Budget

Ahead of the Chancellor’s budget on 24th March 2010 and the subsequent debates, the Royal College of Physicians, as the leading body representing UK physicians is asking Members of Parliament to bear key health considerations in mind:

13/07/15

Commissioners must not ignore specialist advice

The pre-election manifesto from the Royal College of Physicians says that clinical leadership is vital to the success of commissioning. In Leading for Quality;the foundation for healthcare over the next decade, the RCP sets out clear policy goals for the future of the healthcare system, including the need for clinical teams and patients to be more fully involved in the commissioning process:

05/11/15

Falls Prevention Services good but problems remain

In a new survey of over 1,000 patients from the Royal College of Physicians, three-quarters (76% - 767 of 1,028 total respondents) felt that their experience of falls prevention services had been positive.

13/07/15

RCP comment on National Audit Office report on Stroke Care

Commenting on the National Audit Office report Progress in Improving Stroke Care, Dr Tony Rudd, RCP Associate Director and Chair of the Intercollegiate Stroke Network said:

13/07/15

National Sentinel Stroke Audit 2009 released

As part of the background information for their report, the National Audit Office commissioned the Royal College of Physicians Organisational Stroke Audit in 2009.

13/07/15

RCP President Responds to Health Select Committee Report on Alcohol

Responding to the publication of the Health Select Committee’s Report on Alcohol (HC 151-I), Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians said today:

13/07/15

Nil by mouth should be last resort according to RCP published report

This is the central message from a Working Party report published today by the Royal College of Physicians in conjunction with the British Society of Gastroenterology. Entitled ‘Oral feeding difficulties and dilemmas: A guide to practical care, particularly towards the end of life', it has been prepared in response to continuing unease about the lack of consensus, including among doctors, about when artificial nutrition and hydration is appropriate.

13/07/15

RCP President comments on drinking and the 'unsustainable burden' on NHS hospitals

Commenting on today’s publication of a joint briefing from the Royal College of Physicians and the NHS Confederation, Too Much Of The Hard Stuff: What Alcohol Costs The NHS, Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians said:

21/07/15

RCP hosts audit to improve care for lung cancer patients

Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is pleased to announce that the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) has awarded it the contract to deliver the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), for the forthcoming 3–5 years.

21/07/15

RCP welcomes report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition

RCP Academic Vice President Professor John Wass welcomed today’s report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

21/07/15

Latest Stroke Audit results show world class stroke care is achievable

The ninth report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reveals today that 11 stroke services scored an overall ‘A’-grade for the quality of care they provide for patients, demonstrating that a world class service is achievable.

29/09/15

Curing sundry diseases by transfusion of blood

Today blood transfusion is an often-used and life-saving procedure. First attempts were recorded in the 17th century, but successful routine transfusion wasn’t possible until comparatively recently.

09/10/15

What's growing in the garden?

Spring is going and summer is upon us; the medicinal garden at the RCP is a kaleidoscope of greens of every hue, splashed with colours from every continent. The North American beds provide interest all summer. They include plants that produced wart cures that became cancer treatments, fraudulent cures for venereal disease, tobacco substitutes and popular modern herbal medicines like Echinacea and Evening Primrose oil – and much more.

09/10/15

William Hunter lecturing

In 1825 the Royal College of Physicians was bequeathed a remarkable conversation piece by Johan Zoffany (1733–1810): a painting representing the Scottish-born anatomist, surgeon and midwife William Hunter (1718–1783) giving an anatomy lecture. It’s one of our most significant paintings – it has been exhibited throughout the UK and abroad, and extensively studied by scholars and art historians

09/10/15

The ‘beak doctors’

Many plagues affected Europe from the 14th to the 18th centuries, and they could decimate populations. Physicians and other medical practitioners invented imaginative concoctions in an attempt – largely in vain – to treat and cure the disease.

09/10/15

A noble remedy?

This small box contained several tiny pills, each holding a high concentration of opium, extracted from the opium poppy plant. The plant contains compounds which cause sedation and pain relief, making the opium poppy one of the most remarkable and useful plants in human history.

09/10/15

Read the 19th century online

Many new and developing technologies in the world today have provided libraries and museums with opportunities to provide access to their collections in exciting and innovative ways. The RCP is embracing these opportunities, and last year became a partner in the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL) project.

09/10/15

The eyes have it

The eye, because of its importance as a sensory organ and the mystery of sight, has always been a source of great curiosity. Ophthalmology – the study of diseases and disorders of the eye – developed as scholars, physicians and surgeons began to specialise. The complex anatomy of the eye took a long time to be revealed, and research has often taken unusual routes.

29/09/15

Goodbye Denys Lasdun

February 13 was, unluckily, the final day of our exhibition The anatomy of a building: Denys Lasdun and the Royal College of Physicians.

09/10/15

Women practising physic

This correspondence from 150 years ago, between the RCP and one of the most famous pioneers of medical education for women, Elizabeth Garrett-Anderson (1836–1917), illustrates the attitudes and barriers women faced in the 19th century in their efforts to acquire education and training in male-dominated professions.

09/10/15

'From her truly affectionate friend'

This lengthy inscription is found in a copy of surgeon Richard Wiseman’s Severall chirurgical treatises (1676) in the RCP library. It shows that this grisly book was owned by Jane Hatcher, née Hussey (1657–1735), granddaughter-in-law of Thomas Hatcher (c.1589–1677) of Lincolnshire.

29/07/15

RCP comment on the outcome of the MHRA review into the use of alteplase for stroke

On the outcome of the MHRA review into the use of alteplase for stroke, RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre said:

02/10/15

‘A team without walls’ – the RCP’s future hospital vision in action

‘A team without walls’ is the integrated respiratory team’s (IRT) vision at King’s Health Partners - the latest case study to join the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) future hospital movement's Tell us your story initiative.

29/09/15

We are what we eat? From tainted meat to supersize portions

With the ice-cream temptations of summer bearing down upon us, not to mention the strawberry and cream distractions of Wimbledon, we look into the origins of obesity as seen through the lens of the RCP library’s 20th century collections.

09/10/15

Peter the Wildboy

This week we have a guest post from Nicola Waddington of the Wellcome Library, who has recently finished cataloguing the Heberden Collection from the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR). The RCP library holds the rare books collections of the BSR’s Heberden Library. This post originally appeared on the Wellcome Library blog.

09/10/15

Gout, or the joint evil

This week we have a guest post from Nicola Waddington of the Wellcome Library, who has recently finished cataloguing the Heberden Collection from the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR). The RCP library holds the rare books collections of the BSR’s Heberden Library. This post originally appeared on the Wellcome Library blog.

09/10/15

More than just the sniffles

Before the flu season is completely over, we thought you might like to know more about some of the material we hold in the RCP library on this most virulent of seasonal pests. ‘Coughs and sneezes cause diseases’ as the maxim goes – and throughout history the diseases caused by unguarded coughs and sneezes have led to, in some cases, epidemic outbreaks of infectious illnesses with major repercussions and large-scale fatalities.

09/10/15

‘There is still so much more to be done’

Dame Cicely Saunders (1918–2005) was the founder of the modern hospice movement. Her experiences with people suffering at the end of their life, and the good relationships she had with her patients, inspired her life’s work.

29/09/15

Irascible Radcliffe

Amongst the impressive displays in the RCP’s Lasdun Hall is an imposing portrait of the legendarily outspoken court physician Dr John Radcliffe (1650–1714). Radcliffe is best known today for leaving £40,000 in his will to found the Radcliffe Library in Oxford in the building known as the Radcliffe Camera.

09/10/15

Sugar of roses

Valentine’s day is nearly upon us. Why not do something different this year? Some people make their own cards, but why not show your loved one how much you care by making your own gift? Instead of buying red roses or a heart shaped box of chocolates, make edible rose petals or – if you really want to impress – your own perfume. Just follow one of these 17th century recipes from our archives.

09/10/15

Tonic or toxin?

Medicinal flower or deadly poison? The castor oil plant – ricinus communis – is actually both. Many plants are toxic when ingested or inhaled, because of their need to protect against predators.

09/10/15

The new light

In 1895 the German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) published pioneering research into ‘eine neue Art von Strahlen’ (‘a new kind of rays’). Röntgen’s discovery won him the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 and it went on to revolutionise medical diagnosis. In English we know his new rays as X-rays, but in German and many other languages they’re still known as Röntgen radiation.

09/10/15

Constructing a masterpiece

The Royal College of Physicians’ building is located, believe it or not, on the outskirts of what used to be prime medieval hunting ground. Regent’s Park has been Crown Estate property since the reign of Henry VIII, who confiscated the land from Barking Abbey during the dissolution of the monasteries. It was an ‘invigorating ride from Whitehall Palace’, and Henry used the land to hunt deer.

09/10/15

The Anglo-American Gold cure for drunkenness

This impassioned rhetoric formed part of an address delivered by Sir Andrew Clark (1826–1893) at a meeting of a parochial branch of the Church of England Temperance Society in 1881. Clark was a distinguished President of the Royal College of Physicians from 1888 until his death. He also became the president of the Medical Society of London in 1871 and was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1885. According to his RCP obituary 'He was a man of serious turn of mind who never played a game and for relaxation turned to theology and speculative philosophy'.

09/10/15

An alternative Christmas greeting

One Christmas, sometime in the 1950s, RCP architect Sir Denys Lasdun sent a hand-drawn Christmas card to his colleagues at the architecture practice Fry Drew Drake and Lasdun. A steaming plum pudding and strands of holly adorn the façade of a classical temple, whose columns are none other than Lasdun’s partners Maxwell Fry, Jane Drew, Lindsay Drake, and Lasdun himself, standing upside down and balancing the temple’s pediment on their feet.

09/10/15

A physician’s cane and the secrets it contained

A guest post by Discover Medical London. Ask people today for the instrument they most associate with the medical profession and almost all answer with the stethoscope. This piece of equipment has become synonymous with the profession of healing, but this wasn’t always the case. From at least the beginning of the 17th century to the end of the 19th, physicians were thought of as inseparable from another accoutrement: their canes.

29/09/15

Between the leaves

Have you ever pressed flowers from the garden? Take a flower you want to preserve, place it inside some tissue paper, and then sandwich it inside a nice, heavy book. After a few weeks you’ll find that the flower is flat, dry, and will last for years. But what happens if you forget you ever put it there?

09/10/15

Drinks in the garden

Our exhibition ‘This bewitching poison’: alcohol and the Royal College of Physicians doesn’t end when you leave the RCP building. Today we look at some of the plants in the RCP medicinal garden that have been, and still are, used in the production of alcoholic drinks.

09/10/15

Richard Bright

RCP fellow Richard Bright (1789–1858) was the first physician to associate the symptoms of nephritis – including dropsy (oedema) and albumin in the urine (albuminuria) – with what he called the ‘derangement’ of the kidneys when examined post-mortem. He gave his name to Bright’s disease, a historical description of kidney diseases now known as acute or chronic nephritis.

04/08/15

‘Live chastely and avoid incontinence’

In February 2013, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) donated 42 books to the RCP library.

09/10/15

‘I ain’t broke, you don’t need to fix me’ – Jamie Beddard

How do we interpret the past – and how far can we make judgements on historic representations using today’s sensibilities? A group of rare portrait prints of disabled people from the 17th to the 19th centuries formed the basis of the RCP’s Re-framing disability exhibition in 2011. Focus groups of disabled people asked to explore the images were the driving force behind the exhibition. They looked at the range of situations, poses and activities within them, and came up with contemporary responses and interpretations of the motivations of the portrait sitters at the time.

29/09/15

One for sorrow: death at the sign of the magpie

On 3 April 1637, at a meeting of the Royal College of Physicians censors, fellow Dr Robert Fludd informed colleagues of his recent investigations into the controversial ‘antimoniall cups ... solde publiquely in Gunpowder Alley, at the signe of the Magpie’.

02/10/15

Not suitable for vegetarians

This rather gory treatment for freckles comes from a book of medical recipes or receipts, written in 1660.

09/10/15

‘Respect the geometry’

On Wednesday 5 November 2014, the leading British architect of his generation, Norman Foster, addressed a packed lecture theatre at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), and paid tribute to the great 20th century modernist architect Sir Denys Lasdun (1914–2001). Foster spoke as part of a public evening of celebration marking the 50th anniversary, to the day, of the opening of Lasdun’s RCP by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964.

09/10/15

‘Consumed by war’: physicians and the First World War

When you think of First World War British Red Cross volunteers (the Voluntary Aid Detachment or VADs), ‘nursing’ may come to mind. In fact you may be surprised at the variety of posts VADs carried out.

04/08/15

Guinness is good for you?

Guinness is a popular Irish stout brewed and available all over the world. It originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St James’s Gate in Dublin, which remains the largest brewer of stout in the world.

09/10/15

The generous Georgian: Dr Richard Mead

While pounding London’s streets you’ve probably come across familiar landmarks such as Sloane Street and Sloane Square. They were both named after Sir Hans Sloane (1660–1753), an esteemed physician, collector (and reputed inventor of milk chocolate). However, you might not recognise the name Richard Mead, even though he was no less important a figure in 18th century England. An exhibition in London this autumn explores the life and work of a man of whom one biographer said ‘his charity and his hospitality were unbounded’. A new exhibition, The generous Georgian, examines the life of a remarkable man.

02/10/15

Plague remedies from the garden

This week 350 years ago, fear gripped the City of London and surrounding areas. An outbreak of plague had taken hold and after a slow start, more than 1,000 people were dying each week.

29/09/15

‘Tact and nothing else’

At the RCP, there is one portrait that calls out for attention as you climb Denys Lasdun’s central staircase. Its frame alone is so substantial it almost dwarfs the paintings either side. And the sitter? Sir Henry Halford (b.1766), longest serving president of the RCP. He took office in 1820 and remained until his death in 1844.

09/10/15

The king's evil

Lizz Dawson and Jo Hayes have been working in the RCP museum all summer as part of a museum studies MA course. They’ve been working on new arrangement and interpretation for one of the cases in our Treasures Room, and today's post explores one of the objects they have chosen to include. We are currently redesigning the silver case in the Treasures Room and have been exploring the RCP collection to find interesting pieces to incorporate into our new display. We’ve found two small objects that the RCP hasn’t previously displayed: a pair of gold ‘touch-pieces’ used in a healing ceremony during the reign of Charles II (1630–85). These two small gold coins will be a central feature of the new display and we want to share their remarkable story.

06/08/15

Professor Margaret Johnson elected academic vice president

Professor Margaret Johnson has been elected as the RCP’s academic vice president.

09/10/15

Health and long life

So states the preface to An essay on health and long life, a bestselling healthy-living manual written in 1724 by the physician George Cheyne (1671–1743).

09/10/15

Happy Birthday Sir Denys Lasdun!

This autumn our largest exhibition to date,The anatomy of a building: Denys Lasdun and the Royal College of Physicians, explores the story behind the creation of our extraordinary modernist headquarters, located amid the historic 19th century John Nash terraces on the outskirts of Regent’s Park. We are also celebrating the centenary of our building’s visionary architect, Sir Denys Lasdun (1914–2001). Now recognised as one of Britain’s leading modernist architects, most people will know of Lasdun as the architect responsible for the controversial National Theatre complex on London’s South Bank.

09/10/15

Laura Maria Catarina Bassi

You might think that the debate about whether women can ‘have it all’ – a career and a family – is a modern phenomenon. Yet when working through the RCP’s print collection recently, I came across a scientist whose life and career challenges what we might expect for an 18th century woman. It is unusual enough to find a woman in the print collection in the first place, let alone one with such an inspiring life story as Laura Bassi (1711–1778).

09/10/15

The birth of a building

When you stand before a building – especially one as apparently solid and fixed in place as our very own RCP building – it's difficult to imagine that its appearance is the result of a long and complicated process. The design process involves numerous alterations: this building could easily have ended up looking very different. When Denys Lasdun began working on his designs for the RCP in the late 1950s, he knew exactly how he wanted some aspects of the building to appear, but absolutely no idea about some of the others.

09/10/15

The cure of old age and preservation of youth

This list of symptoms comes from De retardandis senectutis accidentibus et de sensibus conservandis, a book about aging written in the 13th century by the Franciscan friar Roger Bacon (c.1214–1292?). Bacon’s book describes the effects of age, and how to both prevent and reverse them. In 1683 the physician Richard Brown (1647/8–1693/4?) translated Bacon’s work into English under the title 'The cure of old age and preservation of youth'.

09/10/15

From typewriters to a typewriter

Our new exhibition The anatomy of a building: Denys Lasdun and the Royal College of Physicians will open on September 8, and installation is currently underway. The exhibition is part of our building’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It will tell the story of why the building looks as it does, and of the architect who designed it, Sir Denys Lasdun. 2014 is also Lasdun’s centenary, and September 8 would have been his 100th birthday.

29/09/15

‘The ornament of his age’

In August we were delighted to welcome a small team from the Korean television company EBS to the RCP. They were travelling the world to produce a documentary series about the history of western and eastern medicine, and came here to film the works of the ancient Greek physician Galen of Pergamon (129–c.200).

11/11/15

Wasey's candlesticks

Four stunning silver candlesticks have recently arrived in the RCP museum. Dr William Wasey (1691–1757) purchased these candlesticks in 1750. Wasey was RCP president from 1750 to 1754, but the candlesticks were a personal acquisition made possible through the generosity of an earlier RCP fellow.

09/10/15

We fill'd up the cavity with dossils of lint

How do you dress a gun-shot wound? Surgeons a few hundred years ago were faced with this medical task – without the knowledge and equipment we have today. They were often involved in highly charged and dangerous situations on the battlefield, where the wounds themselves were as messy as their operating rooms.

09/10/15

What’s in a gnomologia?

Mark Twain famously felt compelled – and in good enough health – to comment that ‘The report of my death was an exaggeration’ on reading a newspaper report of his death in 1899. A century later the folk fiddle player Dave Swarbrick found his own obituary in The Daily Telegraph. 15 years on he’s still performing around the world. Before them, however, the physician Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) had his own experience of premature obituary-itis.

09/10/15

Self defence in the 17th century

For Halloween today we have two blog posts. A recipe against witchcraft from our archives and a survey of some of the writing about witches and witch-hunts that we have in the RCP library. If you’re keen for more on the spookiest time of year, there’s also last year’s post about the dance of death.

09/10/15

Witchcraft and wizardry in the library

For Halloween today we have two blog posts. A recipe against witchcraft from our archives and a survey of some of the writing about witches and witch-hunts that we have in the RCP library. If you’re keen for more on the spookiest time of year, there’s also last year’s post about the dance of death.

29/09/15

Sport and exercise medicine

Sports and exercise medicine may seem to be a comparatively new medical speciality, but RCP fellows have been involved in using exercise for health, and in treating the after-effects of exercise, for longer than you might think.

02/10/15

RCP welcomes evidence review on e-cigarettes

The Royal College of Physicians today welcomed the publication of Public Health England's review of the evidence on e-cigarettes. Professor John Britton, chair of the RCP’s Tobacco Advisory Group, said:

02/10/15

RCP welcomes NHS England drive to improve health in the NHS workplace

Responding to the latest announcement on staff health and wellbeing in the NHS, Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians, welcomed the drive from NHS England to improve staff health.

02/10/15

Latest NHFD report reveals 4,000 NHS beds are occupied by hip fracture patients

The sixth National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) report today revealed that over 64,000 hip fracture injuries take place each year. This leads to the occupation of over 4,000 inpatient beds at any one time across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which equates to 1 in 40 of all NHS beds.

15/09/15

RCP comment on BMJ research and Sir Bruce Keogh comments re 7-day services

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

02/10/15

Joint statement from Public Health bodies. E-cigarettes: an emerging public health consensus

We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in two lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects.

02/10/15

Patients still face fragmented care when trying to negotiate NHS services

Today a new report from the RCP starkly underlines the fragmented and complex picture of services many patients still face when being treated by the NHS. Putting the pieces together: removing the barriers to excellent patient care outlines many of the structural and systematic challenges faced by patients whilst presenting a vision of how to reform and improve the systems and structures that underpin our NHS.

09/10/15

‘My case’: Sir Augusts Frederick D’Esté

Sir Augustus Frederick D’Esté (1794–1848) was an illegitimate royal child, a bachelor, an active member of the Aborigines Protection Society, and the earliest known person diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

29/09/15

Symbols for a new kingdom

Power and beauty: seals, charters and the story of identity celebrates 800 years of royal authority, power and symbolism using charters, seals and deeds from the Royal College of Physicians' collections.

24/09/15

Latest UK IBD audit report shows further improvement for patients following biological therapies

The UK inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical audit report reveals today that the majority of patients (80% adult and 77% paediatric) with Crohn’s disease saw an improvement following biological therapies.

19/11/15

Silver collection

The RCP's silver collection has been used for centuries in our ceremonies and for fine dining. Two of the finest pieces – the 17th century mace and 16th century silver caduceus – are still carried in presidential processions today.

19/11/15

Prujean collection

Sir Francis Prujean was an eminent London doctor who was president of the College of Physicians from 1650 to 1654. The RCP has a small group of objects associated with Prujean: a portrait by Robert Streater from 1662, a silver fluted dish engraved with the coats of arms of Sir Francis Prujean and his second wife, and Prujean’s chest of surgical instruments.

02/10/15

Latest quarterly Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme results show world-class stroke care is achievable

The tenth report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) today reveals that 14 stroke services scored an overall ‘A’ grade for the quality of care they provide for patients. This demonstrates that a world-class service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is achievable.

09/10/15

A queen's power: seals in the RCP archives

Our current exhibition celebrates 800 years of royal authority, power and symbolism using charters, seals and deeds from the Royal College of Physicians' collections.

09/10/15

What lies beneath: historical perspectives on hygiene

The RCP library’s collecting remit has always been fluid and this is never more ably demonstrated than by two books on subjects of a rather personal nature.

09/10/15

Bathing at Bath: mineral water cures in the 18th century

During the second half of the 18th century, the mineral waters of Bath became increasingly popular for their believed medical properties. Several pamphlets and books were published about their restorative qualities, and particularly on the effectiveness of bathing in Bath waters for people affected by paralysis.

09/10/15

RCP comment on junior doctor contract negotiations

Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

18/11/15

RCP Harveian Oration 2015. Medicine, science and values. Professor Sir Mark Walport

Tonight Professor Sir Mark Walport will provide this year’s Royal College of Physicians Harveian Oration.

13/11/15

‘Uncontrollable emotionality’: depression and diagnosis in the RCP library

The RCP library – despite the existence of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which received its Royal Charter in 1926 – has collected books about depression, hysteria and other mental health issues for many years. Today, following World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we look at some of these items and the changes in diagnosis and treatment that they document.

06/11/15

Wartime damage: evidence from the books

You might think that a library was a place for the safe preservation of knowledge, but the RCP library has more than once suffered damage and destruction.

08/12/15

Spirits and science: the work of Frank Podmore

Picture this scene: a group of people are sitting around a table in a fine room. They wait in the dark, with bated breath, as a medium attempts to contact the spirit world. Soon strange things start to happen. Shadowy figures with veiled faces of loved ones or sacred figures holding flowers appear to walk around the room. The medium may begin to levitate, or to lengthen as they are pulled by spirits. A red hot lump of coal may be plucked by the medium out of the fire, which they hold with their bare hands. Thanks to the spirit’s intervention, their hands do not burn.

16/11/15

RCP president underlines importance of valuing our junior doctors and the NHS

In a speech to fellows and guests at the RCP tonight, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre talks about values - valuing junior doctors, valuing patients, valuing the NHS, physician support for a 7-day service and the support needed to make this happen.

29/10/15

RCP statement on Public Health England’s new evidence review: ‘Sugar Reduction: The evidence for action’

On the review, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

29/10/15

RCP statement on NHS Clinical Commissioners new report: 'Local solutions to national challenges - Delivering our commitment to patients’

On the report RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

12/11/15

International Medical Conference 2016

The RCP is delighted to be hosting the International Medical Conference (IMC) 2016 in collaboration with the Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University Lahore in February.

05/11/15

New guidance for physicians to help tackle child sexual exploitation

The RCP has produced new guidance to support physicians to help tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE).

13/11/15

Food, glorious food

The Royal College of Physicians has enjoyed a rich tradition of ceremony for nearly 500 years. Food and drink has always been part of this, with the RCP celebrated for its fine dining.

13/11/15

Re-framing disability: portraits from the Royal College of Physicians

Our award winning touring exhibition Reframing disability explores a group of rare portraits from the 17th to the 19th centuries, held by the Royal College of Physicians. The portraits depict disabled men and women of all ages and walks of life, many of whom earned a living exhibiting themselves to the public.

18/11/15

First Pulmonary Rehabilitation audit shows variation in care nationally

The National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Programme for the first time today, reviews the resources and the organisation of Pulmonary Rehabilitation services in both England and Wales, which are set against British Thoracic Society (BTS) quality standards.

19/11/15

Publication of Blood Transfusion evidence-based guidance

The evidence-based guidance Blood Transfusion, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has been published on 18 November 2015.The evidence review and recommendations from the guidance can be found at NICE Blood Transfusion.

19/11/15

RCP regional update, 1 December, York – cancelled

As you may know, industrial action is now likely to take place on 1 December 2015. As a result, and in discussion with the local regional office, we have decided to cancel the RCP regional update in medicine taking place in York on that date. This has been a difficult decision, but one we felt was necessary in order to support the delivery of the best possible patient care.

25/11/15

RCP launches UK accreditation scheme for adult allergy services

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) accreditation unit is pleased to announce the launch of the Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS) accreditation scheme - the new clinical service accreditation scheme for adult allergy services in the UK.

25/11/15

RCP and RCS welcome NHS investment but remain concerned on cuts to public health and education

Commenting on the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, the Royal College of Physicians’ president Professor Jane Dacre and the Royal College of Surgeons’ president Miss Clare Marx said:

27/11/15

Public consultation on Pulmonary Rehabilitation Accreditation Standards to be launched

The Royal College of Physicians’ Accreditation unit, the National COPD Audit Programme, and the British Thoracic Society’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Quality Improvement Advisory Group are inviting comment on their draft Pulmonary Rehabilitation Accreditation Standards.

30/11/15

New alliance on obesity outlines priorities for action

A new alliance of organisations fighting obesity has outlined 10 priorities for government, retailers and health professionals.

02/12/15

Latest national lung cancer audit report sets new level of ambition for lung cancer care in the UK

The 11th annual report of the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), published today by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), reveals that despite significant progress in lung cancer care during the first 5 years of the audit, very little has changed since then.

02/12/15

Landmark post-acute audit reviews services available for stroke patients after they leave hospital

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) for the first time today, launches an audit report on the organisation of care for stroke survivors once they leave hospital.

17/12/15

NHFD report urges commissioners to question how long patients with hip fractures remain in rehabilitation

The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) commissioners’ report highlights today, that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England should question the length of stay for rehabilitation beds they commission in community hospitals and care homes for hip fracture, and other conditions affecting older people because NHS information systems are not reliably recording this information. They should also investigate the quality of care at the hospitals in their area.

08/12/15

Urgently-needed college of physicians for East, Central and Southern Africa launched

A major milestone was reached on Friday as the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP) was officially inaugurated by ministers of the ECSA Health Community.

11/12/15

Power and beauty: fakes and forgeries

This diploma of Doctor of Medicine, for John Wallace, Padua University, 1628 looks authentic. The leather binding, parchment pages, seals, decorations, illustrations and standard diploma text are all from the early 1600s.

11/12/15

Civil War, Commonwealth and Restoration

In the 17th century the College of Physicians had only 35 fellows at any one time, all holding widely differing religious and political opinions. Before the Civil War, eight of the fellows were court physician and some, like William Harvey, enjoyed close friendships with Charles I. But the king began to alienate his subjects, including many physicians, imposing taxes to pay for expensive wars with France and Spain.

18/12/15

Robert Willan and the history of dermatology

Skin diseases were not presented as a dedicated medical area until Girolamo Mercuriali’s De morbis cutaneis (The diseases of the skin), originally published 1572. Englishman Daniel Turner’s De morbis cutaneis, published 1714, was the first full book in English – despite the title – dedicated to the subject of skin diseases. This pioneering work paved the way for the medical specialty of dermatology, to which Robert Willan (1757–1812) possibly made the greatest historical contribution.

09/12/15

Intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital

The clinical and evidence-based guideline Intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC), and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has been published on 9 December.

16/12/15

Care of dying adults in the last days of life

The Care of dying adults in the last days of life clinical and evidence-based guideline, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), developed by the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC), and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has been published today (16 December 2015). This new NHS guideline sets out how to give people the best possible care as they reach the end of their lives.

15/12/15

RCP signs joint letter on Access to Medical Treatments (Innovation) Bill

A collection of medical organisations outline their opposition to the Access to Medical Treatments Bill in joint letter.

22/12/15

Computers make mistakes, lose data, and mangle things

Two nurses were recently cleared of wilfully neglecting patients in a specialist stroke unit; they had risked going to prison. The problem these two innocent nurses experienced could have happened to anyone in any hospital.

24/12/15

Prof Ali Jawad named as next RCP international director

Professor Ali Jawad will take over the role of international medical director and Hans Sloane fellow from current post-holder Professor David Warrell in August 2016.

23/01/24

IBD Registry closure

The Board of Directors of the IBD Registry Ltd is saddened to announce the closure of the IBD Registry at the end of March 2024.

23/01/24

RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee’s Prevention in health and social care: healthy places report

The RCP has welcomed the the Health and Social Care Committee's Prevention in Health and Social Care: healthy places report, which recognises that "places where people live - homes, communities and neighbourhoods - affect their health and wellbeing substantially" and calls on government to do more to prevent ill health.

25/01/24

RCP will hold extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM)

RCP Council met this week to discuss the request for an EGM in relation to physician associates.

31/01/24

RCP response to government smokefree consultation

This week the government published its response to the smokefree consultation.

31/01/24

Commentary – opting into print

We are changing the way that we deliver your Commentary magazine.

31/01/24

Date announced for extraordinary general meeting (EGM)

Following RCP Council’s decision to hold an EGM, the date for the meeting has now been confirmed as Wednesday 13 March 2024.

07/02/24

RCP welcomes The Times Health Commission report

The Times Health Commission has published its report on the state of health and social care in Britain today, which includes a ten point plan of recommendations.

08/02/24

RCP responds to NHS England’s position on physician associates

Commenting on the letter that she has received from Professor Sir Steve Powis, Dr Navina Evans and Professor Sheona MacLeod at NHS England, RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke said:

12/02/24

RCP responds to the latest NHS performance data (1)

Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, has responded to the latest NHS performance data.

13/02/24

RCP elections 2024: Candidates for academic vice president, and councillor election

The RCP has announced the names of fellows standing for election as academic vice president, and councillors in 2024. An uncontested presidential election will take place at College Day on 25 March 2024. The candidates are listed alphabetically by surname for each contested election.

14/02/24

RCP museum extends Fortitude pandemic exhibition

The Royal College of Physicians has extended their emotive Covid-19 exhibition Fortitude after it welcomed 37% more visitors than the museum’s previous display.

16/02/24

The RCP has responded to CRUK’s 2023 Survey of the UK Clinical Research Workforce

Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam, RCP academic vice president, has responded to CRUK’s 2023 Survey of the UK Clinical Research Workforce.

16/02/24

RCP member survey on physician associates now live

RCP members have today been emailed a survey asking for their views about the physician associate (PA) profession.

23/02/24

RCP elections 2024 – voting now open for fellows

Fellows are urged to have their say on the future direction of RCP by voting in academic vice president and councillor elections now.

23/02/24

Voting opens in RCP elections (1)

Voting has now begun for RCP academic vice president, and elected councillors. It closes at midday on 25 March.

27/02/24

RCP welcomes legislation to regulate the role of physician associates

The RCP welcomes news that legislation to bring the physician associate (PA) profession into regulation has been passed by the House of Lords. Now that both houses of parliament, as well as the Scottish parliament, have approved the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order, it can be made law.

28/02/24

Extraordinary general meeting (EGM) information pack circulated to fellows

The EGM online invitation has been circulated to RCP fellows today by Civica Election Services (CES) who are supporting the meeting. This includes a link to the information pack including the agenda, motions for debate and details of the post meeting ballot.

03/03/24

Census reveals more than half of doctors seeing more patients with illness due to avoidable social harms

Doctors have reported a rise in the number of patients they are seeing with ill health due to the wider determinants of health, such as living in mouldy or damp homes, employment, poor air quality or education, a census has revealed - sparking urgent calls for government to address the “avoidable social causes” of ill health.

06/03/24

RCP responds to AoMRC consensus statement on physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ High level principles concerning physician associates (PAs) statement.

06/03/24

RCP responds to NHSE clarification on medical school places

NHS England has confirmed it is on target to deliver the expansion in medical school places promised in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP), following a call from RCP for clarity on the delivery of this commitment.

07/03/24

RCP response to Spring Budget

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.

19/04/24

RCP responds to Health Foundation report on inequalities in major illness in England

The RCP has responded to a report by the Health Foundation, showing that 700,000 more workers are projected to be living with major illness by 2040.

18/04/24

RCP responds to Nuffield Trust report on medicines shortages and supply issues

The RCP has responded to a report by the Nuffield Trust revealing global supply problems for some medicines.

23/05/24

Recruitment for three RCP censors extended until 2 June

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to apply for the post of censor.

18/04/24

RCP calls for regulations to protect children and young people from vaping

The RCP’s new report says more should be done to reduce the appeal and availability of e-cigarettes to children and young people.

05/04/23

Royal College of Physicians publishes ‘Positives from the pandemic’

A new RCP Cymru Wales report highlights the importance of training doctors locally in north Wales as a solution to the workforce crisis.

27/04/23

RCP elects new senior censor and vice president for education and training, as well as five new councillors

Dr Mumtaz Patel has been elected as the RCP’s new senior censor and vice president for education and training following a vote by 3,238 of the RCP’s fellows. She will succeed Dr Áine Burns and will take up the post on 1 August 2023 to serve for three years.

16/04/24

Royal College of Physicians comments on second reading of Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the RCP's special adviser on tobacco, comments on the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in parliament.

16/04/24

The Spine building awarded WELL Platinum certification

The RCP is delighted to announce that the internal floors of The Spine in Liverpool have been WELL Certified™ at the Platinum level through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The building, designed by AHR Architects, is the only venue in the city to hold the prestigious title.

15/04/24

RCP welcomes decision to continue NHS Practitioner Health service for secondary care staff

The RCP welcomes the announcement by NHS England that it will reverse the decision to halt new referrals from secondary care staff to the NHS Practitioner Health service. The college spoke out on social media on the weekend following an outpouring of concern from its fellows and members and followed up with a letter to NHSE earlier today.

15/04/24

RCP responds to the latest NHSE performance data

Dr John Dean, clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians, has responded to the latest NHSE performance data.

12/04/24

RCP responds to GMC research on migrating doctors

The RCP has responded to research by the General Medical Council on identifying groups of migrating doctors.

25/04/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England letter on improving the working lives of doctors in training

The RCP’s Trainees Committee has responded to a letter from NHS England setting out measures to improve the working lives of doctors in training.

25/04/24

Shadow health secretary asks doctors to 'help us change the NHS for the better' as Royal College of Physicians urges NHS England to engage with clinicians on how they will deliver the Long Term Workforce Plan

The RCP has welcomed a commitment from NHS England (NHSE) to work with partners to consider how they can improve the experience of rotations in postgraduate training.

11/04/24

Royal College of Physicians announces independent review among next steps post EGM

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has commissioned an independent review following its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held to debate the role of physician associates (PAs).

04/04/24

RCP responds to RCEM research into long waits and excess mortality

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to analysis from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) which has revealed that more than 250 deaths a week were associated with long A&E waits last year. More than 1.5 million patients requiring emergency care waited 12 hours or more.

03/04/24

New RCP Patient and Carer Network chair

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Mauger as the new Patient and Carer Network (PCN) chair on the RCP’s strategic priorities of improving, influencing and educating.

02/04/24

RCP appoints deputy special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed FY3 doctor Dr Matthew Lee as deputy special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change.

28/03/24

RCP responds to ONS data on healthy life expectancy

The RCP has responded to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data on healthy life expectancy.

27/03/24

RCP responds to British Social Attitudes survey

The RCP has responded to new findings from the British Social Attitudes survey, published by the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund, showing that public satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded.

21/03/24

EGM update: fellows’ ballot results announced

Last week, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) held its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to debate issues relating to the physician associate profession.

20/03/24

RCP president statement on pre-EGM member survey

On Monday 18 March, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) released the data from a member survey, which was carried out ahead of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Wednesday 13 March.

24/04/24

RCP publishes an update on the progress of the post-EGM short life working group

Following the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in March 2024, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) vice president for Wales has today written to all fellows and members, updating them on the progress of the post-EGM short life working group.

24/04/24

RCP annual conference welcomes world-leading experts as hundreds of doctors gather to discuss the future of medicine

A raft of well-known names will join the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) this week at its flagship annual conference, Medicine 2024, which will be held in London on 25–26 April 2024.

19/03/24

RCP responds to the King's Fund report on the relationship between poverty and NHS services

Dr Sarah Clarke, President of the Royal College of Physicians, has responded to the King's Fund report on the relationship between poverty and NHS services.

18/03/24

RCP publishes pre-EGM member survey data

Following the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) on Wednesday 13 March to discuss the role and regulation of physician associates (PAs), the RCP has published the data from its pre-EGM member survey.

15/03/24

Three royal colleges of physicians welcome GMC vision to develop education and training

Ambitious plans to develop, revise and adapt education and training for medical students and doctors have today (Wednesday 13 March) been welcomed by the three UK royal colleges of physicians.

13/03/24

RCP holds extraordinary general meeting on the role of physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) this evening (Wednesday 13 March) to debate issues related to the physician associate profession.

08/03/24

Amina Afzal And Professor Dr Nazish Imran

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 – Global Women Leaders Programme

The Global Women Leaders Programme (GWLP) was launched to align with International Women’s Day in 2022 with the ambition to help empower women in healthcare globally to reach their full potential. The programme is run in collaboration with the RCP Education Team and piloted in Pakistan.

23/04/24

Developing the education strategy/ensuring all voices are heard

In this April’s senior officer blog, Dr Mumtaz Patel, our senior censor and vice president for education and training, reflects on her time in the role.

02/05/24

The power of local authorities to promote and protect good health: guest blog from The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH)

The Inequalities in Health Alliance is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is part of a series by member organisations.

19/03/24

RCP registrar steps down after 3 years in post

After 3 years in the role of registrar of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Professor Cathryn Edwards has confirmed her intention to stand down to pursue a portfolio career.

30/06/23

RCP responds to long term workforce plan

This morning the Government published its long-awaited long term workforce plan for the NHS.

09/08/23

Welcome to our new members ceremonies

The RCP is pleased to host this physician new members ceremony.

03/05/24

RCP special adviser on tobacco gives evidence to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill committee

Professor Sanjay Agrawal provided expert witness evidence to the committee for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

03/05/24

RCP responds to High Court ruling that the UK government’s climate strategy is not fit-for-purpose

The High Court has ruled that the UK government’s climate strategy is not fit-for-purpose, breaching the UK Climate Change Act.

04/08/23

SAS doctor findings from the 2022 UK census of physicians

The RCP has today published the headline findings from the 2022 UK census of physicians relating to specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors, while in the latest issue of Commentary, RCP SAS lead Dr Jamie Read and RCP registrar Professor Cathryn Edwards discuss progress made on delivering the RCP’s 2022–24 SAS doctors strategy.

05/09/23

The NHS at 75 | blog from Dr Anita Banerjee

With the NHS birthday week having now come to a close, obstetric physician, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and regional advisor for England, Dr Anita Banerjee reflects on her relationship with the NHS and how it inspired her own journey into medicine.

24/08/23

RCP backs calls for Essentials Guarantee

The Royal College of Physicians has joined calls for a reform to Universal Credit and for the government to adopt an Essentials Guarantee to protect the nation’s health.

09/05/24

RCP responds to new figures on the economic impact of smoking

New figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) show that smoking is having a huge impact on our economy, undermining the health of people during working age with some dying before they reach retirement.

09/05/24

RCP responds to latest NHSE performance data

The RCP has responded to NHS England’s latest performance data showing that bed occupancy rates and A&E admissions continue to be a concern.

10/05/24

RCP is the first medical royal college to endorse #SASsix campaign

RCP endorses SAS Collective campaign as new college officer appointed to refresh RCP strategy for SAS doctors.

20/03/24

Royal College of Physicians welcomes Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes new legislation which aims to ensure that future generations are protected from the harmful impacts of smoking.

11/04/24

RCP EGM: next steps announced

Last month, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) debated issues relating to the physician associate profession at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). Following the EGM, RCP fellows were asked to vote on five motions covering scope of practice, accountability, evaluation, the impact on training opportunities, and the pace and scale of roll-out, all of which were passed.

24/01/24

Spotlight on… medical research in Wales

This month, RCP vice president for Wales Dr Hilary Williams talked to Dr Justyna Witczak, Dr Magda Meissner and Dr Sacha Moore about clinical academic career pathways in Wales.

24/01/24

The human touch | science in action

In her January blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales, celebrates the work ‘bestie’ and shines a spotlight on academic and clinical research.

24/01/24

Y cyffyrddiad personol | gwyddoniaeth ar waith

Ym mlog mis Ionawr, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, yn dathlu ffrindiau yn y gwaith, ac yn tynnu sylw at ymchwil academaidd a chlinigol.

17/04/24

Cynnydd a phwysau | cofio Dr Gareth Llewelyn

Yn y blog hwn, mae Dr Andrew Lansdown, cynghorydd rhanbarthol ar gyfer de-ddwyrain Cymru, yn rhoi pwysau’r gwasanaeth yng nghyd-destun y cynnydd a wnaed o ran gwella iechyd y boblogaeth. Mae’n atgoffa cydweithwyr pam maen nhw’n ymarfer meddygaeth ar adeg o alw cynyddol gan gleifion ac adnoddau cyfyngedig. Mae hefyd yn talu teyrnged i gyn-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon, Dr Gareth Llewelyn.

07/02/24

"Anyone can drive change" | This Doctor Can | Race Equality Week

This week, we are recognising Race Equality Week, which sees hundreds of thousands of organisations and individuals from all over the UK come together to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.

15/04/24

This Doctor Can: Dr M Haneef

Senior consultant and RCP fellow Dr M Haneef shares his story on chasing his dreams and how his determination helped him face many challenges during his journey into medicine.

08/02/24

Career-long knowledge and skills as a specialist and generalist

Our senior officer blog for February comes from Dr John Dean, who explores the balance between generalist and specialist practice for physicians.

08/02/24

2024 must see a prevention first approach to healthcare | blog from Dr Sarah Clarke

2024 must be the year that we put prevention first.

16/04/24

National New Consultant Conferencee New Visuals 06

Living the RCP values: the success of the National new consultants conference

We value taking care: how the RCP supports those at the beginning of their consultant career.

08/02/24

Omar Mustafa Middle East And North Africa 0 0 0 0 (1)

“The biggest barrier is the unknown” | This Doctor Can | Race Equality Week

This week, we are recognising Race Equality Week which sees hundreds of thousands of organisations and individuals from all over the UK come together to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.

12/02/24

Integrated care: guest blog from NHS Confederation

The Inequalities in Health Alliance is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, who campaign for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blogpost from NHS Confederation is part of a series by member organisations. NHS Confederation policy and delivery manager Ruth Lowe works within the Confederation's ICS Network and leads on health inequalities policy.

21/02/24

Productivity | innovation | the three Cs

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales discusses innovation, early diagnosis and the importance of calling out bad behaviour.

21/02/24

Cynhyrchiant | arloesi | y tri posibilrwydd

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod arloesedd, diagnosis cynnar a phwysigrwydd herio ymddygiad gwael.

20/03/24

Mind the gap | the importance of belonging

In her March blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales, looks at how we stop patients falling between the gaps through building in MDT working, reform of rotational training, and continuity of care

20/03/24

Gwyliwch y bwlch | pwysigrwydd perthyn

Yn ei blog ar gyfer mis Mawrth, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, yn edrych ar sut rydym yn atal cleifion rhag disgyn rhwng y bylchau, drwy adeiladu ar waith y Tîm Amlddisgyblaethol, diwygio hyfforddiant cylchdro, a pharhad gofal.

05/03/24

Impact of prescription charges in England: guest blog from Pharmacists' Defence Association

The Inequalities in Health Alliance is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, who campaign for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from the Pharmacists’ Defence Association is part of a series by member organisations. Alison Jones, director of policy at the PDA writes about the impact of the cost of living crisis on affordability of medicines.

01/03/24

World Obesity Day: let’s talk about drugs

Dr Kath McCullough, RCP special adviser on obesity, outlines the role of drugs in managing weight loss and the challenges of meeting demand.

13/05/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to the expansion of medical school places for 2025/26

Dr Sarah Clarke, RCP president, has responded to the expansion of medical school places for 2025/26.

13/05/24

Learning to develop: Why learning systems are the future of complex challenges

As Global vice president, I am focused on building on the success of the current global strategy to develop the new strategy from 2025. As I take over as the interim registrar, I recognise and reflect on the discussions and debates on the events leading to the EGM and the way forward. The process of learning is central to all of this.

16/05/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to plans to expand outside of hospital treatment choices for patients

The RCP has responded to government plans to enable patients requiring routine treatment outside of hospitals to choose between multiple services across the NHS and independent sector.

17/05/24

RCP elects new academic vice president and five new councillors

Professor Tom Solomon CBE FRCP FMedSci has been elected as the RCP’s new academic vice president following a vote by 3,762 of the RCP’s fellows – turnout 27.1%. He will succeed Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam and will take up the post on 1 August 2024 to serve for three years.

17/05/24

RCP responds to NHS Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan

In a letter to every local hospital and health system in the country, NHS England has set out actions to boost urgent and emergency care performance in the year ahead.

22/05/24

Tell me more, tell me more, tell me more

In this blog Dr Inder Singh, consultant geriatrician and national clinical lead (Falls and Frailty), considers changing how we view hospital admissions, transfers of care, and professional challenge to drive a patient-centred and whole-person approach to care.

22/05/24

Dywedwch fwy, dywedwch fwy, dywedwch fwy wrthym ni

Yn y blog hwn, mae Dr Inder Singh, geriatregydd ymgynghorol ac arweinydd clinigol cenedlaethol (Cwympiadau ac Eiddilwch), yn ystyried newid y ffordd rydym yn ystyried derbyniadau i ysbytai, trosglwyddiadau gofal, a her broffesiynol er mwyn ysgogi dull o gyflwyno gofal sy’n canolbwyntio ar y claf ac ar yr unigolyn cyflawn.

21/05/24

Royal College of Physicians debates the recommendations from its short life working group on the role of physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Council met today to debate the recommendations from a short life working group that was established by the RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke, following an extraordinary meeting (EGM) on the role of physician associates in March 2024.

24/05/24

Royal College of Physicians announces next steps following report of short life working group on physician associates

Earlier this week, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Council met to debate the recommendations from a short life working group that was established following an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on the role of physician associates in March 2024.

24/05/24

RCP responds to the loss of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The RCP has responded to confirmation that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has not been included in ‘wash-up’, the set of bills expedited through parliament before the next general election.

17/04/24

Progress and pressures | remembering Dr Gareth Llewelyn

In this blog, Dr Andrew Lansdown, regional adviser for south-east Wales puts the service pressures in the context of the progress made on improving population health. He reminds colleagues why they practise medicine at a time of growing patient demand and limited resource. He also pays tribute to former RCP vice president for Wales Dr Gareth Llewelyn.

20/05/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to Infected Blood Inquiry

Dr Sarah Clarke, President of the Royal College of Physicians, has responded to the Infected Blood Inquiry.

30/05/24

Royal College of Physicians sets out how the next government can rescue an NHS in crisis

Five steps to save the NHS: the Royal College of Physicians launches its pre-election manifesto.

03/06/24

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) publishes statement clarifying the financial relationship between the RCP and Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA)

Following recommendations to RCP Council, the RCP releases a statement clarifying the financial relationship between the RCP and FPA.

04/06/24

Royal College of Physicians confirms that the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register will close in December 2024

RCP announces result of Council vote on Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register.

05/06/24

Royal College of Physicians publishes post-EGM statement on the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan

RCP is calling on NHSE to review its projections for growth in the physician associate workforce until issues of regulation, standards and national scope of practice are addressed.

06/06/24

Faculty of Physician Associates leadership update

Following the resignation of four members of the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) Board, work is underway to put in place interim FPA leadership arrangements.

10/06/24

RCP Trainees Committee publishes updated position statement on the role of physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians Trainees Committee (RCP TC) has today (10 June 2024) written to RCP Council with an updated position statement in response to concerns regarding the role of physician associates (PAs) within the medical workforce.

10/06/24

Senior officers letter to RCP president

The RCP confirms Council’s receipt of a letter from five senior officers this morning. The letter, now being circulated on social media, explained the officers, four of whom are also RCP trustees, have asked the president to resign the role.

12/06/24

This Doctor Can: Dr Laura Pugh

Dr Laura Pugh, the RCP New Consultants Committee representative for East Midlands North and South, talks about her first year as a consultant in geriatric medicine.

14/06/24

The King’s Fund Independent Learning Review

The RCP has commissioned The King’s Fund to carry out an independent review to learn lessons from its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in March.

13/06/24

RCP responds to June 2024 NHSE performance data

The RCP has responded to NHS England’s latest performance data showing the highest number of A&E visits on record and an increase in the overall backlog for routine treatments.

14/06/24

RCP responds to Conservative party manifesto

The Conservative party has published its general election 2024 manifesto.

14/06/24

RCP responds to Liberal Democrat election manifesto

The Liberal Democrats have published their general election 2024 manifesto.

14/06/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to the major parties’ election manifestos

This week, the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties all published their manifestos, putting forward their vision for how they will look to rescue an NHS in crisis.

14/06/24

RCP responds to Labour party manifesto

The RCP has responded to the Labour party general election 2024 manifesto.

19/06/24

Learning together | tackling bad behaviour | my promise to you

This month Dr Hilary Williams reflects on the need to modernise our organisations.

19/06/24

Dysgu gyda'n gilydd | mynd i'r afael ag ymddygiad gwael | fy addewid i chi

Y mis hwn mae Hilary Williams yn myfyrio ar yr angen i foderneiddio ein sefydliadau.

17/06/24

RCP describes language used on NHS posters to describe physician associates as misleading, irresponsible and unsafe

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today described language used on NHS posters to describe physician associates (PAs) as physicians as misleading, irresponsible and unsafe.

18/06/24

King’s Birthday Honours for RCP fellows

This year’s King's Birthday Honours saw several RCP Fellows honoured for their contribution to healthcare in the UK and internationally. 

19/06/24

RCP president steps aside

Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) 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 meet with the Board of Trustees on 20 June 2024 and will step down as president in September following a transition period.

19/06/24

RCP responds to NHS England proposal for four-year undergraduate medical degrees in England

The RCP has called for an urgent meeting on plans to pilot a four-year medical degree.

20/06/24

PRCP resignation arrangements confirmed

We have updated the 19 June statement following confirmation at yesterday’s Board of Trustees’ meeting of Dr Sarah Clarke’s resignation arrangements.

24/06/24

The RCP celebrates Clinical Audit Awareness Week

It’s time to celebrate clinical audit awareness week! The RCP extends thanks to all service who contribute to our audits. Find out more about the importance of clinical auditing below.

25/06/24

Let’s change the narrative on SAS doctors

Specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors are (along with locally employed doctors) the fastest-growing group in the medical workforce. As the RCP launches new educational and career support guidance for SAS doctors and employers, Dr Naeem Aziz, recently appointed RCP SAS lead, reflects on life in the NHS as an SAS doctor.

25/06/24

How unconscious bias affects health inequalities: guest blog post from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society

The Inequalities in Health Alliance is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is part of a series by member organisations.

03/07/24

RCP senior censor and vice president for education and training to step in for presidential duties

RCP Council has agreed that Dr Mumtaz Patel, the RCP's senior censor and vice president for education and training will perform the duties of president and will chair meetings of RCP Council until an election can be held. This follows the decision of Dr Sarah Clarke to step aside from the role of president in June 2024.

05/07/24

RCP responds to UK 2024 general election result

Dr Mumtaz Patel, is senior censor and vice president for education and training and currently covering RCP presidential duties including chair of council.

09/07/24

Royal College of Physicians welcomes new secretary of state for health and social care with an open letter from the physician community

As the new UK parliament meets for the first time, RCP senior censor and vice president for education and training, Dr Mumtaz Patel has published an open letter to the new secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting MP on behalf of the physician community.

10/07/24

Has women’s health been overlooked again?

Dr Melanie Nana, outgoing co-chair of the RCP Trainees Committee, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) clinical research fellow at King’s College London and obstetric medicine registrar at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, blogs about the lack of priority given to women’s health during the 2024 UK general election campaign.

11/07/24

Doctors call for workplace improvements to be priority for new government

Latest data from doctors show the NHS is at growing risk of losing critical senior staff unless the new government urgently prioritises action on poor working conditions and retention.

16/07/24

How the built environment can impact our health: contributing to the TCPA’s healthy homes campaign

In this blog, Professor Carol Brayne, RCP special adviser for population health, talks about our contribution to the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) guidance.

11/07/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to July 2024 NHSE performance data

The RCP has responded to the first NHS England performance stats of the new Labour government.

15/07/24

Royal College of Physicians publishes green physician toolkit

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today published a Green Physician Toolkit to support doctors to play their part in tackling the climate crisis.

16/07/24

RCP responds to articles on the Green Physician Toolkit

The RCP has responded to news articles about the publication of its Green Physician Toolkit.

19/07/24

Looking beyond the health system to tackle women’s health inequalities: guest blog post from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

18/07/24

RCP responds to the King's speech

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the King's speech.

24/07/24

Delivering hepatology care in a modern NHS

In this month’s guest blog, Dr Fidan Yousuf, consultant hepatologist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board highlights how the Gwent Liver Unit delivers modern hepatology care across four hospital sites and within the community.

24/07/24

A low-cost community approach to preventing ill-health

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams highlights three local low-cost initiatives where NHS staff and patients have relinquished the burden of top-down NHS structures and delivered on prevention.

24/07/24

Dull cymunedol cost isel o atal afiechyd

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams yn tynnu sylw at dri chynllun cost isel lleol lle mae staff a chleifion y GIG wedi cefnu ar strwythurau beichus o’r brig i lawr y GIG a chanolbwyntio ar atal.

25/07/24

New government | health and care review | PA update

Dear colleagues I'm writing to you for the first time since the election of a new government. This change in leadership brings a significant opportunity for us at the RCP to influence meaningful change together. 

30/07/24

RCP appoints three new censors

The RCP has appointed three new censors to support the education, examination and maintaining standards in medical practice which are at the core of the RCP.

30/07/24

RCP puts patient safety front and centre as new group is established to oversee PA-related activity and guidance

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has established a new oversight group for its work related to physician associates (PAs) and will share draft national guidance on safe and effective practice for PAs with external stakeholders for consultation later this week.

30/07/24

RCP responds to DHSC training and curriculum review

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) announcement of a review of the number and frequency of training rotations for resident doctors, as well as reviewing and, where needed, redesigning curriculums.

01/08/24

Navigating a confusing landscape: an update from the chair of the PA oversight group

Dr Hilary Williams updates fellows and members on RCP progress in implementing the recommendations of the short life working group on physician associates.

02/08/24

New principles issued to improve the flow and experience of patients through urgent and emergency care

Ten core principles to guide actions and behaviours for effective front door acute patient care are outlined in new guidance from the GIRFT Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Team, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians.

06/08/24

RCP responds to racist and Islamophobic violence

Senior censor and vice president for education and training, Dr Mumtaz Patel, who is acting as RCP president, condemns the violent behaviour that we’ve seen on the streets of UK cities this week.

08/08/24

Royal colleges in Northern Ireland come together to condemn violence in Belfast

Royal college leaders in Northern Ireland representing thousands of doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health colleagues have condemned the recent racist violence and disorder in Belfast.

08/08/24

RCP responds to GMC’s Workplace experiences report

The RCP has responded to the GMC’s The state of medical education and practice in the UK: Workplace experiences report.

09/08/24

RCP publishes new guidance on educational and career support for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs)

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today (Friday 9 August) published new guidance on educational and career support for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs).

09/08/24

International medical graduates: supporting the backbone of the NHS

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, and as the RCP publishes new guidance on education and career support for locally employed and international medical graduate (IMG) doctors, the winner of the 2024 RCP Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme for the West Midlands region, Dr Roopa Chopra, reflects on her team’s work to develop enhanced support for IMGs who come to work in the NHS.

09/08/24

RCP responds to the latest NHS England performance data

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS England performance data.

15/07/15

'Learned without ostentation': stroke medicine and RCP history

Several RCP fellows have made significant contributions to our understanding of the causes and treatment of the devastating condition, stroke.

30/11/15

RCP in Kampala: Team supporting establishment of crucial new college in Africa

In September 2014, nominated representatives from each of the national associations of physicians in the African region came together in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss the establishment of a College of Physicians of East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSACOP), with the mission of addressing the lack of access to well-trained physicians in the 10 countries of the ECSACOP region.

09/10/15

'The most pleasant cooling liquor': Hans Sloane and coconuts

Have you ever been lucky enough to sip coconut water straight from the coconut on an exotic holiday? If you have, you’ll know how utterly refreshing it can be. But did you know that 300 years ago the physician Sir Hans Sloane was in Jamaica drinking – and thinking – exactly the same thing?

09/10/15

Dr Hodges: buboes, bloodletting and a revolution in treatment at the Black Death’s return

A guest post by Discover Medical London. Our view of 17th century medicine can be a rather dim one. Still based principally on the teachings and textual interpretation of Hippocrates, Galen and the ‘greats’ of antiquity, it was an academic discipline that, from a modern perspective, often resembles theology more than anything recognisable as early science.

09/10/15

The Religio medici of Sir Thomas Browne

19th century editions of Thomas Browne’s innovative and formative work, Religio medici are now available online as part of the UK Medical Heritage Library (UK-MHL). Religio medici is a fascinating work, discussing some of the personal and professional concerns troubling Browne and the wider community of physicians in the 17th century. It's just one of hundreds of titles from the RCP library now available to read online.

21/07/15

RCP president welcomes The Lancet’s Commission on climate change

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre welcomed The Lancet’s Commission on climate change. She said:

03/10/17

Over two-thirds of physicians support seven day working

The latest Census of consultant physicians in the UK (2013/14) produced by the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, highlights notable support around the plans for a seven day service. Surveyed before the recent announcement on the plans by David Cameron - 68% of consultant physicians stated they would ‘in principle’ support the plan.

21/07/15

National Clinical Guideline Centre awarded new 6 year contract

Today the National Clinical Guideline Centre (NCGC) is pleased to announce a new 6 year contract to deliver NICE guidelines for the NHS. Hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the NCGC is one of the largest clinical guideline development organisations in the world and is a partnership between the royal colleges of General Practitioners, Nursing, Physicians and Surgeons.

21/07/15

RCP president says our children deserve a smokefree future

Commenting on the launch today of the 5-year tobacco strategy Smoking Still Kills from ASH, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

21/07/15

RCP welcomes Public Health Bill, but warns more action needed on alcohol and obesity

Dr Alan Rees, RCP vice president for Wales, said:

13/08/24

South Asian Heritage Month | Three generations of delivering care

As she celebrates her daughter’s graduation and becoming an F1, Namita shares the story of the three generations in her family who have dedicated their lives to practising medicine.

21/07/15

RCP Wales calls on Welsh Government to put clinical leadership at the heart of change in North Wales

Following this afternoon’s statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr Alan Rees, RCP vice president for Wales, said:

14/07/15

Pioneering post-acute stroke service commissioning audit report sets the scene nationally

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) today launched its first audit report on the organisation of care for stroke patients once they have left hospital. The audit covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and includes care in community hospitals, care homes and in patients’ own homes.

21/07/15

Secondary care doctors offer a fresh perspective to CCGs

A new joint report, Collaboration in Clinical Leadership, from NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlights how collaborative working between CCG leaders and secondary care doctors can provide a real benefit to the health service provision of local people.

21/07/15

Royal College of Physicians' statement on the Government's announcement regarding NHS agency staff

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre today welcomed the government's financial controls to limit the spend on agency staff but stressed that checking that locums were fully qualified and high quality was more important. She said:

30/06/15

RCP statement following the Queen’s Speech

RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre, today commented on the Queen’s Speech and announcements from the Prime Minister, David Cameron, on health:

21/07/15

Latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) results show world-class stroke care is achievable

The eighth report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reveals today that 16 stroke services scored an ‘A’ overall for the quality of care they provide for patients, demonstrating that a world-class service is achievable. This is an increase on the 13 services that attained an ‘A’ in the previous report.

21/07/15

Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service accreditation welcomes occupational health physiotherapy services

Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), welcomes Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) accreditation to physiotherapy occupational health services.

14/07/15

RCP issues new guidance on using medical apps

The Royal College of Physicians’ Health Informatics Unit has produced a short factsheet on the use of medical apps, to help doctors protect patients.

21/07/15

Less than two-thirds of trusts have a plan in place for NHS staff health and wellbeing

A new report launched today from the Royal College of Physicians shows that staff health and wellbeing in the NHS is too often seen as an optional extra - as less than two-thirds of trusts (65%) have a staff health and wellbeing plan in place.

21/07/15

‘Whole health systems were seizing up with too many patients...’ President Jane Dacre’s conference speech

In her first speech to the RCP’s annual conference Medicine 2015; Delivering the Future Hospital, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre talked about the effect the crisis in A&E had on the rest of the hospital behind it, affecting patient care and physicians’ ability to provide high quality care for patients.

21/07/15

NICE inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) quality standard welcomed

Dr Ian Arnott, clinical lead for the UK IBD programme, including the UK IBD audit, hosted by the Royal College of Physicians, today welcomed the publication of the NICE inflammatory bowel disease quality standard.

13/10/17

RCP comment on the UK Shape of Training steering group statement

Commenting on the Shape of Training steering group statement released today, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

21/07/15

RCP welcomes new report revealing the impact exercise could have on the nation’s health

The RCP today welcomes the findings of a new report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) which underlines the importance of physical activity regardless of whether or not it is linked to weight loss. Exercise: The miracle cure and the doctor’s role in prescribing it, highlights the full extent exercise can have in preventing disease and treating many complex conditions.

14/07/15

Care for COPD patients has improved over the past 6 years, but is still not good enough

The national COPD clinical audit report COPD: who cares matters, published today, shows that some aspects of care have improved since the last audit in 2008, but is still not good enough in many areas.

21/07/15

RCP comment on Sir Robert Francis' 'Freedom to speak up' review of whistleblowing in the NHS

Commenting on the launch today of Sir Robert Francis’ Freedom to speak up, an independent review into creating an open and honest reporting culture in the NHS, RCP registrar Dr Andrew Goddard said:

21/07/15

The RCP welcomes the Academy of Medical Sciences’ announcement on supporting women’s careers in science

On the launch of the Academy of Medical Sciences’ SUSTAIN programme the president of the Royal College of Physicians Professor Jane Dacre said:

23/07/15

RCP welcomes regulations passed today in the House of Commons enabling a ban on smoking in cars

RCP president Professor Jane Dacre, said:

15/07/15

RCP clinical training aimed at combatting HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis begins in Dakar

The first of three clinical training courses aimed at reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in West Africa starts today in Dakar, Senegal.

21/07/15

RCP position on Shape of Training

RCP position statement on the Shape of Training review:

21/07/15

When will I have my operation?

'When will I have my operation?' is one of the 12 questions about hip fracture care in a new booklet, My Hip Fracture Care, from the National Hip Fracture Database.

15/07/15

Latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) results show world class stroke care is achievable

The sixth report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) data show that six stroke services scored an ‘A’ overall for the quality of care they provide for patients. This is the first time this has been achieved. SSNAP is the first national stroke register in the world to collect information about the entire stroke pathway, from being admitted to hospital to the 6 month follow-up appointment.

21/07/15

Leading physicians from UK and West Africa join forces to target HIV/AIDs, Malaria and TB

On 26-28 January, senior doctors from the West African College of Physicians (WACP) are delivering a ‘Doctors as educators’ course in Accra, Ghana, aimed at increasing medical training capacity in West Africa. The course marks the next stage of the ambitious RCP/WACP M-PACT* project; building local capacity to tackle HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis – the diseases targeted by the UN’s MDG 6.

21/07/15

RCP supports the move to legislate on plain packaging before the next election

Responding to the news that the government is to ensure that a vote takes place on plain cigarette packaging before the next election, Professor Jane Dacre, President of the Royal College of Physicians said:

14/07/15

As a physician, how do I know how I and my team are doing?

Today’s doctors need good quality data from a variety of sources to measure the care they are providing for patients. A new toolkit from the Royal College of Physicians aims to help physicians draw together relevant information to understand the quality of care that they and their team provide.

21/07/15

Specialist registrars value where they work over all other factors when choosing a consultant post

The latest census of consultant physicians in the UK, produced by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), suggests that specialist registrars (doctors training to be a consultant) value where they work over all other factors when considering a consultant post, most wanting to stay close to where they have been training.

14/07/15

RCP agrees with Sir Bruce Keogh's assertion that NHS unable to cope with ageing population

Commenting on statements from NHS England’s medical director Sir Bruce Keogh in today’s Guardian, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

15/07/15

RCP comment on Labour’s new public health priorities announced today

Professor John Wass, academic vice president and public health lead for the RCP said:

21/07/15

GPs and physicians want care based on patients’ needs rather than buildings

A new joint statement on integrated care issued today by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners supports the provision of new models of care based on the needs of patients, service users and communities, rather than buildings.

14/07/15

RCP welcomes Patients Association and APPG report on care.data

Professor John Williams, Director of the RCP’s Health Informatics Unit (HIU), said:

21/07/15

Patients still needlessly dying of lung cancer due to local variations in care

Results from the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) published today show that a substantial number of patients are needlessly dying of lung cancer as a result of local variation in care. While some patients may not be eligible or able to have surgery but can receive radiotherapy, surgical treatment represents the best chance of cure of the disease. However, the proportion of patients with early stage lung cancer who receive surgery varies from 33% to 63% when measured at network level (with even greater variation at trust level).

21/07/15

State of the stroke nation: reorganisation saves lives, staff shortages remain

Two reports published today from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) show that despite steady progress in the care of stroke patients in the UK, there are still major shortages of both nurses and doctors. This is worrying because research shows that death rates are lower when stroke wards have higher numbers of nurses, and death rates for acutely ill patients are lower when there are more doctors available at nights and at weekends.

01/07/15

RCP welcomes NHS finance but says yet more investment will be needed

RCP president professor Jane Dacre today welcomed the news of the extra finance for the NHS. She said:

27/11/14

2014 assisted dying survey results: RCP reaffirms position against assisted dying

A survey of the fellows and members of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has shown that a majority of respondents still do not support a change in the law on assisted dying. This broadly reflects the overarching result of the RCP’s 2006 survey, although the number taking this position has fallen.

18/12/20

CareFall – a new e-learning tool from the RCP

2021 Update: The CareFall e-learning resource will be temporarily unavailable from 1 January 2021 due to required upgrades to the flashplayer technology. For further information and timelines contact fffap.org.uk

21/07/15

Care improved overall for COPD patients, but some hospitals still falling short

COPD: Who Cares?, the report from the national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) audit published today, has found that standards of care for patients with COPD have improved overall, adding that there is still wide variation and some hospitals are still not meeting national service standards.

21/07/15

‘Politicians must listen to clinicians and allow them to lead’: RCP publishes new report

The Royal College of Physicians’ new report, Rising to the challenge: Improving acute care, meeting patients’ needs in Wales, will be launched today (Wednesday 12 November 2014).

29/06/15

150 health services achieve SEQOHS accreditation

One hundred and fifty services have now been accredited by the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) accreditation scheme. Alere Healthcare Connections was the 150th service to achieve SEQOHS accreditation.

21/07/15

National Summit calls for 'rollback' of antibiotic prescribing

At a summit today in London, hospital doctors, nurses, GPs, and pharmacists are calling for binding national 'rollback' targets on antibiotic prescribing to halt the relentless rise in antibiotic resistance.

21/07/15

Lord Foster gives his perspective on Sir Denys Lasdun at anniversary event

World-leading architect Norman Foster, Lord Foster of Thames Bank, leads a stellar line-up of speakers at an event on 5 November 2014 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the official opening of Sir Denys Lasdun’s Royal College of Physicians. The event will also see the RCP honour Sir Denys and commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth by renaming the Marble Hall the Lasdun Hall.

15/08/24

South Asian Heritage Month | Celebrating 25 years in the NHS – from Kolkata to international recognition

RCP councillor Professor Partha Kar reflects on his career to date and the culture that has shaped him.

15/08/24

RCP publishes terms of reference for new PA oversight group

The RCP has today published the terms and reference of a new internal group that has been established to oversee RCP activity linked to physician associates (PAs).

21/08/24

New beginnings | developing senior decision-making expertise | regional adviser vacancy

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales considers the qualities and skills unique to the senior decision maker in the healthcare team.

21/08/24

Dechrau newydd | datblygu arbenigedd mewn gwneud penderfyniadau uwch | swydd wag - cynghorydd rhanbarthol

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn ystyried y rhinweddau a’r sgiliau sy’n unigryw i’r uwch benderfynwr yn y tîm gofal iechyd.

21/08/24

Time to act: A new review of kidney health inequalities

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from Kidney Research UK is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

23/08/24

Joint statement from the UK Hospital at Home Society (H@H), the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP): ‘Hospital at Home’ not ‘virtual wards’

The H@H, the BGS and the RCP all believe that there is a need to use terminology that represents the care delivered and the skills required to provide hospital-level care at home. The term ‘virtual wards’ does not reflect the level of care and skill required, nor does it provide clarity to patients. We believe it is crucial that the appropriate terminology ‘Hospital at Home’ is formally adopted going forward.

02/09/24

IHA calls on government to set out plans for health mission delivery board

The government must take action to address growing health inequalities if it is to achieve its ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children in history and support people back into work, the Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) has said in an open letter to the public health and prevention minister.

02/09/24

RCP responds to Killer tactics report

The RCP has responded to the Killer tactics report published by the Alcohol Health Alliance, Action on Smoking and Health, and the Obesity Health Alliance.

02/09/24

Continuing the campaign for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post by Dr Mumtaz Patel, who is acting as president of the RCP, is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

02/09/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to press coverage about the possibility of an outdoor smoking ban

The RCP has responded to media coverage reporting government’s potential ban on smoking in outdoor venues.

03/09/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to Marie Curie 'Time to care' end of life report

The RCP has responded toTime to Care, Marie Curie's report which reveals findings from a national representative survey of experiences of the end of life in England and Wales.

04/09/24

RCP responds to UK Health Alliance on Climate Change report on fossil fuels

The RCP has responded to a new report by the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) outlining the devastating health consequences of the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels.

10/09/24

RCP responds to The King’s Fund learning review

‘We fully accept these findings. We will do better’

10/09/24

Faculty of Physician Associates to close in December 2024

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced that the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) will close at the end of the year.

09/09/24

RCP announces new Harveian librarian

Professor Anita K Simonds MD FRCP FERS has been appointed as the RCP’s Harveian librarian. This is a key role at the RCP, dedicated to the stewardship of the college's historical and modern archive, library and museum collections.

12/09/24

RCP responds to Lord Darzi's NHS review

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to Lord Darzi's NHS review.

12/09/24

RCP promises a fresh start in AGM address to fellows

Dr Mumtaz Patel, who is acting as RCP president, and is senior censor and vice president for education and training, has set out her vision for the future of the college in an AGM address watched by more than 250 fellows.

13/09/24

RCP responds to August 2024 NHS performance data

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance statistics.

13/09/24

RCP update on draft guidance for safe and effective practice for PAs

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has closed a 6-week consultation on draft guidance on safe and effective practice for physician associates (PAs). 

18/09/24

Specialty places must be a focus for the next Long Term Workforce Plan revision

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, Dr Sarah Logan, Director of the RCP Medical Workforce Unit, reflects on the past year since the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan was published, and calls for more robust modelling of medical specialty places in future iterations of the plan.

18/09/24

Royal College of Physicians calls for NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan to include robust modelling for medical specialty training places

The RCP is urging NHS England (NHSE) to prioritise more comprehensive and transparent modelling of postgraduate medical specialty places in the upcoming revision of the Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP).

17/09/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to IPPR’s final report of the Commission on Health and Prosperity

The RCP has responded to the final report of the IPPR Commission on Health and Prosperity.

18/09/24

RCP statement following the Liberal Democrat party conference

The Royal College of Physicians has issued a statement following the Liberal Democrat party conference in Brighton, welcoming a focus on health and care, and their commitment to provide robust opposition to the new government on these issues.

19/09/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health statement on Air Pollution

The RCP has responded to an updated position statement by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) on the threat that air pollution poses to children’s health in the UK.

25/09/24

Corridor care | The King’s Fund independent learning review

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales discusses the findings of the King’s Fund independent learning review, corridor care and the importance of respectful, professional debate.

25/09/24

Gofal mewn coridorau | Adolygiad dysgu annibynnol Cronfa’r Brenin

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod canfyddiadau adolygiad dysgu annibynnol Cronfa’r Brenin, gofal mewn coridorau a phwysigrwydd trafodaeth broffesiynol a pharchus.

23/09/24

RCP unveils new exhibition: ‘Healing Words: The unofficial story of medical practice in England 1500–1800’

The RCP is delighted to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, Healing Words: The unofficial story of medical practice in England 1500–1800, celebrating the rich history of medical recipes and remedies through the centuries.

23/09/24

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RCP lights up London home pink for Organ Donation Week 2024

Marking the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, the Royal College of Physicians has lit up its Regent’s Park home in recognition of Organ Donation Week.

25/09/24

The life-changing power of organ donation: it’s time to talk

As the RCP’s Regent’s Park home is lit up pink in recognition of Organ Donation Week, Caroline Burton, RCP head of UK regions, offers a touching personal perspective on how the decision to donate can provide the gift of life.

25/09/24

RCP responds to Balance's alcohol harm reduction blueprint

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to Balance's Reducing Alcohol Harm: A blueprint for national action.

26/09/24

RCP reports back from the Labour party conference 2024

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the new government’s ‘prevention first’ approach to health and healthcare and highlights the importance of the NHS workforce and retention.

26/09/24

RCP welcomes new GMC resources to support victims of sexual misconduct by doctors

The GMC has today published new resources to support victims and survivors of sexual misconduct by doctors. What to do if you think you have been subject to sexual misconduct by a doctor explains sexual misconduct, how to raise a concern, what to expect from an investigation and what organisations can provide support.

27/09/24

The humanity of organ donation never ceases to humble me

As we approach the end of Organ Donation Week, Dr Mark Harber, the RCP’s special adviser for sustainability and a consultant nephrologist who has a special interest in transplantation, considers the power of organ donation and the hard work which make giving the gift of life possible.

30/09/24

Chair of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) board of trustees steps down

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, chair of the RCP board of trustees, has announced that he is stepping down from the role with immediate effect.

02/10/24

RCP responds to ONS data on adult smoking habits in the UK

The RCP has responded to annual data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on smoking habits among adults in the UK from 2023.

04/10/24

RCP statement on the Conservative Party conference 2024

The Royal College of Physicians is keen to work with the successful leadership candidate of the Conservative Party to better understand the new official opposition’s approach to health and healthcare.

04/10/24

RCP at party conferences 2024: Engaging on key policy priorities

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) attended the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative parties’ 2024 conferences where we engaged with public health stakeholders, ministers, shadow ministers, parliamentarians and others.

08/10/24

The year of generation next: RCP publishes special issue of membership magazine, edited by resident doctors

Guest-edited by resident doctors, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a special edition of Commentary, its membership magazine, alongside news that doctors in training will now be known as 'resident doctors' at the college.

08/10/24

Confronting alcohol harm and tackling inequalities: guest blog post from the Alcohol Health Alliance

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post from the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

09/10/24

The impact of climate change on infectious diseases: an expert discussion with Dr Mark Harber and Dr Christina Petridou

In a video for the RCP, Dr Mark Harber, the RCP’s special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change, sits down with Dr Christina Petridou, consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, to explore the growing link between climate change and infectious diseases.

10/10/24

Reclaiming our titles: empowering resident doctors for a stronger NHS

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, Dr Anthony Martinelli, co-chair of the RCP’s Resident Doctor Committee talks about the significance and impact of using the term ‘resident doctor’ instead of ‘junior’ doctor or ‘doctor in training’.

11/10/24

RCP responds to the latest NHS performance data October 2024

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance data.

14/10/24

Rowing upstream? SAS as a career choice and the SAS Charter

Dr Priscilla Smith, SAS doctor rep for London South explores the feeling of ‘other’ experienced by many SAS doctors, and the breadth skill of skill and knowledge they bring to the NHS workforce.

17/10/24

Using data to tackle inequalities in medicine | Equalities and the Medical Workforce Equality Standard (MWRES)

Professor Anton Emmanuel discusses the importance of MWRES data in providing a monitoring framework for improvement. Anton led NHS England’s Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) programme and joined the NHS Wales Shared Service Partnership in 2023 to lead on the implementation of the WRES in Wales. Anton is also the medical director of publishing at the RCP.

16/10/24

Expanding the role of SAS doctors in leadership, training and education: SAS in extended roles and SAS development

RCP SAS lead Dr Naeem Aziz explores the role of SAS doctors and his own experience of success in a leadership role at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

15/10/24

RCP celebrates SAS Week 2024 by publishing open letter to the NHS

As #SASWeek24 kicks off, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) SAS lead, Dr Naeem Aziz has written an open letter to NHS organisations across the UK, urging them to support and value the specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctor workforce by offering specialty doctors the opportunity to become specialists.

18/10/24

Stepping off the training treadmill | SAS wellbeing

Dr Nicola Allen, SAS tutor at Hywel Dda University Health Board discusses her decision to leave formal medical training and how becoming an SAS doctor has allowed her to pursue a range of opportunities and focus on her own wellbeing.

16/10/24

RCP responds to DHSC strategy to reduce NHS waste

The RCP has responded to the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC’s) new strategy – the Design for Life Roadmap – which aims to cut the number of single-use medical devices in the health services.

23/10/24

Staff retention | North Wales Medical School opens its doors

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales discusses the opening of the new medical school in North Wales and how the NHS can become an attractive place to work for newly qualified doctors.

23/10/23

Cadw staff | Ysgol Feddygol Gogledd Cymru yn agor ei drysau

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod agoriad yr ysgol feddygol newydd yng Ngogledd Cymru a sut y gall y GIG ddod yn lle deniadol i weithio i feddygon sydd newydd gymhwyso.

17/10/24

RCP responds to GMC equality diversity and inclusion progress update

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the GMC's Equality, diversity and inclusion progress update.

21/10/24

The RCP has responded to launch of the DHSC and NHSE consultation process to inform the NHS 10-year plan

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the launch of the DHSC and NHSE consultation process to inform the NHS 10-year plan.

23/10/24

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Royal College of Physicians appoints new registrar

The RCP has appointed Dr Omar Mustafa as its new registrar.

23/10/24

Black History Month | From a grade 3 dropout in Nakaseke to fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

International fellow Dr Robert Kalyesubula is one of the 30% of our fellows based outside the UK who are supported by the RCP Global team. During Black History Month, Dr Kalyesubula shares his inspirational journey from a small village to becoming a leading nephrologist and founder of the Uganda Kidney Foundation.

24/10/24

RCP calls for doctors to have more ringfenced time for clinical research

Doctors should be given protected time to conduct clinical research, says the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

28/10/24

Optimising EPR usability: Reducing risk, burden and variability in NHS digital systems

Dr Anne Kinderlerer, digital health clinical lead at the RCP, exposes the ways in which usability issues in NHS electronic patient records (EPRs) increase the burden on staff and increase risks for patients. She urges clinicians to complete NHSE’s national EPR usability survey to build the case for better implementation.

24/10/24

RCP responds to government announcement to ban disposable vapes

The RCP has responded to new legislation laid out in parliament committing to banning single-use vapes by June 2025.

25/10/24

RCP and other health leaders call for Public Accounts Committee to re-open inquiry into NHS England’s Long Term Workforce Plan

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), alongside other leading health bodies, has written to the new chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) calling for the committee to re-open its inquiry into NHS England’s modelling for the Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP).

25/10/24

RCP responds to CQC state of care report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Care Quality Commission’s latest State of care report published today.

28/10/24

Inequalities in Health Alliance marks fourth anniversary since launch

The Inequalities in Health Alliance, convened by the RCP and comprising over 250 organisations campaigning for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities, celebrates its fourth anniversary.

30/10/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to Autumn Budget 2024

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the Autumn Budget 2024.

04/11/24

Enhancing population health at the Royal College of Physicians

As her tenure comes to an end, Professor Carol Brayne reflects on the work that she’s been involved in and the achievements that she has supported since taking up post as the RCP’s special adviser on population health.

05/11/24

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RCP welcomes leading doctors to Harveian Oration and dinner

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomed fellows, members and guests to the 2024 Harveian Oration, given by Professor Avan Aihie Sayer.

05/11/24

Royal College of Physicians welcomes introduction of Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The RCP has welcomed the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which will introduce reforms to phase out smoking entirely.

06/11/24

Chief executive Dr Ian Bullock to leave the RCP after 15 years of leadership

RCP chief executive Dr Ian Bullock has announced that he will leave the college in March 2025 for a new role in the charity sector.

07/11/24

Charting a new course: navigating constitutional and governance reform at the RCP

As nominations open to elect the next president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Dr Omar Mustafa, registrar, reflects on the history of constitutional and governance reform at the college and outlines plans to modernise how we work in an ever – changing world.

12/11/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England’s Varenicline rollout announcement

NHS England has announced the rollout of Varenicline, a medication to support people to quit smoking.

14/11/24

RCP responds to NHS England recognition that PAs need 'support and clarity’ about their role and remit

The RCP has reaffirmed its support for a rapid review of the role of medical associate professionals (MAPs) and called again on NHS England (NHSE) to review the projections for growth in the physician associate (PA) workforce in the 2025 iteration of the Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP).

14/11/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to Government’s 2035 emissions target announcement

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the UK Government's new commitment to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035.

14/11/24

RCP responds to November 2024 NHSE performance data

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHSE performance data.

20/11/24

Complexity in medicine | training the next generation of physicians

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales reflects on the recent inspection of healthcare services, corridor care and waiting times.

20/11/24

Cymhlethdod mewn meddygaeth | hyfforddi’r genhedlaeth nesaf o feddygon

Yn y blog mis yma, Dr Hilary Williams, Is Lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon yng Nghymru sy’n bwrw golwg ar yr arolygiad diweddar o wasanaethau gofal iechyd, gofal mewn coridorau ac amseroedd aros.

19/11/24

RCP responds to new coal mining licence ban

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the news that the government is to ban new coal mining licences.

20/11/24

Profit over people? RCP partners with BMJ and WHO to discuss how financial and corporate interests affect our health and shape our lives

Tonight, in partnership with the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will host an event (including panellists Dr Chris Van Tulleken, infectious disease doctor and broadcaster, and Sir Frank Atherton, chief medical officer for Wales) on how health policy is influenced by multi-national corporations and industries.

20/11/24

RCP responds to the announcement of an independent review of the PA and AA professions

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the announcement of an independent review of the PA and AA professions.

25/11/24

The Royal College of Physicians urges MPs to back the Tobacco & Vapes Bill

The RCP is one of seven organisations, together representing 850,000 healthcare professionals, that have written to MPs calling for them to support the legislation that will help to create the first smoke-free generation.

26/11/24

Universal access to rehabilitation is key to reducing the gap in healthy life expectancy: guest blog post from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blog post by Natasha Owusu, policy lead for England at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

26/11/24

The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passing second reading in the House of Commons

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passing second reading in the House of Commons.

27/11/24

My journey as an IMG in the NHS and the lessons learned

Dr Abhishek Ray, specialty registrar in gastroenterology and general internal medicine (GIM), arrived in the UK in 2018 as an international medical graduate (IMG) from India. In this piece – part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series – Dr Ray explores the huge culture shock of practising and training in medicine from one country to another.

28/11/24

RCP publishes updated position on physician associates working in secondary care in the medical specialties

RCP Council has agreed that there is a limited role for physician associates working in secondary care in the medical specialties as long as they are supported by clear supervision arrangements, professional regulation, and a nationally agreed scope of practice.

28/11/24

RCP responds to GMC 2024 workforce report and calls for a review of postgraduate medical training

The RCP has responded to the GMC’s 2024 workforce report by calling on the UK government to commission a review of postgraduate medical training that looks at how doctors will want to learn and work in the future, and how patient demand is likely to change in the coming years.

29/11/24

RCP responds to MPs voting in favour of allowing assisted dying

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to MPs voting in favour of allowing assisted dying.

03/12/24

RCP welcomes launch of Greener Palliative Care Award

The RCP has welcomed the new Greener Palliative Care Award, launched by the Palliative Care Sustainability Network.

05/12/24

Preventing illness, promoting health: Delivering on the government’s 10-year vision

With the deadline for organisations to respond the government’s 10-year health plan now passed, RCP officers set out their thoughts on the three ‘shifts’ proposed in the plan: sickness to prevention, hospital to community, and analogue to digital. In this first piece, Dr Mumtaz Patel, acting as president of the RCP, reflects on the government’s consultation on its 10-year health plan and focuses on the sickness to prevention shift.

06/12/24

RCP responds to ‘A healthier Wales’ refreshed actions

‘We need tangible actions – not just vague promises,’ says RCP vice president for Wales.

06/12/24

RCP welcomes House of Lords short debate on PAs

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has called on the Leng review to consider the impact of the physician associate (PA) role on training opportunities for resident doctors.

09/12/24

RCP responds to the UK government’s Plan for Change

The RCP has welcomed a commitment from the UK government to reduce NHS treatment delays and has called for ambitious action to bring down waiting lists.

10/12/24

RCP responds to news that revised NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan will be published in 2025

The RCP has responded to the news that a revised NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP) will be published in summer 2025.

10/12/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to the Welsh Women’s Health Plan

‘Deeds not words – we need a plan that holds the Welsh government to account,’ says RCP vice president for Wales.

11/12/24

Transforming challenges into opportunities: The success story of North Bristol's clinical fellow programme

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, Dr Rhiannon Hughes, former RCP chief registrar, and now an acute medicine consultant, shares how she helped transform staffing challenges at North Bristol NHS Trust by creating a clinical fellow programme that offers flexible rotations, professional development time and strong support – turning a recruitment issue into a career development success.

12/12/24

Royal College of Physicians responds to CMO Annual Report 2024

The RCP has responded to the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO's) Annual Report, Health in Cities.

12/12/24

From hospital to community: The role of physicians in transforming NHS care

Following the RCP’s submission to the government’s 10-Year Health Plan, RCP officers set out their thoughts on the three ‘shifts’ proposed in the plan: sickness to prevention, hospital to community, and analogue to digital. In this piece, Dr John Dean, RCP clinical vice president, focuses on the hospital to community shift.

13/12/24

Regulation of physician associates goes live

The General Medical Council (GMC) has today (Friday 13 December) become the regulator of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).

13/12/24

RCP responds to December 2024 NHSE performance data

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHSE performance data.

16/12/24

RCP to publish interim scope and supervision guidance for PAs working in the medical specialties later this week

The RCP oversight group for activity related to physician associates, or the RCP PA oversight group, has developed three interim sets of draft guidance that will apply to those PAs working in the medical specialties (also known as the physician specialties).

16/12/24

Royal College of Physicians welcomes Royal College of Emergency Medicine position statement on NHSE’s temporary escalation guidance

The RCP has responded to a position statement published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), regarding NHS England guidance on ‘Principles for providing safe and good quality care in temporary escalation spaces.’

18/12/24

Festive greetings from the RCP | Update in medicine – Cardiff

This month, vice president for Wales Hilary Williams blogs about recent RCP events in Cardiff, says hello and goodbye to our South Wales regional advisers, and highlights RCP work on recent policy developments in Wales and across the border.

16/12/24

RCP publishes new guidance to make tackling health inequalities a strategic NHS priority

The RCP has released a new guidance document aimed at empowering NHS leaders to make reducing health inequalities a central part of their strategy.

17/12/24

RCP publishes new interim guidance for physician associates working in the medical specialties

The RCP has published new interim guidance on the scope, supervision and employment of physician associates (PAs) working in the medical specialties (also known as the physician specialties).

18/12/24

Cyfarchion yr Ŵyl o Goleg Brenhinol y Meddygon: Y diweddaraf mewn Meddygaeth - Caerdydd

Y mis yma, mae Is-Lywydd Cymru, Hilary Williams, yn blogio am ddigwyddiadau diweddar Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon yng Nghaerdydd, yn dweud helo a hwyl fawr wrth ein cynghorwyr rhanbarthol yn Ne Cymru, ac yn tynnu sylw at waith y Coleg ar ddatblygiadau polisi diweddar yng Nghymru a thros y ffin.

18/12/24

The right to health and health inequalities: time for change

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This guest blog post from Just Fair is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

30/12/24

RCP responds to UCL research showing a single cigarette can take 20 minutes off life expectancy

Researchers at University College London have found that on average a single cigarette reduces life expectancy about about 20 minutes, meaning if a smoker of 10 cigarettes a day quits for a week they could add a day to their life expectancy.

07/01/25

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RCP responds to the 'Reforming elective care for patients' plan

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the publication of the 'Reforming elective care for patients' plan.

07/01/25

King Charles III 2025 New Year Honours for RCP fellows

The King’s New Year Honours saw a number of RCP fellows recognised for their contributions across a range of areas including healthcare in the UK and internationally.

09/01/25

‘Unsafe and undignified’: RCP describes ‘chaos’ of corridor care and calls for action to alleviate pressure on the hospital front door

Responding to the latest NHSE performance data showing the busiest December on record for emergency department attendances, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has called for the publication of data on temporary care environments as well as parity in status, staffing and funding for social care.

09/01/25

Professor Sanjay Agrawal: ‘The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is world leading and we can do more to tackle youth vaping’

This week, RCP's special adviser appeared in front of the Tobacco and Vapes public bill committee to give his expert opinion on the bill which passed second reading in November 2024.

14/01/25

RCP responds to Nuffield Trust report on NHS workforce

The RCP has welcomed the Nuffield Trust’s report, In the balance: Lessons for changing the mix of professions in NHS services, which looks at the history of how distinct and different roles - including physician associates, nursing associates and advanced nurse practitioners - have been brought into the NHS.

15/01/25

Royal College of Physicians endorses Lancet definition and diagnostic criteria for obesity

The RCP has endorsed a new publication by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on Clinical Obesity, setting out a clinically-meaningful definition of disease in obesity as well as a definition of the objective criteria for its diagnosis.

16/01/25

RCP responds to Royal College of Nursing report on corridor care

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Royal College of Nursing’s report On the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis which looks at the issue of patients being treated in temporary escalation spaces such as corridors.

16/01/25

From analogue to digital: A vision for the NHS

Following the RCP’s submission to the government’s 10-Year Health Plan, RCP officers set out their thoughts on the three ‘shifts’ proposed in the plan: sickness to prevention, hospital to community, and analogue to digital. In this piece, Professor Tom Solomon CBE, Royal College of Physicians academic vice president, focuses on the analogue to digital shift.

17/01/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to Health Foundation's analysis of the 18-week elective target

The Health Foundation has published new analysis assessing how achievable the government’s 18-week elective target is.

20/01/25

From nominations to votes: A look at the past and how you can influence our leadership

Later this month, RCP Council will be asked to approve the list of candidates for the next RCP presidential election. In his latest blog, Dr Omar Mustafa, registrar, discusses the history of college elections and sets out the timeline for the 2025 leadership vote. You can read his first blog on constitutional and governance reform here.

22/01/25

Royal College of Physicians issues new position statement calling for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to corridor care

‘We simply cannot accept this way of working’ The RCP has called on the NHS to eliminate ‘corridor care’.

28/01/25

Winter pressures: how do we break down barriers between care systems?

This month RCP vice president for Wales, Dr Hilary Williams, blogs about winter pressures, corridor care and the importance of system-wide change.

24/01/25

Excellence in Patient Care Award entries are now open

Back for 2025, our highly anticipated RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards are now open for entry.

27/01/25

2024 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

The Royal College of Physicians has published the 16th survey reporting the experiences of and outcomes for physicians within a year of gaining their CCT (certificate of completion of training) in 2023.

28/01/25

Pwysau'r gaeaf: sut mae chwalu'r rhwystrau rhwng systemau gofal?

Y mis hwn, mae is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon ar gyfer Cymru, Dr Hilary Wiliams, yn blogio am bwysau'r gaeaf, gofal mewn coridorau a phwysigrwydd newid ledled y system.

31/01/25

Candidates announced for RCP president, clinical vice president and councillor elections

The RCP is delighted to announce the names of fellows standing for election as president, clinical vice president and councillors in 2025.

29/01/25

Commissioning relationships with third sector services requires an urgent reset to reduce long-standing mental health inequalities

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This guest blog post by Jeremy Bacon, Third Sector Lead in the policy team at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

30/01/25

RCP responds to report on decline in clinical researchers

The RCP has responded to a new report commissioned by the Office for the Strategic Co-ordination of Health Research on the falling numbers of clinical researchers in the UK.

03/02/25

The voice of medicine: the first RCP snapshot survey of 2025 will help us to advocate for patients and physicians

The RCP has today (Monday 3 February) launched a short snapshot survey asking fellows and members about their recent experiences of working in the NHS, and their views on corridor care, patient safety, outpatient care and health inequalities

05/02/25

New interim executive leadership appointment announced for March

Tom Baker and Catherine Powell have today been confirmed as the RCP’s interim chief executive from March. This follows the resignation of chief executive Ian Bullock at the end of 2024.

07/02/25

RCP appoints special adviser on population health

The Royal College of Physicians has appointed consultant public health physician Dr Chris Packham as special adviser on population health.

07/02/25

Joined-up government action lies at the heart of tackling health inequalities, but the health service must act too

Newly appointed RCP special adviser on population health Dr Chris Packham shares his insights on population health amid the current pressures facing the NHS workforce and why the government must work to address health inequalities.

12/02/25

Modelling the medical specialty workforce – considerations for the 2025 iteration of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan

In this write-up of the RCP medical specialty workforce roundtable in November 2024, Dr Sarah Logan, director of the RCP’s Medical Workforce Unit, sets out the themes around future demand for the medical specialty workforce. These must be considered in the 2025 iteration of the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan as part of mapping future medical specialty postgraduate places.

13/02/25

'A failing system': RCP urges government to fix social care crisis amid surge in delayed discharges

The NHS ‘front door’ will remain in a state of emergency until action is taken to tackle discharge delays, the RCP has warned today.

18/02/25

‘An uncertain future’: resident doctors speak out about growing competition for NHS training jobs

In a new position statement, launched as part of the NextGenPhysicians campaign, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) describes resident doctors’ growing concerns about their future in the NHS and calls for a review of postgraduate training that ensures publicly funded medical school places result in more NHS doctors.

31/01/25

RCP elections | corridor care | analogue to digital | King's Fund review

It feels like a long time ago now, but I firstly wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. 2025 has got off to a flying start at the RCP, with a huge amount of advocacy and improvement work. But first things first…

19/12/24

Interim PA guidance | Med+ | health inequalities | Happy Christmas

Welcome to the December bulletin, the last one for this year!

14/11/24

Change NHS | Harveian Oration | trust visits

I hope you are all well and had a good October. I enjoyed a lovely half-term break with my children in Paris – we went on the Eurostar, which was quite exciting.

10/10/24

Party conferences | The King's Fund learning review | #NextGenPhysicians

I hope you are all well and had a good September. My children are already counting down the 2 weeks to half-term school holidays – it has been a busy first term back!

16/09/24

AGM update | latest RCP activity | Darzi review

I hope you are all well and managed to have a bit of a break over the summer. We did a European driving holiday (planned by my children), which involved touring eight countries in 14 days. It was fascinating but perhaps less of a break and more of an adventure!

04/07/24

Leadership news | UK election | SAS career guidance

Earlier this week, RCP Council met at The Spine, the RCP’s building in Liverpool, to discuss our next steps following Dr Sarah Clarke stepping aside as RCP president in June.

05/06/24

Manifesto for medicine | workforce | visit to the Midlands

With less than a month to go, we are seeing almost daily health headlines as part of the general election campaigns. The NHS may only be 76 years old, but it represents a core part of who we are as a nation. The principle of free, universal, high-quality healthcare is internationally admired – and never more at risk. Just this week the issue of ‘corridor care’ has been raised again. 

11/01/24

Help us to help you | workforce | podcast | people

A new year is upon us, and a general election is on the horizon (though not until later this year, we hear). The situation for many physician colleagues continues to be challenging. In England, ongoing industrial action has just seen an unprecedented 6-day junior doctor strike – a decision that I know many find difficult, especially with the increase in admissions that winter always brings. We continue to call for government to get on with resolving this dispute. Globally, our thoughts are very much with those affected by active conflict.

10/05/24

Medicine 2024 | workforce: focus on trainees | EGM update

It was a privilege to be able to meet so many of you and hear from such inspiring speakers at our recent future-themed annual conference, Medicine 2024.

14/03/24

EGM | NHSE guidance | medical education

Last night more than 100 RCP fellows gathered at the RCP in London for the extraordinary general meeting on physician associates, which was watched by around 800 of you online. 

19/01/24

Everyone’s talking about MAPs | update from your president

Given the parliamentary debates happening this week on physician associate (PA) regulation, I felt it was crucial to explain the RCP position on PAs and the work we have been doing through RCP Council and with other organisations. You should be aware by now that we received a request for an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) in late November. This will be discussed by Council at our meeting on 25 January. We know this timeline has caused some frustration but I explain in this statement how we have duly followed our bye-laws and will communicate the Council decision promptly once it is made.

28/01/24

RCP Council decision to hold an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM)

RCP Council met this week to discuss the request for an EGM and associated motions. This follows the letter that RCP Council received from fellows last year about physician associates and the additional Council meeting that we held in October.  First, I want to thank all Council members for contributing to a positive and constructive debate yesterday. We are a membership organisation with over 500 years of history behind us, and we recognise that, on this issue, there are strong views within our membership. As your president I welcome all feedback – and I want to reassure you that we hear your concerns.

08/02/24

EGM | digital diagnosis | Medicine 24

Firstly, on behalf of us all I send warm wishes to the King, our Visitor, as he begins treatment for cancer. You may have seen or heard our vice president for Wales Dr Hilary Williams talking about the King’s diagnosis in the media yesterday. As well as sharing our sympathy and advice for the monarch, Hilary promoted some key messages around screening, prevention and the importance of early diagnosis.

19/02/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England announcement of postgraduate medical training review

RCP has responded to NHS England's announcement that National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty will lead a review into postgraduate training for newly qualified medics.

15/03/25

Listening with intent - Martha's Rule for Wales

This month, our guest blogger is Dr Chris Subbe, an acute consultant physician in Bangor, who discusses the importance of ‘listening with intent’ and whether we need a Martha’s Rule for Wales.

19/02/25

MRCP(UK) exam results issue

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, of which RCP is a partner, has identified that incorrect exam results were communicated to a group of candidates in the UK and internationally who took the Part 2 written examination in September 2023.

20/02/25

Royal College of Physicians launches new principles for an integrated public health system

The RCP has unveiled a new set of principles aimed at strengthening and integrating the UK’s public health system. Developed in collaboration with leading health organisations and think tanks, these principles provide a roadmap for more effective, cohesive, and equitable public health.

15/03/25

Gwrando gyda bwriad – Rheol Martha i Gymru

Mis yma, ein blogiwr gwadd Dr Chris Subbe, meddyg ymgynghorol acíwt ym Mangor, sy’n trafod pwysigrwydd ‘gwrando gyda bwriad’ ac a oes angen Rheol Martha yng Nghymru.

20/02/25

Statement from the resident doctor committees of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians on MRCP(UK) Part 2

The resident doctor committees of the three Royal College of Physicians have written to the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, of which RCP is a partner, following the news that incorrect exam results were communicated to a group of candidates in the UK and internationally who took the Part 2 written examination in September 2023.

20/02/25

Message from the Registrar on incorrect MRCP(UK) Part 2 results

Following confirmation that the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians of the UK, of which RCP is a partner, had communicated incorrect MRCP(UK) Part Two exam results to a group of candidates who took the exam in 2023, the Registrar of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Dr Omar Mustafa, has written to all RCP members.

26/02/25

Doctors confirm ‘corridor care’ crisis as 80% forced to treat patients in unsafe spaces

Doctors across the NHS have confirmed that treating patients in corridors, waiting rooms, and other unsuitable spaces has become routine, with nearly 4 in 5 (78%) forced to provide care in these conditions in the past month.

28/02/25

Update on MRCP(UK) Part 2 examination 2023/03

Following the news from the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK that incorrect results had been issued to 283 candidates who sat the part 2 written examination in September 2023, the RCP has been focusing all its efforts on the response to supporting the candidates affected.

27/02/25

Resident doctor committees write to appeal the decision to exclude resident doctors impacted by MRCP(UK) Part 2 marking error from the current higher specialty recruitment round

Today the resident doctor committees of the three royal colleges of physicians have written to the statutory education bodies (SEBs), appealing their decision not to allow those affected by the MRCP(UK) part 2 exam issues to progress into higher specialty training from the recent recruitment round. The RCP fully supports their recommendations.

04/03/25

Royal College of Physicians marks world obesity day by calling on the government to bring forward its prevention plan

On world obesity day, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has reiterated its commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of those affected by overweight and obesity, calling for the government to bring forward its proposed five-point prevention plan.

04/03/25

Royal College of Physicians supports major research initiative to drive a greener NHS

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced seven new transdisciplinary research hubs, funded by URKI and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), to ensure that health is central to net zero strategies. The Royal College of Physicians is proud to be a ‘supporting partner’ of the successful bid from the Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) programme and the University of Exeter to establish a national hub delivering research to address the challenge of decarbonising healthcare pathways.

07/03/25

RCP responds to University of Oxford review on physician associates (PAs)

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the University of Oxford review on physician associates.

10/03/25

Dr Ben Chadwick appointed as RCP deputy registrar

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed consultant physician in acute medicine Dr Ben Chadwick as the deputy registrar.

12/03/25

Focus on physicians survey launched to provide key insights on the challenges faced by consultants and SAS doctors

The ‘Focus on physicians’ survey, launched today, will provide critical insights into the current challenges facing consultant physicians and SAS doctors.

12/03/25

RCP responds to the publication of the UMAPs physician associates 'Base scope of practice' document

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the UMAPs physician associates 'Base scope of practice' document.

14/03/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to announcement that NHS England will be abolished

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the announcement that NHS England will be abolished.

18/03/25

Dr Diana Walford CBE appointed chair of the Royal College of Physicians board of trustees

Dr Diana Walford CBE has been appointed chair of the RCP's board of trustees.

19/03/25

RCP publishes submission to the independent review of the physician associate profession (the Leng review)

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published its submission to the independent review of physician associate (PA) and anaesthesia associate professions (the Leng review).

21/03/25

Royal College of Physicians welcomes investment in solar panels for NHS sites in England

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed the investment in solar panels for 200 NHS sites in England.

21/03/25

Resident doctors call for more detail on NHS workforce planning ahead of spending review

Ahead of the UK government spending review, Dr Anthony Martinelli and Dr Catherine Rowan, co-chairs of the RCP Resident Doctor Committee, and Seán Coghlan, chair of the RCP Student and Foundation Doctor Network, have urged the government to publish more detail about its plans for the NHS workforce.

25/03/25

RCP Cymru Wales launches manifesto asks for Senedd 2026

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published its priorities for the next Welsh government.

27/03/25

The RCP responds to the Spring Statement

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Spring Statement.

28/03/25

RCP welcomes report from The King’s Fund on delivering care closer to home

Responding to a new report from The King’s Fund on making care closer to home a reality, Dr John Dean, RCP clinical vice president said:

28/03/25

Supporting doctors affected by the 2023 MRCP(UK) Part 2 examination issue

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK has published a statement setting out the support and mitigations put in place for doctors affected by the 2023 MRCP(UK) Part 2 examination issue.

01/04/25

Supporting clinicians to manage corridor care

As part of the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) efforts to eliminate corridor care, Dr John Dean, clinical vice president, discusses the RCP’s recent guidance for clinicians and sets out what government must do to eliminate the practice.

02/04/25

RCP responds to the APPG on Smoking and Health's roadmap report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health's A roadmap to a smokefree country report.

03/04/25

Nearly 90% of doctors warn that health inequalities are harming patients

The Royal College of Physicians calls on the UK government to set out how its health mission will tackle health inequalities.

04/04/25

2025 RCP election update

The RCP has today disqualified Dr Barry Monk from standing in the 2025 college election for Council.

07/04/25

Inspiring the next generation of physicians: The South-West IMT recruitment event

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, Dr Nicola Maddox, former associate college tutor (ACT) and current ST4 in medical microbiology, shares how she helped tackle recruitment challenges in internal medicine by launching the South-West IMT recruitment event. 

07/04/25

RCP responds to polling revealing public support for action tackling tobacco, unhealthy food and alcohol use

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to new polling from The Health Foundation and Ipsos.

07/04/25

RCP responds to BBC News story about doctors being told their job locations with weeks to spare

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to a BBC News report about new doctors being told their job location with just weeks to spare.

09/04/25

RCP calls on the next generation of resident doctors to speak up and ‘help shape the future of medicine’

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched a national survey of resident doctors, inviting them to share their experiences of working and training in the NHS.

09/04/25

RCP responds to the secretary of state’s speech at the UNISON annual health conference

Responding to the secretary of state for health and social care’s speech, RCP resident doctor committee co-chairs, Dr Anthony Martinelli and Dr Catherine Rowan said:

10/04/25

RCP responds to NHS data with warning on outpatient delays

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the latest NHS England performance data, saying that tackling both the outdated model of outpatient care and the social determinants of health are key to bringing down waiting lists.

17/04/25

RCP launches important new consultation on voting reform

Senior censor and RCP vice president for education and training, Dr Mumtaz Patel, who was elected this week as the next RCP president, has welcomed a new membership survey on broadening voting rights.

16/04/25

News Article 720 500Px Prescription For Outpatients Web Graphic

‘No longer fit for purpose’: RCP unveils long-term vision to transform ‘disjointed and ineffective’ NHS outpatient care

In partnership with the Patients Association, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched Prescription for outpatients: reimagining planned specialist care, setting out our vision for reformed outpatient care.

14/04/25

Dr Mumtaz Patel elected president of the Royal College of Physicians

Dr Mumtaz Patel has been elected as the 123rd president of the Royal College of Physicians. She has promised to ‘modernise the college and re-establish the RCP as the voice of our membership and of medicine.’

15/04/25

RCP elections 2025: New clinical vice president and elected councillors announced

Dr Hilary Williams has been elected as clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians.

21/04/25

NHS Confederation Health And Well Being Alliance

Actions to support workforce retention in Wales

This month our vice president for Wales, Hilary Williams, blogs about a new policy to tackle sexual safety and bullying in medicine, Plaid Cymru’s spring conference, and actions to address retention of our workforce.

21/04/25

Camau gweithredu i gefnogi cadw’r gweithlu yng Nghymru

Y mis hwn, mae ein his-lywydd dros Gymru, Hilary Williams, yn blogio am bolisi newydd i fynd i’r afael â diogelwch rhywiol a bwlio mewn meddygaeth, cynhadledd Wanwyn Plaid Cymru, a chamau gweithredu i fynd i’r afael â chadw ein gweithlu.

17/04/25

RCP responds to expansion of the GP 'Advice and Guidance' scheme

The RCP has responded to the announcement of the expansion of the GP ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme from the Department of Health and Social Care.

24/04/25

RCP responds to GMC good practice advice for doctors who supervise and work with PAs

The RCP has responded to the publication of GMC good practice advice for doctors who supervise and work with PAs.

25/04/25

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passing second reading in the House of Lords

Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the RCP's special adviser on tobacco, comments on the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in parliament.

28/04/25

RCP responds to news that 87% of hospitals in England now offer services through the NHS App

The Department for Health and Social Care have today announced that 87% of hospitals offer services through the NHS App.

29/04/25

Pilot programme aims to better integrate locally employed international medical graduates into the NHS

A pioneering hospital initiative in Wales has introduced tailored induction programmes to recruit, retain, and support international medical graduates (IMGs) transitioning into the UK healthcare system. Published as part of our NextGenPhysicians campaign, the authors describe why it’s important to support locally employed IMGs who are new to the NHS.

30/04/25

RCP responds to Ministerial Advisory Group report on performance and productivity in the NHS in Wales

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Ministerial Advisory Group’s (MAG’s) report on improving the performance and productivity of NHS Wales in planned care, diagnostics, cancer and urgent and emergency care services.

06/05/25

Medicine 2025: join us for our flagship annual conference

The annual flagship conference of the Royal College of Physicians, Medicine 2025, will bring together leading physicians and key industry experts on 2–3 June, offering attendees an inspiring two days of clinical learning, professional development and community connection.

14/10/25

RCP constitutional review: have your say on how the RCP is run

The Royal College of Physicians is considering changes to how we work, including our election processes.

07/05/25

Early career doctors raise concerns over potential changes to IMT recruitment

The Royal College of Physicians' Student and Foundation Doctor Network (SFDN) has written to Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England (NHSE), to voice significant concerns about the potential introduction of the multi-specialty recruitment assessment (MSRA) into the internal medicine training (IMT) recruitment process.

08/05/25

Royal College of Physicians appoints new clinical directors to lead improvement programmes and patient safety standards

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce the appointments of Dr Aklak Choudhury as clinical director for improvement programmes and Dr Zuzanna Sawicka as clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards.

12/05/25

RCP publishes response to government consultation on the national cancer plan for England

The RCP has published its response to Shaping the national cancer plan, an open call for evidence from DHSC.

14/05/25

Sustainability report card 2025: the RCP’s commitment to environmental sustainability

The RCP has published its first report card on its progress to improve its environmental sustainability as an organisation, following signing up to the UKHACC commitments in 2024.

14/05/25

The RCP’s commitment to sustainability and climate action

By Catherine Powell and Tom Baker, interim chief executive officers, Royal College of Physicians.

14/05/25

What two years in the NHS taught me about geriatric medicine

Dr Saumya Darshani Guruge, a specialty registrar in geriatric medicine, joined the NHS in December 2022 as part of her postgraduate medical training from Sri Lanka. Over the course of 2 years, she worked at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) and Hereford County Hospital (HCH) under the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) Programme, gaining invaluable experience in geriatric care within the UK healthcare system.

14/05/25

RCP president welcomes new fellows to the college on her first official day in post

In her first formal duty as RCP president, Dr Mumtaz Patel welcomed new fellows to the college in a ceremony hosted at the RCP’s Regent's Park home.

14/05/25

RCP publishes a position statement on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a new position statement in response to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill currently going through parliament which seeks to legalise assisted dying.

15/05/25

RCP welcomes renewed national support for doctors undertaking wider system roles

In a joint letter published on 13 May, the UK’s four chief medical officers, the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the chair of the General Medical Council and NHS England’s national medical director have reaffirmed the importance of supporting doctors to undertake national and regional roles that contribute to the wider health system.

15/05/25

‘Deficiencies in protecting patients and professionals’ - RCP publishes its position on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a new position statement in response to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill currently going through parliament which seeks to legalise assisted dying.

15/05/25

NHS England performance stats reiterate urgent care crisis, says Royal College of Physicians

The RCP has warned that urgent action is needed to tackle persistent pressures on emergency care services, as new NHS England statistics published today [Thursday 15 May] continue to show widespread delays.

28/05/25

The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) report on NHS Wales performance and productivity

This month, RCP vice president for Wales Hilary Williams blogs about the new Ministerial Advisory Group’s report on performance and productivity in NHS Wales, end-of-life care, and her new role as clinical vice president.

21/05/25

Royal College of Physicians publishes practical guidance to help reverse the decline in vital clinical research

The RCP has launched a new ‘Making the case for clinical research’ resource kit to help doctors advocate for research time in their job plans and training programmes, and act against the sharp decline in clinical researchers in the NHS.

28/05/25

Adroddiad y Grŵp Cynghori Gweinidogol (MAG) ar Berfformiad a Chynhyrchiant GIG Cymru

Y mis hwn, mae Is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, Hilary Williams, yn blogio am adroddiad newydd y Grŵp Cynghori Gweinidogol ar berfformiad a chynhyrchiant yn GIG Cymru, gofal diwedd oes, a’i rôl newydd fel is-lywydd clinigol.

22/05/25

RCP ‘next gen’ survey: fewer than half of resident doctors surveyed are satisfied with their clinical training

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has submitted its response to the NHS England medical training review.

21/05/25

Treasurer's update

Update to members

28/05/25

RCP calls for action to fix broken medical training system and protect patient care

The RCP has responded to reports that UK medical graduates will be prioritised for foundation and postgraduate training spaces under the UK government 10 Year Health Plan.

02/06/25

The voice of medicine: our latest snapshot survey

We want to know what you think about artificial intelligence, prevention of ill health and sustainability in healthcare.

04/06/25

How the LED route helped me thrive in geriatric medicine

As part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series, Dr Hannah Parker, a locally employed doctor (LED) in Geriatric and General Internal Medicine, reflects on the importance of wellbeing, continuity, and professional fulfilment after choosing a non-traditional route to specialist registration following her IMT stage 1 training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/06/25

Royal College of Physicians and health organisations write to the UK Foreign Secretary about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The Royal College of Physicians is one of several Royal Colleges and health organisations to sign a joint letter to the Foreign Secretary, the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, urging action in Gaza.

06/06/25

‘Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting sicker’: Professor Chris Whitty CMO highlights clinical leadership role of physicians during keynote speech to RCP 2025 annual conference, Med25

In a keynote speech to the RCP’s annual conference, Medicine 2025, Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, described the leading role physicians can play in the secondary prevention of ill-health while Karin Smyth MP, minister of state for secondary care, thanked RCP fellows and members for ‘holding the NHS together’.

05/06/25

Resident doctors speak out: ‘Postgraduate training is outdated and unsustainable – it’s a patient safety issue’

From our next generation national survey: one in four respondents actively dissatisfied with medical training, almost a third don’t receive regular constructive feedback, only 17% think recruitment is fair, three in four want reform or abolition of rotational training.

06/06/25

RCP responds to publication of NHS England's urgent and emergency care plan 2025/26

The RCP has welcomed the publication of NHS England's urgent and emergency care plan.

13/06/25

Latest ‘Focus on physicians’ survey closes with over 2000 responses from doctors across the UK

The 2025 ‘Focus on physicians’ survey – a joint project between the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) – has now closed.

11/06/25

RCP appoints Dr Stella George as director of medical workforce data and insights team

Consultant in diabetes and endocrinology Dr Stella George has been appointed as the RCP's new director of the medical workforce data and insights team.

11/06/25

'We need a radical rethink of how and where postgraduate medical training is delivered': RCP calls on the NHS to pilot ‘stay local’ training schemes

‘At the RCP, we’ve long argued that there is a fundamental mismatch between where medical training posts are located and where patient need is greatest,’ argues Dr Sarah Logan, director of the RCP medical workforce and data insights unit in our latest blog taken from the RCP’s submission to the NHS England national medical training review.

12/06/25

The RCP responds to the Chancellor’s Spending Review

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Chancellor's Spending Review.

12/06/25

RCP statement on Air India crash

RCP president, Dr Mumtaz Patel, said: ‘We are devastated by the plane crash in India today and the many lives it has claimed. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

12/06/25

RCP responds to June 2025 NHS England performance figures

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS England performance figures.

12/06/25

New national report reveals critical gaps in asthma and COPD care

The National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published Catching our breath: time for change in respiratory care.

17/06/25

King Charles III Birthday honours for RCP fellows

This year's King’s Birthday Honours saw several RCP fellows recognised for their contributions to healthcare in the UK and internationally, including public health and education, reducing health inequalities and services to the NHS.

18/06/25

RCP responds to UKHACC Building a climate-resilient health system in the UK report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change's Building a climate-resilient health system in the UK report.

18/06/25

RCP announces new chief executive officer Jonathan Brüün

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today announced the appointment of Jonathan Brüün as its new chief executive officer.

25/06/25

RCP Wales VP monthly blog – A breath of fresh air: responding to the health challenges of modern air pollution

This month our VP for Wales, Hilary Williams, blogs about our new RCP report on air quality and Med 25.

25/06/25

Blog misol Is-lywydd RCP Cymru - Chwa o awyr iach: ymateb i’r heriau y mae llygredd aer yn eu hachosi i’n hiechyd heddiw

Y mis hwn mae is-lywydd Cymru, Hilary Williams, yn blogio am adroddiad newydd yr RCP ar ansawdd aer a Med 25.

19/06/25

CPR Policy RCP Air Quality Social Posts 1600 X 900Px

Air pollution linked to 30,000 UK deaths in 2025 and costs the economy and NHS billions, warns Royal College of Physicians

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has highlighted the growing evidence about the increased range of health impacts linked to toxic air even at low concentrations, urging government to act on air pollution as a serious and preventable public health threat.

20/06/25

Building a culture of collaborative working in Barnet: one conversation at a time

In their shortlisted entry to the RCP Medicine 2025 abstract competition, RCP chief registrars Dr Hannah Costelloe and Dr Charlotte Ainscough explore the impact of semi-structured registrar-led meetings designed to improve communication and collaboration in Barnet Hospital.

20/06/25

RCP responds to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passing third reading

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the passing of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at third reading.

25/06/25

RCP urges NHS trusts and health boards to recognise and invest in SAS doctors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has written to medical directors across the NHS urging them to recognise the contribution of specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors and to create specialist posts where there is a workforce need.

19/06/25

Air pollution linked to 30,000 UK deaths in 2025 and costs the economy and NHS billions, warns RCP

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has highlighted the growing evidence about the increased range of health impacts linked to toxic air even at low concentrations, urging governments to act on air pollution as a serious and preventable public health threat.

25/06/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to government plans to tackle health inequalities

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to government plans to reduce health inequalities.

26/06/25

‘Medical education must be a priority, not an afterthought’: why the NHS needs to reset its approach to training the next generation of physicians

‘How can we deliver training that meets the needs of an increasingly older and multimorbid population?’ asks Dr Ruth Law, RCP censor and consultant physician, in our latest blog taken from the RCP’s submission to the NHS England national medical training review.

26/06/25

RCP appoints three new censors

The RCP has appointed three new censors to support the education, examination and maintaining standards in medical practice focus which is at the core of the RCP.

29/05/25

Medicine 2025 | training reform | new strategy plans

Before I begin this month’s update, I want to acknowledge the recent tragic events in Liverpool earlier this week. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and particularly with our members, colleagues and staff based in the city. As a college with a home at The Spine in Liverpool, we stand with the local community during this difficult time.

28/04/25

New president | NextGen survey | outpatients report

Welcome to the April bulletin and my first since being elected as your president.   I’d like to start by saying a huge thank you for your support over the past year. I am delighted and honoured to have been elected with a clear mandate. We also had the biggest turnout (36%) for the elections for 2 decades, which was fantastic. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to cast your vote.

26/06/25

Med25 highlights | air quality report | new CEO

This month began with a real highlight, our flagship Med25 conference, which I was delighted to host. We achieved a record-breaking attendance, with over 400 delegates in person and 1,100 online from more than 20 countries.

27/06/25

Empowering tomorrow’s health leaders: RCP’s 2024/25 Chief Registrars Programme concludes

Almost 90 chief registrars came together this week at the Regent’s Park home of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) for the final teaching day of the 2024/25 Chief Registrar Programme.

30/06/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to government proposals to tackle obesity

The RCP has responded to proposals announced by the Department of Health and Social Care to tackle the obesity epidemic and ease pressure on the NHS.

02/07/25

RCP calls for radical shift to people-centred care

Ahead of this week’s publication of the 10 Year Health Plan, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched a new toolkit – Time to focus on the blue dots – which calls for a fundamental shift in how the NHS delivers care.

01/07/25

‘The commercial elephant in the room’: Future Healthcare Journal highlights the serious and growing impact of the tobacco, alcohol, food and gambling industries on the NHS and the UK’s health

The latest issue of the Royal College of Physicians’ Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) warns that preventable illness and widening health inequalities in the UK are being driven by the profit-driven actions of global corporations.

15/04/25

Dr Mumtaz Patel elected president of the Royal College of Physicians

Dr Mumtaz Patel elected RCP president Dr Mumtaz Patel has been elected as the 123rd president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), promising to ‘modernise the college and re-establish the RCP as the voice of our membership and of medicine’. Dr Patel is a consultant nephrologist based in Manchester. She is currently RCP senior censor and vice president for education and training, and has been acting as president since June 2024. Before being elected as senior censor, she was RCP global vice president.

03/04/25

Elections | College Day | next generation campaign | fellowship proposals

I am delighted to write to you with a number of important and key updates from the college.

17/03/25

Voting in the 2025 RCP elections is now open

Voting in the RCP elections for president (PRCP), clinical vice president (CVP) and councillors is now open – until 14 April. Please take time to access the full election material of those standing via the Civica Election Services (CES) voting platform. The platform is accessible to all RCP fellows, members and the general public.

28/02/25

MRCP (UK) Part 2 exam | corridor care | public health principles

I want to begin by acknowledging the distress caused by the incorrect MRCP(UK) Part 2 written exam results received by nearly 300 of our early career colleagues. This has been an incredibly distressing and challenging situation, and I can only imagine the impact it is having on those affected. The RCP is working closely with the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, the GMC, and other key stakeholders to provide support and ensure that those affected receive the guidance they need.

24/02/25

Update – RCP response to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 exam results issue

It feels important to keep the full membership updated on our response to the devasting news last week that nearly 300 of our early career colleagues received the wrong MRCP(UK) Part 2 exam results. The doctors affected are part of the September 2023 diet. The news was shared by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK that runs the exam on our and the two Scottish colleges’ behalf.

03/07/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to 10 year health plan

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the government’s 10 year health plan for England, welcoming commitments to expand specialist training places, improve the NHS working environment and tackle ill-health through action on tobacco and obesity, while warning that investment in workforce, education and infrastructure will be needed to deliver the plan.

08/07/25

One in four doctors say half their caseload is alcohol-related, RCP survey reveals

New survey findings from the Royal College of Physicians reveal the significant toll alcohol dependence continues to have on patient health and recovery amid new calls for urgent government action on alcohol-related harms.

09/07/25

“Weight loss jabs won’t go far enough”: Royal College of Physicians urges more radical obesity action after 80% of doctors report rising cases

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has warned that rolling out weight-loss medication alone will not be enough to tackle obesity, as 80% of physicians report a rise in cases in the past 5 years.

11/07/25

Record demand for specialist advice 'not sustainable' without consultant time, warns RCP

The RCP has responded to this month’s NHS performance stats, saying that services such as GP Advice and Guidance can aid outpatient recovery – but only if clinicians are given the time and support to deliver them.

14/07/25

Cancer doctors call for urgent investment in acute and supportive oncology services to stop patient care ‘postcode lottery’

Leading medical royal colleges representing senior cancer doctors have called for urgent action to expand and integrate acute and supportive oncology services across the NHS to meet the evolving needs of people living with cancer.

15/07/25

RCP responds to the GMC 2025 national training survey

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the GMC 2025 national training survey.

16/07/25

RCP responds to the Leng review report

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the publication of Professor Gillian Leng’s independent review into the roles of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs), welcoming a focus on national consistency and clarity of role.

17/07/25

Your chance to contribute to the RCP governance review

Following the commissioning of an external governance review by the RCP board of trustees, views are being sought on the college’s governance from a wide cross-section of interested parties.

22/07/25

Royal College of Physicians adopts physician assistant nomenclature in its communications

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has confirmed that it will adopt the nomenclature ‘physician assistant’ with immediate effect, following recommendations in the independent review of physician associates and anaesthesia associates.

22/07/25

RCP strategy | 10 Year Health Plan | governance reform

It’s been a busy month, marked by the release of lots of national reports and a range of RCP activities taking place.

23/07/25

Celebrating innovation, compassion and impact: winners of the RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards revealed

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is proud to announce the winners of the Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2025.

24/07/25

The next generation of doctors – is the system ready?

In the upcoming issue of Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ), due out in September 2025, medical students Eli Sassoon and Rhiannon Craig alongside Professor David O’Brien explore the implications of the commitment to expand medical school places in England. In this blog, Dr Seán Coghlan, chair of the RCP Student and Foundation Doctor Network, considers their findings.

24/07/25

RCP members get free publication in a globally ranked journal

RCP members and fellows can publish open access in the RCP’s peer-reviewed journal, Clinical Medicine (ClinMed), free of charge – saving up to £1,850 per article (depending on the exchange rate).

29/07/25

RCP Wales VP monthly blog – the Leng review, Terminally Ill Adults Bill and Labour conference

This month, our vice president for Wales Dr Hilary Williams blogs about the Leng review, New consultants forum, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and the Welsh Labour Party conference.

29/07/25

Blog misol is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon Cymru – adolygiad Leng, Y Bil Oedolion Terfynol Sâl (Diwedd Oes) a chynhadledd Llafur

Y mis yma, mae ein his-lywydd yng Nghymru Dr Hilary Williams wedi ysgrifennu blog ar adolygiad Leng, y Fforwm ymgynghorwyr newydd, y Bil Oedolion Terfynol Sâl (Diwedd Oes) a chynhadledd y Blaid Lafur.

01/08/25

Dr Emma Vaux appointed as new global vice president at the Royal College of Physicians

Dr Emma Vaux has been appointed as the new global vice president at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), taking over from Dr Omar Mustafa, who served in the role from October 2023 to July 2025.

28/07/25

2025 Focus on physicians survey: job planning and supervision

The first set of findings from the 2025 ‘Focus on physicians’ survey on job planning and supervision have been published.

30/07/25

‘Patient care will suffer – it’s a big clinical risk, not just a contractual issue’: RCP launches national guidance as new survey findings reveal that senior doctor job plans do not always reflect modern ways of working in the NHS

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today published new job planning guidance as fresh data reveals more than half of senior doctors feel their job plans do not accurately reflect the work they do every day.

01/08/25

Appointment of associate global directors Americas, Middle East and North Africa

We are proud to announce the appointment of two new associate global directors. Professor Hariharan Iyer has been appointed as associate global director for the Americas, and Dr Mohamed Bakhit as associate global director for the Middle East and North Africa. Both will start their new roles on 1 August 2025.

30/07/25

Transforming the resident doctor experience at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London

RCP chief registrar Dr Jermaine Wright works at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, one of the oldest and most prestigious hospitals in the UK, and renowned as a centre of clinical excellence. Here, he reflects on work he led this year with Dr Sarah Duncan, another RCP chief registrar at Barts, to transform the resident doctor training experience.

05/08/25

Your college, on your side: the RCP as the voice of physicians in the media

Getting the voice of our members heard in the media is a vital part of our work to influence change, represent physicians, shape health policy and advocate for improved patient care. We want to put the clinical expertise, insights and experiences of our fellows and members at the centre of national debate.

05/08/25

RCP responds to new NICE quality standard for overweight and obesity management

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the publication of new NICE quality standards on advice and support after stopping medicines for weight management or completing behavioural interventions.

06/08/25

‘We must move beyond rigid models of training’: why flexibility and an individualised approach in medical education matters

In her first blog for the RCP, Dr Stella George, recently appointed director of medical workforce and data insights, discusses the importance of flexible working in medicine and why we must support the next generation of doctors to stay in the NHS for longer.

07/08/25

RCP responds to GMC 2025 workplace experiences report

The RCP has responded to the latest workplace experiences report from the General Medical Council (GMC).

08/08/25

‘Anticipating the end of life is an act of clinical courage and kindness’: RCP calls for national strategy for end-of-life and palliative care

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched a new policy position on end-of-life and palliative care, calling on government and health system leaders to transform how dying is recognised and supported across the NHS and social care.

08/08/25

Hello, is that the new F1? An insider’s guide to the year ahead

On Wednesday 6 August 2025, thousands of new F1 doctors took up their first NHS training post. Dr Jaisila Patel, RCP Student and Foundation Doctor Network representative for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and current F2 doctor, remembers her first day and offers some advice to all the medical graduates starting out on the wards.

15/08/25

How one cardiology team transformed the quality and experience of local medical training, using the GMC national training survey as a catalyst for change

In the September 2025 issue of the independent, peer-reviewed RCP publication Future Healthcare Journal, authors Vasileios Lamprou, VJ Karthikeyan, Niall G Campbell and Sanjay Sastry describe how they used General Medical Council (GMC) national training survey (NTS) results to drive local improvements in the quality and experience of medical training.

14/08/25

Royal College of Physicians cautions consultant time essential to manage rising Advice and Guidance workload

The RCP has responded to NHS England’s performance statistics publication which shows a steep rise in Advice and Guidance requests in recent years.

15/08/25

South Asian Heritage Month: Q&A with RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel

RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel answers a series of questions reflecting on how her South Asian heritage has shaped her life and work, in response to South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM)’s theme ‘roots to routes’. This theme was also covered by SAHM co-founder Dr Binita Kane FRCP in the latest edition of Commentary.

15/08/25

We must train doctors for the NHS of the future, not the past’: RCP calls for 10 Year Health Plan to drive reform of medical training

Following the publication of the 10 Year Health Plan, Dr Theresa Barnes, clinical lead for outpatient care at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) explores what the ‘three shifts’ might mean for the future of postgraduate medical training.

19/08/25

“We need far greater investment and support at end of life.” Royal College of Physicians Cymru responds to the All-Wales Framework for Palliative and End of Life Care

RCP has responded to Health Education Improvement Wales’ (HEIW) draft All-Wales Framework (The Framework) for Palliative and End of Life Care.

27/08/25

‘Mwy Na Geiriau: y darpariaeth Gymraeg o fewn gofal iechyd’ (More than words: the Welsh provision within healthcare)

This month, I’m delighted to introduce our guest blogger, Dr Olwen Williams OBE and former RCP vice president for Wales, who blogs about the importance of healthcare in Welsh – and the opportunities for doctors to learn Welsh. Over to Olwen…

27/08/25

‘Mwy na Geiriau: y ddarpariaeth Gymraeg o fewn gofal iechyd.’ (More Than Words: the Welsh provision within healthcare)

“Y mis hwn, rwy'n falch iawn o gyflwyno Dr Olwen Williams OBE, sef ein blogiwr gwadd a chyn is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, sy'n blogio am bwysigrwydd gofal iechyd yn Gymraeg – a'r cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i feddygon ddysgu Cymraeg. Dyma beth sydd gan Olwen i'w ddweud...”

28/08/25

RCP appoints Dr Kate Fayers as RCP clinical adviser in flexible working

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Dr Kate Fayers, consultant in diabetes at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust as the new RCP Clinical adviser in flexible working based in the medical workforce data and insights team (formerly known as the medical workforce unit).

28/08/25

RCP backs calls for reform of ‘inefficient’ cancer treatment decision-making

The RCP and other expert bodies are calling for an overhaul of how cancer treatment decisions are made in order to improve patient outcomes amid rising demand and increasingly complex treatment options.

01/09/25

RCP responds to NHS England’s publication of a 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to NHS England’s publication of a 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives, welcoming the call to action and identifying the need for further engagement ahead of the publication of the 10 Year Workforce Plan.

02/09/25

How can we make outpatient training fairer and more meaningful for IMT doctors?

In our latest RCP next generation campaign blog, Dr Muha Hassan, RCP associate college tutor (ACT) and one of the winners of our 2025 ACT abstract competition shares how listening to resident doctor feedback led to a regional initiative to standardise clinic access – and why protected, hands-on learning time is essential for the future medical workforce.

03/09/25

More than 70 health and care organisations join the RCP and NHS Providers in calling for productive engagement with Health Secretary on workforce plan

More than 70 health and care organisations have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting telling him they ‘stand ready’ to offer their considerable expertise as they call for meaningful engagement on the development of the 10 year workforce plan.

03/09/25

The voice of medicine: RCP’s final snapshot survey of 2025

We want to know about your experiences of providing corridor care over the summer, and how you’re feeling about heading into winter.

08/09/25

The health burden of air pollution: impacts and inequalities in the USA

While the number of deaths as a result of air pollution across the USA has dropped in recent decades, some areas still need stronger pollution control to protect vulnerable populations living with chronic diseases, reveals a comprehensive and updated analysis, published in the September 2025 issue of the independent, peer-reviewed RCP journal Clinical Medicine (ClinMed).

12/09/25

Revolutionising diabetes care in England’s most deprived communities

In their shortlisted entry to the RCP Medicine 2025 abstract competition, Dr Tala Balafshan, Dr Heather Sullivan, Mrs Suzanne Keigan, Mrs Amanda Wilson and Mr Ifeoluwa Oyedeji, members of the Young Adults Diabetes Service team at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL), showcase how a holistic and proactive approach to care can dramatically improve outcomes for patients in the most deprived areas.

28/08/25

AGM 2025 | governance review | global collaboration

I hope you managed to get a break over the summer period. I enjoyed a lovely trip to Istanbul with my family, and we got back just in time for my daughter’s A-level results. She did very well, and I am super proud of her. She got into her first-choice university to study psychology. I hope everyone who received exam results over the summer is looking forward to their next adventure.

12/09/25

Preparing for winter pressures: protecting patients, supporting staff

As we head into winter, the RCP’s new clinical director for clinical standards and patient safety, Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, explores the current state of England’s urgent and emergency care and sets out the RCP’s plan to support physicians and our patients this winter.

23/03/23

Helena Clements: The climate crisis is a health crisis

We need a new vison for health with capacity for current pressures. However, this must work in tandem with targeted resources for public health, maternity and children and education on health, wellbeing, diet and exercise.

11/09/25

RCP urges NHS England to release corridor care data following latest performance statistics

The RCP has responded to NHS England's latest performance stats, calling for NHSE to urgently publish data on corridor care.

11/09/25

National report reveals that people with hip fracture face an average wait of 15 hours before ‘being made comfortable in a bed on a ward appropriate for their needs’

The National Hip Fracture Database’s 2025 report ‘Room for improvement: hip fracture care in 2024’ highlights key ways in which clinicians, managers, and policymakers can improve care and outcomes for frail and older patients.

19/09/25

Why I chose a training programme in general internal medicine

RCP Resident Doctor Committee member Dr Angharad Chilton is training to become a consultant in general internal medicine. Here, in this blog adapted from her article in the September issue of Future Healthcare Journal, she explains why she is passionate about her career choice.

16/09/25

RCP endorses Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Wales manifesto ahead of 2026 Senedd elections

The RCP has endorsed the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Wales manifesto ahead of 2026 Senedd elections.

18/09/25

81% of doctors in Wales report inadequate NHS staffing: RCP launches manifesto for Senedd 2026 calling for urgent Welsh government action on workforce, prevention and social care

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, calling on all political parties to commit to urgent action to address the medical workforce crisis, tackle health inequalities and fix social care in Wales.

24/09/25

Senedd 2026 | The road to recovery: RCP manifesto launch

This month, RCP vice president for Wales Dr Hilary Williams blogs about our manifesto launch, Jeremy Miles’ announcement on physician assistants and implementation of the Leng review recommendations in Wales, and Swansea University’s Welsh Learner Speaker Support Scheme.

18/09/25

Open Colourful Pages Of Book Grammaire Turque, 1730 C. Royal College Of Physicians Photo By John Chase

RCP Museum opens new exhibition: A body of knowledge: Discover 500 years of book collecting

The RCP Museum has opened a major new exhibition, A body of knowledge: Discover 500 years of book collecting at the Royal College of Physicians, exploring one of the most significant doctors’ libraries in England. The exhibition is now open to the public at the RCP Museum in Regent’s Park, London, and will run until 23 July 2026.

19/09/25

RCP responds to the competition ratios for the 2025 recruitment round

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the competition ratios for the 2025 recruitment round.

19/09/25

RCP welcomes refugee doctors to the UK: ‘we want to support them on their professional journey and help to rebuild their lives’

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed refugee and displaced doctors from across the world with a 12-month free membership scheme, helping them to continue their professional development and stay connected to medicine while rebuilding their lives in the UK.

24/09/25

Senedd 2026 - Y ffordd i wella: lansio maniffesto Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon

Y mis hwn, mae Is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, Dr Hilary Williams, yn blogio am lansiad ein maniffesto, cyhoeddiad Jeremy Miles ar gynorthwywyr meddygon a gweithredu argymhellion adolygiad Leng yng Nghymru, a Chynllun Cefnogi Siaradwyr Dysgwyr Cymraeg Prifysgol Abertawe.

23/09/25

‘Now is the time to accelerate’: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS report on five years of greener healthcare

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to NHS England’s report on five years of greener healthcare, welcoming progress while stressing the continued need for urgent action to reduce emissions and build a climate-resilient health system.

29/09/25

Majority of new consultants take up posts where they trained: new RCP survey findings show that NHS should improve training experience to recruit and retain senior doctors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today published the results of its annual survey of doctors who completed their certificate of completion of training (CCT) in 2024. The survey provides a unique insight into the experiences of over 300 new consultants across 30 medical specialties.

25/09/25

Audience At Wrexham Maelor Hospital Mumtaz Visit 25

RCP president visits Wrexham Maelor Hospital in north Wales to ‘listen, learn and advocate on behalf of members’

Earlier this week, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) visited Wrexham Maelor Hospital to meet with doctors in training, SAS and locally employed doctors, and consultant colleagues. The visit formed part of the RCP’s ongoing programme of regional engagement, listening to members and fellows across the UK and supporting them to deliver high-quality patient care.

26/09/25

Acting Up with confidence: how we’re preparing IMT doctors for the registrar role

In our latest RCP next generation campaign blog, the winner of our 2025 ACT abstract competition, Dr Dominic Mears, shares how he, along with colleagues Dr Ming-May Chung and Dr Emily Robinson introduced an Acting Up scheme at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) to give doctors training in internal medicine real-world experience of the registrar role.

23/09/25

AGM 2025 | constitutional reform | workforce plan

There’s a real back-to-school feeling at this time of year. It’s been a busy few weeks and I’m preparing my bulletin earlier than usual due to the upcoming RCP annual general meeting (AGM) this week.

02/10/25

Turner Warwick Lecturer Award Winners 2025

RCP announces Turner-Warwick lecturer award winners for 2025

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Turner-Warwick lecturer awards, which celebrate excellence in clinical research, medical education and quality improvement.

30/09/25

My journey as a Ukrainian healthcare professional: a story of resilience and hope

In this blog, Dr Inna Soldatenko shares her experience of navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

30/09/25

RCP responds to new NHS online hospital plans

The RCP has welcomed NHS England’s online hospital plans but warned that integration, quality, and workforce training must be central to their success.

06/10/25

Finding my niche: a career in diabetes as an SAS doctor

In a blog to celebrate SAS Week 2025, Dr Heather Sullivan, a specialty doctor working in Merseyside, and a finalist in the 2025 RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards, writes about her career journey and why becoming an SAS doctor is her career of choice.

08/10/25

Landing Page Top Banner 720X500px Web (1)

How fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians elevated my SAS career

In a special blog to celebrate SAS Week 2025, Dr Priscilla Smith, RCP SAS representative for London (South), discusses how becoming a fellow of the RCP has enhanced her credibility and helped her career.

01/10/25

Royal College of Physicians welcomes expansion of solar panel scheme for NHS sites

The RCP has welcomed the government’s announcement of an expanded programme to install solar panels across more NHS sites in England.

02/10/25

RCP launches new-style Council meetings

In a move to increase transparency around its governance, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has begun publishing open summaries of its Council discussions within a week of each meeting.

02/10/25

RCP reports back from the Labour party conference 2025

The Royal College of Physicians attended the Labour party conference in Liverpool and raised key issues including workforce, health inequalities – particularly air quality, digital and AI, and social care.

03/10/25

Welsh 'Healthy Weight' plan a step forward, but challenges remain

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales delivery plan 2025-2027 but urges swift action to tackle weight management challenges across all ages.

07/10/25

RCP president hosts open forum for SAS doctors to celebrate SAS Week 2025

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has kicked off #SASWeek2025 with a special networking forum for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors hosted by RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel.

14/10/25

Reform of medical training is not optional, it is essential: lessons from the 2025 RCP next generation survey

As the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) publishes a write-up of the results of its national next generation survey of resident doctors, alongside a new briefing that sets out 10 priorities for the national medical training review, deputy chair of the RCP Resident Doctor Committee Dr Hatty Douthwaite reflects on what we’ve learned – and where we go from here.

10/10/25

Shifting from hospital to community: delivering the promise of integrated care closer to home

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) new clinical vice president Dr Hilary Williams explores the vital importance of integration, embedding medical specialist care and input, and better supporting patients to deliver the plan's hospital to community shift.

09/10/25

Doctors sound alarm ahead of winter as Royal College of Physicians survey reveals deep concern over hospital preparedness

Overcrowded emergency departments, staffing shortages, and temporary care measures are leaving doctors increasingly concerned about patient safety as hospitals face a surge in demand.

09/10/25

Why sector coalitions are critical for tackling CVD inequalities

The Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which campaigns for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This guest blog post by Amy Murgatroyd, senior policy officer at the British Heart Foundation, is part of a series by IHA member organisations.

14/10/25

RCP calls for urgent reform of medical training as national survey reveals burnout, frustration and unhappiness among resident doctors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today published a full write-up of the findings from its national next generation campaign survey of resident doctors, revealing deep concerns about the quality and experience of postgraduate medical training in the UK.

13/10/25

Help us advocate for you and your patients: RCP snapshot survey on the 10 Year Workforce Plan launched

After calls from the RCP with over 70 organisations, the Government has published a consultation on the 10 Year Workforce Plan. Now, we want to hear your views to inform our written submission.

24/03/23

Ruw Abeyratne: Health Inequality: Why my business is your business

The NHS exists to provide care for all, but we know that in 2023, this does not mean the same care for all.

26/04/23

Digital health systems: Improving care or contributing to burnout?

Are our clinical digital systems simple enough to use? Do they make it easier to do the right thing?

09/05/23

Ruw Abeyratne: Health Equality: it starts with self-compassion

If health inequalities are avoidable, are they not also deeply unjust? Why should one group be better or worse off than the next?

31/05/23

Helena Clements: Clean Air Day

We are transitioning to a lower carbon future where climate justice dictates that travel will not be solely for the rich but that taking cheap flights when there are lower-carbon alternatives are a thing of the past too.

19/06/23

What Does The Future Of Outpatients Look Like.Pdf

Dr Kavita Aggarwal: What does the future look like for planned specialist care delivery?

What is universal is a recognition that patients having access to multiple specialists in one appointment in a community setting could help integrate care for patients, increase clinical efficiency and reduce follow up appointments.

12/07/23

Jemma Kwint: How can digital technology help reduce staff pressures and improve care?

Whether it’s remote consultations, artificial intelligence (AI), or therapy delivered by virtual reality, I think there are exciting digital technologies that could help to reduce staff pressures and also improve patient care.

14/10/25

A clear mandate for change: RCP fellows vote to extend voting rights to collegiate members

Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have voted in favour of extending voting rights to collegiate members* in elections for councillors and vice presidents. An even higher percentage of voters also supported the RCP exploring legislative change to extend voting rights for the election of the president.

23/03/23

Alice Joy: Sustainability is good for patients

We must, all of us, be prepared to move forward in positive ways, even if we think that those ways are small and fail to take in the full complexity of the situation.

01/08/23

Helena Clements: Virtual wards - part of the net zero approach

Good conversations and written documentation with frail inpatients, outpatients with long-term conditions, and in surgical pre-op, allow us to think differently about what really is in a patient’s best interest.

13/09/23

Eddie Kinsella: Why patient safety must be special every day

Patient-centred care is the bedrock of safe patient care. Patient-centred care requires effective engagement and communication between clinician and patient (and ideally includes families/carers too).

15/09/23

Andrew Rochford: The importance of World Patient Safety Day

Around 1 in every 10 patients is harmed in health care. More than 50% of harm is preventable, you may be right to ask whether ‘first, do no harm’ is at the centre of clinical practice?

27/09/23

Benjamin Ellis: Chronic pain: working beyond our walls

People with fibromyalgia are often referred to rheumatology outpatients, but this may not be the best approach. The GIRFT Rheumatology Report recommended that care would be ‘better provided outside of hospital’.

02/10/23

Richard Berman: traditional palliative care no longer serves the cancer population

The world around palliative care has changed. Patients are not just living for longer. They are, in many cases, now living with cancer for significant periods of time.

02/10/23

Julie Want and Yuki Kano: Enhanced Supportive Care at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Our aim is to support patients early in their cancer journey and, alongside cancer treatment, by offering proactive symptom control and psychological, social, and practical support.

02/10/23

Dan Monnery: the nature of cancer care is changing

People with incurable cancer are achieving much longer survival due to improved treatments and earlier diagnoses. The way we support them needs to change as well.

16/10/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ annual report

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ 2024-25 report, warning that ongoing underinvestment and workforce shortages are putting patient care in Wales at risk.

18/08/25

The Targeted Lung Health Check

The TLHC programme aims to find lung cancer early, sometimes before symptoms present. 72% of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking, which makes current or former smokers at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

05/10/23

Helena Clements: ULEZs and clean air zones

Paediatricians are acutely aware of the impact of air pollution after the tragic death of Ella Kissi-Debrah over 10 years ago.

29/11/23

Helena Clements: RCPCH officer for climate change

The post is for 2 years and my manifesto is to embed climate action in every part of the college over this time.

13/10/23

Chris Subbe: Electronic Health Records

Electronic Health Records might not improve safety of care – Does this matter?

26/01/24

Helena Clements: Workforce and a net zero NHS

A multi-professional workforce will accelerate us towards a net zero NHS and develop a vision of a healthier, low-carbon future.

26/01/24

Suzanna Hopwood: A patient perspective

The experience I am going to describe concerns the successful diagnosis and treatment of a seriously annoying and not necessarily straightforward urological problem.

31/01/24

Chris Subbe: Martha's Rule

Everybody has the right to call for help - even in hospital.

12/03/24

Fredrik Vivian: Learning from (my) patient experience

While generally the experience was good with very caring staff, there were some aspects that made me reflect on my own practice and on the wider system.

15/03/24

Dr Reza Zaidi and Dr Fulya Mehta: Squaring the Circle in Transitional Diabetes Care

Some of the most challenging healthcare outcomes are observed in young adults with diabetes.

19/03/24

Andrew Rochford: Reflections on patient safety

Over 20 million incidents or near misses have been recorded on Datix, Serious Incidents and ‘Never Events’ still occur despite numerous reports, enquiries and patient safety alerts.

20/03/24

Enya Daynes: Patient safety and PRSAS

There are over 195 separate Pulmonary Rehabilitation services in the United Kingdom and these services have diversified in their delivery in order to meet demand and the evolving needs of the population.

01/05/24

Elaine Boland: Digital care management in palliative care

One of the big challenges in the NHS and health system is ensuring that data is collected and presented in a meaningfully manner.

12/06/24

Fredrik Vivian: Outpatient transformation and patient engagement portals

Reforming outpatient care is complicated. In every hospital there are many specialties each with several clinics operating their own bespoke pathways for referrals, triage, appointment booking and follow-up.

26/06/24

Debbie Adger: Putting orthopaedic patients in control with PIFU

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSH) is one trust making use of PIFU appointments to help patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery to take charge of their follow-up care.

03/07/24

Michelle Gavin: Misinformation in healthcare

Distinguishing valid information from misinformation can be difficult, especially on social media platforms, where the two often circulate side-by-side.

08/07/24

Patricia Munn: A patient perspective on misinformation

A lack of adequate information can result in patients feeling confused and alone in the treatment of their condition, which particularly when chronic, can have devastating effects.

10/07/24

Joseph Hill: Medical misinformation

In many instances, celebrities, activists, and politicians convey false information evoking harm to individuals and society.

11/07/24

Andy Broomhead And Dani Roe Diabetes UK On Stigma

Andy Broomhead and Dani Roe: Diabetes and stigma

I often don't go to appointments. I know I'm stupid. I make up all these ridiculous excuses. Oh, it's raining. Oh, I'm tired today. I just feel so bad when I'm there that it's better for me not to go.

18/07/24

Rhodri Smith My Clinical Genetics Training Journey

Pooja Dasani: The evolving role of a genetic counsellor in a genomic era

As genetic counsellors we bring to the genomic medicine era of complex big data and increasing technological advances a set of unique skills and experience in providing patient centric scientific information whilst managing ethical, psychosocial, and familial aspects of genomics.

13/09/24

Sam Mauger: Improving diagnosis for patient safety

We have grown used to a “one item” GP appointment, and yet health is often not that conveniently pigeon-holed with many older adults in particular living with multiple conditions.

16/09/24

Andrew Rochford: World Patient Safety Day 2024

Patient safety should be at the heart of all that we do as clinicians and yet the ‘noise’ in the system makes it harder rather than easier, and we remain a long way from having a patient safety culture embedded within the NHS.

14/10/24

Amrita D'Souza: Medical Communication Charts

ONS 2021 data shows that 15.1% of Hounslow residents, 9.8% of Hammersmith and Fulham residents and 9.1% of Kensington & Chelsea residents report they cannot speak English well with 1.2-2.9% of residents in the Trust’s surrounding Boroughs reporting they cannot speak English at all. This has significant implications for inpatients as language barriers affect healthcare access, patient safety and patient experience.

14/10/24

Hugh Rayner: Writing to patients

I quickly came to realise that this was the most important change to my medical practice that I had made since becoming a consultant.

04/11/24

Fred Vivian: Increasing the use of data to guide decision-making

My last blog post focussed on patient engagement portals. These offer a route to more dynamic models of care, while empowering patients in their relationships with specialist teams. Another area of potential for those looking at transforming outpatient services is increasing the use of data to guide decision-making. This will be the focus of this post.

11/11/24

From Dictation to Automation: The Rise of AI Scribes in Healthcare

Clinical documentation has become a mounting burden for physicians in today’s healthcare landscape; as a physician working in a busy NHS setting, I’ve experienced first hand how administrative demands can impact daily practice and contribute to cognitive fatigue.

19/02/25

Hidden harm: the impact of medications on our environment

We now know that healthcare has a huge negative impact: if it were a country it would be the fifth most polluting in the world.

26/02/25

Addison's, adrenal insufficiency and patient safety

Understanding and treatment of Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency is fraught with challenges. They are rapidly fatal yet easily managed if the healthcare professionals and patients are well informed. The first guideline published by NICE on adrenal insufficiency brings vital positive change.

24/04/25

Bathtubs and eggboxes – how to avoid common errors in fixing hospital flow

Managing patient flow in hospitals is one of the biggest challenges in healthcare. When hospitals reach capacity, it’s tempting to believe that adding more beds or expanding facilities will solve the problem. But this approach only delays the inevitable. To truly improve flow, hospitals need to address the underlying imbalance between the rate of patient admissions and discharges.

05/05/25

Same Day Emergency care (SDEC)

A well-run and resourced SDEC/AEC provides excellent care for patients who would otherwise have been admitted and need the expertise of an Acute physician.

11/06/25

The stark reality of two planes crashing a week

It is not often we hear about planes crashing and certainly in the real world the aviation industry is often said to be the safest method of travel.

08/07/25

East meets west: What the UK and Japan can learn from each other in healthcare

08/07/25

The challenge of modern-day clinical audit for clinicians

13/08/25

The New Dermatologist teaching initiatives

Dermatology is a specialty in crisis with unfilled consultant posts, an unprecedented rise in skin cancer referrals, gradual privatisation of services and a reduced workforce. This is compounded by lack of standardised dermatology training for GPs and pressure on primary care services.

13/08/25

Improving wellbeing for Internal Medicine Trainees across London

Enhancing the wellbeing of Resident doctors is about understanding the challenges they face and a commitment to creating supportive environments where they can flourish. This demands dedicated time and resources to drive system level change and improve workplace culture, creating a lasting impact.

13/08/25

Recognising and tackling the increased morbidity and mortality associated with neurodivergent conditions

'From the first appointment in this clinic, I felt truly listened to and understood. I was taken seriously and shown compassion and empathy. Nothing was downplayed, everything was considered, and there was genuine interest in understanding the full nature of my struggles and exploring all possible treatments and care.'

13/08/25

The Frailty Academy: A System Wide Education and Workforce Development Programme

“By far the most useful course I have attended this year. It will have a significant impact on my practice and has inspired me to implement change.” - General Practitioner, Frailty for Professional Course Delegate

14/08/25

Transforming HIV Outcomes: Croydon's Opt-Out Testing success

Winner of The Medical Protection Society Award for Patient Safety at the Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2025, Dr Ian Cormack and team share how Croydon University Hospital’s opt-out HIV testing programme achieved a 97% testing rate, transforming outcomes, reducing inequalities, and saving lives.

16/10/25

Three in four doctors concerned about health impacts of climate change: physicians warn ‘the NHS is simply not prepared’

New data from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlights concerns among a majority of doctors about the health impacts of climate change on their patients. While just a small minority think their workplace is prepared for extreme weather events.

20/10/25

Summer survey confirms corridor care is a year-round issue, says Royal College of Physicians

Following warnings from the RCP earlier this year that corridor care is no longer confined to winter months, new data shows almost 3 in 5 physicians (59%) reported delivering care in a temporary space between June and August 2025.

29/10/25

Update in medicine | resident doctor open forum in Cardiff | celebrating SAS Week 2025

This month, RCP vice president for Wales Dr Hilary Williams offers a sneak peek at what you can expect from our upcoming Update in medicine – Cardiff 2025.

22/10/25

Shifting from sickness to prevention: we must go further

Dr Chris Packham, RCP special adviser on population health, sets out why the shift from sickness to prevention in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan needs measurable delivery, clear accountability and decisive action to reduce avoidable ill health.

17/01/24

Council update on physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) held an additional Council meeting on 25 October to discuss physician associates. The meeting was organised in response to a request by letter from RCP fellows.

17/01/24

Extra-ordinary general meeting request and RCP Council

RCP Council will discuss the request for an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) and associated motions on 25 January 2024.

16/01/24

Healthy homes: guest blog from the TCPAOE

The Inequalities in Health Alliance is a coalition of more than 250 organisations, convened by the RCP, who campaign for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities. This blogpost from the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) is the first in a series by member organisations. TCPA director of healthier place-making, Julia Thrift, appeared in front of the Health and Social Care select committee last year, where she highlighted the work of the IHA and raised the need for a cross-government strategy with MPs.

16/01/24

RCP welcomes NHS Emeritus pilot

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed the launch of the NHS Emeritus pilot - a scheme encouraging retired doctors to return to the health service.

12/01/24

RCP responds to Labour's Child Health Action Plan

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to Labour's Child Health Action Plan. Announced at the launch of Labour's Health Mission Tour in Manchester yesterday, which was attended by president of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Sarah Clarke, the plan aims to 'create the healthiest generation of children ever'.

12/01/24

RCP responds to the latest NHS performance data

The president of the Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance data.

11/01/24

New light through old windows: anomalies and what’s left unsaid

In the first of our senior officer blogs for 2024, RCP registrar Professor Cathryn Edwards considers how we can reflect, progress and unlock opportunities in the year ahead.

10/01/24

RCP welcomes new interim SAS lead

Dr Somaditya Bandyopadhyay took up the role of interim SAS lead on 2 January 2024.

08/01/24

Improving access to clinical research opportunities: findings from the RCP’s 2022 annual census

In this senior officer blog feature, the RCP’s academic vice president Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam discusses the barriers that doctors face in accessing clinical research and what can be done to improve opportunities.

08/01/24

You can shape the future | the 2023 census

There's just one week to go to complete the 2023 census of UK consultants and SAS doctors.

08/01/24

Nominations open for academic vice president and four members of Council

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the 2024 RCP elections.

08/01/24

Special general meeting of fellows for the election of the president/College Day 2024

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the presidential election in 2024.

04/01/24

King’s New Year Honours for RCP fellows

Many RCP fellows were included in the King's New Year Honours for their contribution to healthcare in the UK and internationally.

03/01/24

2023 survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

The RCP has published the 15th survey reporting the experiences of and outcomes for physicians within a year of gaining their CCT (certificate of completion of training).

29/12/23

RCP welcomes new deputy registrar

Dr Jamie Read will take up the role of deputy registrar on 1 January 2024.

29/12/23

RCP and RCGP join forces on a special issue of the Future Healthcare Journal

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have joined forces to produce a special edition of the Future Healthcare Journal focusing on progressing primary and integrated care.

21/12/23

A festive message from your RCP officers

The end of the year prompts many of us to reflect on the months gone past and the year to come. Members will need no reminding of the challenges we faced in 2023 – but it is with pride that I reflect on the difference we have all made to the lives of our patients and our colleagues this year.

18/12/23

Multidisciplinary teamworking | training | influencing

Our inbox has been lively this month, with plenty of feedback on our discussion paper The shape of medicine. Your thoughts on it will inform our strategy beyond 2024, so we are keen to hear them. We’ve responded to around 100 of you so far. We truly appreciate the time taken to set out your thoughts and engage in this dialogue with us.

18/12/23

Waiting lists | workforce | winter

With news this morning of waiting lists across the NHS continuing to grow, we’re working to influence the NHS and government to do more to retain and invest in staff, including improving working conditions.Today’s waiting list figures are another reminder of the pressure that you, colleagues and the system are under. Workforce is central to bringing down waiting lists and today I’ll be at the Oval in London, taking part in an NHS Long Term Workforce Plan delivery summit, where this is top of the agenda.

12/12/23

RCP partners with Elsevier to publish Clinical Medicine and Future Healthcare Journal

The RCP has signed a contract with Elsevier to publish its two peer-reviewed journals, Clinical Medicine (ClinMed) and Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ). This partnership provides the RCP journals with security and opportunity for growth, and the expertise to improve the impact of these generalist journals in an increasingly ‘specialist’ publication market. The RCP will preserve its existing editorial control and independence.

15/12/23

RCP responds to the latest NHS perfomance stats

Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, has responded to the latest monthly NHS performance data showing that for the first time since December 2022, the total waiting list for treatment in England fell slightly in October 2023 to 7.71 million.

13/12/23

RCP launches new resources for clinicians to help tackle health inequalities

The Royal College of Physicians has released a new resource to help physicians address health inequalities in their practice after a survey revealed more than two thirds of clinicians had not received training on the issue.

13/12/23

RCP responds to Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order

Response to Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order by Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians.

13/12/23

Gweithio dros y gwyliau | llawenydd, braint, euogrwydd, her

Wrth i’r Nadolig agosáu, mae Dr Hilary Williams yn myfyrio ar deimladau cymysg am weithio dros y gwyliau ac yn dymuno cyfnod Nadoligaidd hapus iawn i bawb yn y GIG.

13/12/23

Working over the holidays | joy, privilege, guilt, challenge

As Christmas grows closer, Dr Hilary Williams reflects on mixed feelings about working over the holidays and wishes everyone in the NHS a very happy festive period.

11/12/23

Smoking must become a habit of the past | blog from Professor Sanjay Agrawal

After the government's consultation on creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping closed last week, RCP's special adviser on tobacco Professor Sanjay Agrawal outlines why legislation must be carried through so that smoking can be relegated to the history books as a bygone societal ill.

07/12/23

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians launches the 2023 census of UK consultants and SAS doctors #PhysicianCensus

Every year the Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow conduct a census with the aim of providing robust data on the state of the physician workforce in the UK.

05/12/23

Professor Ponnusamy Saravanan appointed as new editor-in-chief for Clinical Medicine

Professor Ponnusamy Saravanan has been appointed as the next editor-in-chief of the RCP’s oldest journal, Clinical Medicine (ClinMed). He will take over from Professor Anton Emmanuel in January 2024 to lead the ClinMed editorial board and strategically move the journal forward.

01/05/24

Welcome to our new fellows ceremony

The RCP is pleased to host this physician new fellow ceremony.

05/12/23

RCP network looking for medical student and foundation doctor representatives

The RCP’s Student and Foundation Doctor Network (SFDN) is now closed for recruitment. Please check back in Autumn 2024 for vacancies.

01/12/23

RCP Later Careers Guidance

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), alongside the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, has published new guidance aimed at supporting hospital doctors aged 50 and over to continue working sustainably in the NHS.

30/11/23

RCP elections 2024 – Nominations are now open

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the RCP elections 2024.

30/11/23

How we can respond to the challenges of an ageing population

Earlier this month the chief medical officer (CMO) published his annual report for 2023, focused on how to improve the health and quality of life of those living in an ageing society.

29/11/23

RCP warns the UK is facing a crisis in care for older people

The RCP is warning that a combination of a rapidly ageing population and a lack of NHS workforce planning means we are sleepwalking into an avoidable crisis of care for older people.

17/11/22

RCP responds to the Autumn Statement

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

23/11/23

Royal College of Physicians appoints obesity special adviser

The Royal College of Physicians has appointed consultant in bariatric medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, Dr Kath McCullough as its new special adviser on obesity.

23/11/23

Your voice at the RCP

This month, our guest blogger, Dr Justyna Witczak, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, and the Wales representative on the RCP New Consultants Committee, discusses her career in academic medicine and research.

23/11/23

Hen ffrindiau, sgiliau newydd | amser i lenwi eich ffurflenni cyfrifiad

Ym mlog y mis hwn, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn myfyrio ar Ddiweddariad mewn meddygaeth llwyddiannus arall, pam y dylen ni dathlu amrywiaeth o lwybrau gyrfa a pham mae pawb yn haeddu ychydig o amser i ddysgu sgiliau newydd.

23/11/23

Old friends, new skills | time to fill in your census forms

In this month's blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales reflects on another successful Cardiff Update in medicine, why we should celebrate diversity of career pathways and why everyone deserves some time out to learn new skills.

22/11/23

Welcome to our new members ceremonies (1)

The RCP is pleased to host this physician new members ceremony.

22/11/23

Taking it on tour | #RCPWalesRoadTrip

A warm welcome and a sense of belonging.

22/11/23

RCP responds to BMA call to halt MAPs recruitment

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the BMA’s call to halt recruitment of medical associate professions (MAPs). This comes after BMA’s UK council passed a motion calling for a moratorium on the grounds of patient safety, pausing until the government and NHS put guarantees in place that MAPs are properly regulated and supervised.

22/11/23

RCP responds to the Right Place, Right Care report by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Right Place, Right Care report published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

21/11/23

Mynd ag ef ar daith | #TaithFforddRCPCymru

Croeso cynnes ac ymdeimlad o berthyn.

21/11/23

Mitigating pressures | patient safety | future workforce

We had welcome news this week of a funding boost for the NHS to help it deal with winter pressures, although it will only stretch so far. I joined a roundtable with PM Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street where we highlighted actions that need to be taken to help mitigate the pressures on the NHS which will only worsen over winter. I stressed the importance of finding an agreement with junior doctors and consultants on pay to avert ongoing strike action and improve morale, and ensure funding to deliver improved end to end clinical pathways. See our statement on the winter care package.

15/11/23

Royal College of Physicians responds to the GMC's workforce report

Responding to the General Medical Council’s report The State of medical education and practice: workforce report 2023, Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

15/11/23

RCP welcomes CMO's Health in an Ageing Society report

The Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2023, Health in an Ageing Society, calls for a focus to maximise the independence of those in older age and minimise the time in ill health between reaching old age and the end of life.

14/11/23

RCP responds to the appointment of Victoria Atkins MP as secretary of state for health and social care

Responding to the appointment of Victoria Atkins MP as secretary of state for health and social care, president of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Sarah Clarke said:

10/11/23

Latest NHS performance statistics highlight a bleak picture

This week’s NHS performance figures show no change to the significant pressures facing the NHS and our medical workforce, with waiting lists in England at another record high of 7.8 million in September, and the busiest October on record for A&E departments.

09/11/23

Balancing the budget

In this month’s senior officer blog, Professor Simon Bowman explains that ensuring the financial security and sustainability of the RCP lie at the heart of his role as treasurer.

07/11/23

RCP welcomes Tobacco and Vapes Bill in King's speech

Responding to today's King's speech, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the RCP's special adviser on tobacco, said:

03/11/23

RCP appoints special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change

The Royal College of Physicians has appointed consultant nephrologist Dr Mark Harber as special adviser on healthcare sustainability and climate change.

02/11/23

The gift is within government to tackle health inequalities | blog from Dr Sarah Clarke

Winter is on its way and, as a cardiologist, it’s not just the dropping temperature which sends a chill down my spine. I know that cold snaps exacerbate cardiac-related disease. Every winter, I see an uptick in the number of people requiring urgent care. As we face another winter of people concerned about their heating bills, and an overwhelmed health service, sadly it'll be the most disadvantaged heart patients who bear the brunt of the coming cold months.

02/11/23

A call for comprehensive change | blog from Dr Sarah Clarke

The NHS is on life support. The GMC’s National Training Survey found that two thirds of trainees are at high or moderate risk of burnout and the recent RCP census confirmed the large number of doctors grappling with overwhelming service demand and staffing shortages. We have record waiting lists and times, and growing numbers of patients who say their health is deteriorating because of this, as revealed by the most recent inpatient survey. Ongoing industrial action underscores the discontent felt among the medical workforce which feels undervalued. With a dearth of doctors and relentless demand, the crisis persists.

02/11/23

A round-up of activity at Med+ 2023

Hundreds of people attended the Royal College of Physician’s London home this week and more than 1,000 tuned in online for one of the key events in the RCP conference calendar, Med+.

01/11/23

A round-up of Med+ 2023

Hundreds of people attended the Royal College of Physician’s London home this week and more than 1,000 tuned in online for one of the key events in the RCP conference calendar, Med+.

31/10/23

RCP responds to Health Foundation analysis June 2023

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to new analysis by the Health Foundation which shows that while 800,000 (12%) fewer patients in England were admitted to hospital in 2022 than in 2019, the same time saw the average length of hospital stay increase.

27/10/23

RCP tobacco special adviser attends government roundtable on 'smokefree generation'

The Royal College of Physicians' special adviser on tobacco Professor Sanjay Agrawal today joined representatives from charities, academia, local government and other medical royal colleges for a discussion on the government's recently announced plans to create a smokefree generation.

27/10/23

RCP responds to Health Foundation analysis

This morning the Health Foundation issued new analysis showing projected waiting lists in different future scenarios.

27/10/23

Additional Council meeting on physician associates

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) held an additional Council meeting on 25 October to discuss physician associates. The meeting was organised in response to a request by letter from RCP fellows received earlier this month.

27/10/23

This Doctor Can: Dr Hilal Al Saffar

Consultant cardiologist and RCP Global international adviser Dr Hilal Al Saffar shares the success of the first RCP international membership collaboration – the RCP Iraq Network.

24/10/23

RCP responds to Labour's plans to cut NHS waiting lists

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to Labour's plans to cut waiting lists through measures including investing an extra £1.1 billion to provide NHS staff overtime to work evening and weekend shifts to carry out procedures.

23/10/23

Recruitment open for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS) Clinical Lead

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites persons interested to apply for the post of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS) Clinical Lead.

20/10/23

Quality care for everybody – Fracture Liaison Service: an all-Wales approach

In a blog written to mark World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October 2023, Dr Inder Singh, the Welsh government’s national clinical lead for falls and frailty, reflects on the importance of fracture liaison services for improving patient outcomes and reducing the pressure on NHS services with his new video: ‘Osteoporosis: what you need to know.’

19/10/23

RCP president appears on Labour conference panel on the future of the NHS workforce

RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke this week drew attention to the pressing issues facing the NHS workforce at the 2023 Labour party conference.

17/10/23

Championing sustainability in healthcare

In this senior officer blog feature, the RCP’s academic vice president Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam discusses climate change and sustainability in healthcare.

17/10/23

Dr Omar Mustafa announced as the incoming Global vice president

Dr Omar Mustafa has been appointed as the new RCP Global vice president. He takes over from Dr Mumtaz Patel, who began her new role as senior censor and vice president for education and training in August.

13/10/23

RCP responds to latest NHS performance data

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance data, which reveals the total waiting list for treatment has reached another record high.

13/10/23

RCP at party conferences 2023: Expanding the workforce, reducing health inequalities and getting the basics right for staff

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) had a strong presence at the 2023 party conferences, engaging with sector stakeholders and key decision makers from the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Labour and Plaid Cymru. Across the conferences, RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke and senior officers attended meetings, events and took part in public panels to discuss pressing issues facing the medical workforce and healthcare delivery.

13/10/23

‘A shift to prevention? It has to be now’: Dr Olwen Williams interviews Dr Tracey Cooper

Royal College of Physicians launches latest in series of video podcasts with female senior health leaders in Wales.

12/10/23

74% of consultant physicians say rota gaps are having a negative impact on patient care in Northern Ireland as new briefing paper is launched by the three UK royal colleges of physicians

The three UK royal colleges of physicians – the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow – have launched the latest in a series of joint briefing papers calling on assembly members to return to Stormont, form a new Executive and approve a multi-year budget for health and care.

12/10/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians welcomes government consultation on youth vaping

The government has launched a public consultation on youth vaping as part of a series of measures proposed by the the Prime Minister to create a 'smoke-free generation'.

12/10/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Wes Streeting's Labour conference speech

Responding to Wes Streeting, Labour's Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary’s speech at the Labour party conference, Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:

10/10/23

World Homeless Day: Survey reveals discharge disparity for people experiencing homelessness

A survey published in RCP's Clinical Medicine journal has revealed that almost a third of people experiencing homelessness and occupying beds in London hospitals in February 2022 were healthy enough to leave, but their discharges were delayed because they had nowhere to go.

09/10/23

New voluntary register to showcase RCP fellows

The RCP is creating a voluntary register to support and showcase our community of RCP fellows.

06/10/23

Winter planning | trainee welfare | greener, healthier future

It may be the height of summer, but the NHS is thankfully already thinking about winter. The recent planning guidance from NHS England has raised questions – and some eyebrows - in our medical community. I have written a statement with John Dean, RCP clinical vice president and with the British Geriatrics Society, British Thoracic Society and the Society for Acute Medicine, to set out the key actions to take now to avoid a winter crisis.

06/10/23

RCP welcomes prime minister's vision to create a 'smokefree generation'

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed the prime minister’s announcement at Conservative party conference to create a ‘smokefree generation’ through a series of measures including a new law which will end the sale of cigarettes to those born on or after 1 January 2009.

05/10/23

RCP welcomes Faculty of Physician Associates’ new title and introduction guidance

The first in a series of supportive guidance to help generate better understanding of the physician associate (PA) role has been published by the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA). The FPA, hosted by the RCP, is the professional membership body for PAs in the UK.

04/10/23

Shared decision making: learning from 'The boy who wanted his leg cut off'

This blog was co-authored by Dr Mohsin Choudry, National Medical Director's Clinical Fellow at the RCP and core surgical trainee. Dr Nick Lewis-Barned is the RCP clinical fellow for shared decision making and consultant diabetologist, Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

03/10/23

RCP response to speech by Steve Barclay at the Conservative Party conference

Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, gave a speech earlier today at the Conservative party conference. Here is our response.

02/10/23

RCP responds to junior doctor and consultant strike action

The Royal College of Physicians has issued a statement in response to the junior doctor and consultatnts strike action taking place this week.

28/09/23

RCP museum opens COVID-19 exhibition 'Fortitude'

The Royal College of Physicians’ museum has launched its latest exhibition ‘Fortitude’ – a unique insight into the first-hand experiences of doctors and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

28/09/23

Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK introduce new PACES format

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new PACES examination, originally scheduled for 2020, had to be delayed. We are pleased to confirm that the new format (also previously referred to as PACES23) has now been introduced from the third Diet of 2023*.

27/09/23

RCP statement following the Lib Dem party conference

The Royal College of Physicians has issued a statement following the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth, welcoming a focus on the NHS, and commitments to ill health prevention and tackling health inequalities.

25/09/23

RCP response to the report of the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery

'The recent report of the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery made sobering reading for us all. The sad fact is that toxic behaviours have been tolerated for far too long in medicine. This is not a problem confined to surgery; as physicians, we must also shine a light on misogyny.

25/09/23

Announcing the 2024 Turner-Warwick lecturers

The Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme provides a sense of pride, builds confidence and gives encouragement to trainees across the UK. The scheme not only underlines the value trainees bring to healthcare, but also fosters skills like public speaking and how to package information for diverse medical audiences.

15/06/17

RCP comment: Daily Mail article of 14 June 2017 on physician associates

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) president Professor Jane Dacre and Jeannie Watkins, president of the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA), comment on the Daily Mail 's 'Cut price doctor will see you now', which claims that physician associates are 'cut-price doctors'.

21/09/23

RCP responds to net zero policy changes

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to changes to the government's net zero policies, following the Prime Minister's announcement.

21/09/23

Press release: RCP responds to net zero policy changes

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to changes to the government's net zero policies, following the Prime Minister's announcement.

20/09/23

The art of medicine | book your RCP Update tickets today

In this month’s blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales, writes about the skill set of the senior physician and the art of clinical decision-making. She reminds colleagues that tickets for the 2023 Update in medicine – Cardiff are now on sale and looks forward to seeing everyone on 9 November.

20/09/23

Celfyddyd meddygaeth | archebwch eich tocynnau ar gyfer Diweddariad RCP heddiw

Yn rhifyn y mis yma o’r blog, mae Dr Hilary Williams, is-lywydd Cymru RCP, yn ysgrifennu am set sgiliau uwch ffisegwr a chrefft gwneud penderfyniadau clinigol. Mae hefyd yn atgoffa cydweithwyr fod tocynnau ar gyfer Diweddariad mewn meddygaeth 2023 – Caerdydd ar werth yn awr a’i bod yn edrych ymlaen at weld pawb ar 9 Tachwedd.

19/09/23

RCP comment on £200m winter care package

This morning the government announced a £200m boost for winter care in the NHS.

13/09/23

Editor-in-chief role, Clinical Medicine

The post of editor-in-chief for Clinical Medicine (ClinMed), the oldest journal of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), is open from early 2024 and represents an exciting position both from the perspective of participation in college activities, but also specifically with regard to the responsibilities of academic publishing. This blog is an introduction to the potential and fun of the post.

06/09/23

Death of former RCP treasurer Linda Luxon CBE

The RCP was saddened to learn that Professor Linda Luxon, first female treasurer of the Royal College of Physicians, died on Saturday 2 September 2023.

05/09/23

Annual general meeting (AGM)/Comitia – Tuesday 5 September 2023

Important information about attendance.

01/09/23

RCP responds to updated Good medical practice

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council's updated version of Good medical practice, the professional standards for all doctors in the UK.

01/09/23

RCP responds to update to Good medical practice guidance

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council's updated version of Good medical practice, the professional standards for all doctors in the UK.

25/08/23

Royal College of Physicians backs calls for Essentials Guarantee

The Royal College of Physicians has joined calls for a reform to Universal Credit and for the government to adopt an Essentials Guarantee to protect the nation’s health.

25/08/23

RCP statement in response to Amanda Pritchard’s comments in The Times

The RCP has responded to an article in The Times in which Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, called for the UK to train more doctors.

24/08/23

Press release: RCP backs calls for Essentials Guarantee

The Royal College of Physicians has joined calls for reform to Universal Credit and for the government to adopt an Essentials Guarantee to protect the nation’s health.

23/08/23

Cwrdd â’r tîm | argymhellion i ymlacio | caru’r hyn rydych chi’n ei wneud

Yn ei blog mis Awst, mae Dr Hilary Williams, Is Lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru, yn gofyn i’n cynghorwyr rhanbarthol sut maen nhw’n treulio eu gwyliau a pham wnaethon nhw ddewis meddygaeth yn y lle cyntaf. Gallwch gadw lle erbyn hyn yn Niweddariad Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon yng Nghaerdydd, a gallwch lawrlwytho ein podlediad fideo diweddaraf ‘In conversation with…’ gyda Dr Olwen Williams.

23/08/23

Meet the team | relaxing recommendations | love what you do

In her August blog, Dr Hilary Williams, RCP vice president for Wales asks our regional advisers how they spend their time off and why they chose medicine in the first place. Bookings for the Cardiff RCP Update in medicine are now open, plus download our latest ‘In conversation with…’ video podcast with Dr Olwen Williams.

17/08/23

RCP offers free school visits to inspire the next generations of doctors

Ahead of the new academic year, the president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Dr Sarah Clarke, is proud to offer secondary school students free career-focused tours designed to educate and inspire the next generation of doctors.

15/08/23

Press release: RCP responds to Major Conditions Strategy interim report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the publication of the UK government’s policy paper, Major conditions strategy: case for change and our strategic framework.

08/08/23

FPA and RCP statement in response to adjournment debate on ‘Guidelines on the use of physician associates’, 6 July 2023

This is a tragic situation and our first thoughts are with Emily Chesterton’s family. Hearing the Coroner’s report that her death was preventable will be devastating for them.

08/08/23

New lay trustees appointed to Royal College of Physicians Board of Trustees

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed five new lay trustees and a lay observer to its board bringing a breadth of experience from numerous sectors including healthcare, corporate governance, finance, fundraising and technology.

07/08/23

RCP appoints two new censors

The RCP has appointed two new censors. Education, examination and maintaining standards in medical practice are at the core of the RCP and our censors oversee this vital work.

07/08/23

SAS doctor findings from the 2022 UK census of physicians (1)

The RCP has today published the headline findings from the 2022 UK census of physicians relating to specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors, while in the latest issue of Commentary, RCP SAS lead Dr Jamie Read and RCP registrar Professor Cathryn Edwards discuss progress made on delivering the RCP’s 2022–24 SAS doctors strategy.

03/08/23

My reflections | A word from the VP for education and training

In this August senior officer blog feature, the new incoming senior censor and vice president for education and training, Dr Mumtaz Patel, reflects on the current challenges and priorities for education and training and her previous term as the RCP’s global vice president.

03/08/23

Early approach to winter planning for urgent and emergency care is vital – but we must act now

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Society for Acute Medicine (SAM), British Thoracic Society (BTS) and British Geriatrics Society (BGS) have responded to NHS England’s national approach to 2023/24 winter planning. Workforce is the main limiting factor and hospitals can maximise their impact through four evidence based interventions.

31/07/23

Supporting SAS doctors to fulfil their potential

In ‘The widest pool of talent’ the RCP reports what it has learned about the support SAS doctors need and what we plan to do.

25/07/23

Mae rhywbeth newydd i'w ddysgu bob amser | Y bobl sy'n gofalu

Yn ei blog cyntaf fel is-lywydd RCP Cymru, mae Dr Hilary Williams yn myfyrio ar rai o'r prif heriau sy'n wynebu meddygon heddiw - gan gynnwys anghydraddoldebau iechyd, gwella gwasanaethau a lles y gweithlu.

25/07/23

Always something new to learn | The people who care

In her first blog as RCP vice president for Wales, Dr Hilary Williams reflects on some of the key challenges facing doctors today – including health inequalities, service improvement and workforce wellbeing – and highlights how she wants the RCP in Wales to listen to fellows and members and celebrate their successes.

25/07/23

Press release: RCP responds to Health Foundation's Health in 2040 report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Health Foundation's Health in 2040: projected patterns of illness in England report.

24/07/23

Annual general meeting (AGM) of fellows 2023

Notice is hereby given that the AGM will take place between 17:00-19:00hrs on Tuesday 5 September 2023.

19/07/23

This Doctor Can – South Asian Heritage Month: Dr George Iype Varughese

Dr George Varughese is a consultant physician in diabetes, endocrinology and general internal medicine. Originally from India, George tells This Doctor Can about his journey into medicine, achieving his dream of becoming a member of the RCP and how his international perspective guides him in the modern NHS.

19/07/23

Looking forward to the challenge

In her first blog for the RCP, the new SAS Committee representative for Northern Ireland, Dr Jeenat Khan reflects on her new role and what she hopes to achieve.

19/07/23

Press release: RCP responds to Covenant for Health report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the publication of 'A Covenant for Health - Policies and partnerships to improve our national health in 5 to 10 years'.

14/07/23

RCP launches new Medical Care specialty service planning resource

The Royal College of Physicians, in partnership with the UK’s medical specialty societies, has launched Medical Care, its first ever web-based planning resource for medical specialties.

13/07/23

Cancer care at the front door: ‘Let’s build something we can all be proud of’

Claire Gilfillan and Kay Wilson are clinical nurse specialists based in Gwent, south-east Wales. In this blog, taken from the RCP Cymru Wales report, Cancer care at the front door: the future of acute oncology in Wales, they reflect on the challenges of providing a joined-up acute oncology service (AOS) across four sites. The Aneurin Bevan AOS team tweets at @ABB_AOS.

13/07/23

RCP comment on ongoing industrial action

Doctors across England are striking throughout the latter half of this month.

12/07/23

Obianuju Nwokolo

For Black History Month, this blog focuses on the life and career of physician associate, Obianuju Nwokolo.

12/07/23

Supporting LGBT+ patients, colleagues and friends

This LGBT+ history month, physician associate (PA) James Catton discusses his role as a PA, promoting LGBT+ healthcare, and how we can support our LGBT+ patients, colleagues and friends.

11/07/23

Med23 | industrial action | improving healthcare | presidential election

Read the latest bulletin from your president, Dr Sarah Clarke.

11/07/23

Birthday present? | driving improvements | regulation | mental health

As I write this latest message, it’s 1 month to the day until the NHS turns 75 and more detail has been trickling out on the long-promised workforce plan.

11/07/23

Valuable feedback | workforce | new RCP officers

They say a week is a long time in politics and it certainly feels like that as a leader in the medical profession at present.

11/07/23

NHS at 75 | long term workforce plan | census results

Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of our National Health Service. I reflected on a career in this unique institution in my blog.

11/07/23

Industrial action | equality and diversity | workforce and wellbeing

Read the latest bulletin from your president, Dr Sarah Clarke.

11/07/23

Mentoring | managing demand | Medicine 2023

Everyone in medicine needs support right now, and especially trainees.

10/07/23

The NHS at 75 | blog from Dr Anita Banerjee (1)

With the NHS birthday week having now come to a close, obstetric physician, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and regional advisor for England, Dr Anita Banerjee reflects on her relationship with the NHS and how it inspired her own journey into medicine.

10/07/23

Marking the NHS at 75

The RCP is proud to celebrate 75 years of the National Health Service. Below is a roundup of RCP activity this week to mark the milestone.

10/07/23

Reflecting on four generations in the NHS

RCP clinical vice president Dr John Dean reflects on 75 years of the NHS through the experiences of four generations of doctors in his family.

10/07/23

Six steps to better care for older people in hospital are outlined in new guidance

Guidance supporting clinical teams to improve care of older people living with frailty is now available, in a collaboration between the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS), supported by the Royal College of Physicians.

07/07/23

This Doctor Can: Sonali Dasgupta

‘My relationship with the NHS goes back 20 long years... simply put, I feel privileged to be part of this diverse and historic organisation.’ As the nation marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS, consultant oncologist and RCP fellow Sonali Dasgputa considers what the health service means to her.

07/07/23

NHS at 75: Desert Island Discs | A word from the registrar

RCP registrar Professor Cathryn Edwards writes the second in our new series of senior officer blogs.

04/07/23

The NHS at 75 | blog from Dr Sarah Clarke

President Dr Sarah Clarke pens her reflections as the NHS marks its 75th birthday this week.

03/07/23

RCP responds to long term workforce plan (1)

This morning the Government published its long-awaited long term workforce plan for the NHS.

28/06/23

RCP statement on BMA ballot for industrial action by consultant doctors

The British Medical Association yesterday announced that NHS consultants in England had voted in favour of industrial action.

09/09/19

RCP appoints new senior examiner (PACES)

The RCP has appointed Dr Abdul-Majeed Salmasi to the post of senior examiner for PACES examinations.

27/06/23

Seizing opportunities to embed research in clinical practice

In this article, the RCP’s academic vice president Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam writes about a new position statement on ‘Making research everybody’s business’ which has been published today and the importance of embedding research in clinical practice following the disruption caused by the pandemic.

27/06/23

Our new campaign: sustainability and climate change

Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam, RCP academic vice president, welcomes the launch of the RCP’s new sustainability and climate change campaign.

23/06/23

Press release: RCP responds to GMC report on the state of medical education and practice in the UK

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the GMC's report, The state of medical education and practice in the UK: workplace experiences 2023, which calls for urgent action to break the 'vicious cycle' of unmanageable workloads, dissatisfaction and burnout faced by doctors.

21/06/23

RCP fellows recognised in King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours

The RCP was delighted to see the contribution of physicians acknowledged in the King’s Birthday Honours.

21/06/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians comment on NAO report on urgent care

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the National Audit Office report which reveals that the NHS has not met key operational standards for unplanned or urgent care since before the pandemic.

21/06/23

Blog olaf Olwen | 3 blynedd o newid radical

Wrth i’r GIG ddathlu ei ben-blwydd yn 75 oed, mae’n gyfle i fyfyrio ar fy ngyrfa fy hun mewn meddygaeth (sy’n cwmpasu 40 mlynedd) a’m cyfnod fel Is Lywydd dros Gymru. Dyma fy mlog olaf yn y swydd – rwy’n rhoi’r gorau iddi ddiwedd y mis – ac mae’n gyfle chwerw-felys i ystyried beth sydd wedi newid.

21/06/23

Olwen’s final blog | 3 years of radical change

As the NHS celebrates its 75th anniversary, I am reflecting on my own career in medicine (which spans 40 years) and my time as vice president for Wales. This is my final blog in post – I step down at the end of this month – and it is a bittersweet opportunity to consider what’s changed.

21/06/23

Press release: Pressure on doctors and impact on patients laid bare in latest census

The latest census from the Federation of the Royal Colleges of the Physicians in the UK has revealed the pressures faced by doctors and the reported impacts on patient care.

21/06/23

Pressure on doctors and impact on patients laid bare in latest census

The latest census from the Federation of the Royal Colleges of the Physicians in the UK has revealed the pressures faced by doctors and the reported impacts on patient care.

20/06/23

The RCP responds to delays to BOGOF restrictions

This weekend the government announced a further delay to restrictions on multi-buy price promotions on foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS).

20/06/23

Press release: RCP responds to the latest NHS performance figures

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance figures which reveal the waiting list remains at a record high of 7.4 million.

19/06/23

The RCP responds to plans for retired specialists to help with tackling NHS backlogs

The RCP has responded to plans for newly-retired specialists to re-join the NHS to deliver outpatient appointments to help reduce waiting lists.

15/06/23

Recognising Clean Air Day: “Targets aren’t ceilings”

Today is Clean Air Day, an annual event that emphasises the importance of clean air for our health, well-being and the planet.

12/06/23

RCP regional adviser: Dr Hilary Williams

In this blog, Dr Hilary Williams, shares her experience of being a regional adviser in south Wales.

09/06/23

RCP responds to the latest NHS performance figures

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the latest NHS performance figures which reveal the waiting list remains at a record high of 7.4 million.

08/06/23

Recruitment open for two RCP censors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to apply for the post of censor.

08/06/23

Modernising physician-led care | A word from the clinical vice president

In this new senior officer blog feature, clinical vice president Dr John Dean highlights the benefits of a quality improvement focus in healthcare and how the RCP is working to support healthcare professionals with resources, events and thought leadership.

07/06/23

Press release: RCP welcomes new obesity drug pilot

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed a new two-year pilot which aims to explore ways to make obesity drugs more accessible to patients living with obesity outside of hospital settings.

24/10/25

Pregnancy, medicine and inequality: why we must do better

Dr Lucy Mackillop FRCP, consultant obstetric physician, reflects on the inequalities experienced during pregnancy in medical research, mortality and healthcare.

07/06/23

RCP welcomes new obesity drug pilot

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed a new two-year pilot which aims to explore ways to make obesity drugs more accessible to patients living with obesity outside of hospital settings.

02/06/23

Retention of doctors | (almost) all change

In her monthly blog, Dr Olwen Williams considers how best to retain doctors in the Welsh NHS workforce, thanks colleagues at the Princess of Wales hospital for another successful Cyswllt visit and announces some changes to the RCP Cymru Wales regional adviser team.

24/10/25

Pioneers and progress recognised at Harveian Oration 2025

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has hosted the Harveian Oration since 1656. This year’s event brought together over 200 RCP fellows and members in person and online to celebrate the significant advancements made in nephrology in the last 75 years.

01/06/23

Embracing digital healthcare is key to reducing the NHS’s carbon footprint

In this blog, Dr Thom Daniels, Consultant respiratory physician and clinical lead for environmental sustainability at University Hospital Southampton, discusses the My Medical Record app, a digital solution that improves sustainability and the patient experience.

01/06/23

RCP responds to Khan review into making smoking obsolete

The RCP has responded to an independent review by Dr Javed Khan OBE, setting out recommendations to support the government to meet its smokefree ambition by 2030.

24/10/25

RCP responds to the NHS England medical training review phase 1 diagnostic report

NHS England have published the phase 1 diagnostic report of the national medical training review.

01/06/23

RCP supports the British Psychological Society’s #FundNHSHubs campaign

The Royal College of Physicians is supporting the British Psychological Society’s campaign which calls for the government to provide the necessary funding to continue NHS staff mental health and wellbeing hubs.

31/05/23

New National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023) now published

The 2023 edition of the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke for the UK and Ireland is now available. The guideline is endorsed for use in clinical practice by the RCP, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

27/10/25

Resident doctors highlight supportive culture – but warn of growing pressure on acute medical services at The York Hospital

A recent Royal College of Physicians (RCP) visit to York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found a strong training environment under strain from mounting patient flow pressures, workforce shortages and estate constraints. The president’s visit formed part of the RCP’s ongoing programme of regional engagement, listening to members and fellows across the UK and supporting them to deliver high-quality patient care.

31/05/23

RCP responds to Cancer Research UK tobacco death figures

On World No Tobacco Day, the Royal College of Physicians has responded to Cancer Research UK analysis that estimates that tobacco causes the death of one person every five minutes in the UK.

31/05/23

Press release: RCP responds to Cancer Research UK tobacco death figures

On World No Tobacco Day, the Royal College of Physicians has responded to Cancer Research UK analysis that estimates that tobacco causes the death of one person every five minutes in the UK.

26/05/23

RCP responds to DHSC announcement on NHS doctor numbers

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Department for Health and Social Care's announcement on NHS doctor numbers.

26/05/23

Press release: RCP responds to DHSC announcement on NHS doctor numbers

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Department for Health and Social Care's announcement on NHS doctor numbers.

29/10/25

Update in medicine | fforwm agored meddygon preswyl yng Nghaerdydd | dathlu Wythnos SAS 2025

Y mis hwn, mae is-lywydd RCP Cymru, Dr Hilary Williams, yn rhoi cipolwg ar yr hyn y gallwch ei ddisgwyl o'n digwyddiad a gynhelir yn fuan Update in medicine – Caerdydd 2025.

26/05/23

Improving outpatient care

Providing care to ‘outpatients’ is central to specialty medicine and the RCP has a key role in the development and improvement of these services.

26/05/23

Cadw meddygon | newid llwyr (bron)

Yn ei blog newydd, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn ystyried y ffordd orau o gadw meddygon yng ngweithlu GIG Cymru, yn rhoi diolch i gydweithwyr yn Ysbyty Tywysoges Cymru am ymweliad Cyswllt llwyddiannus ac yn cyhoeddi rhai newidiadau i dîm cynghorwyr rhanbarthol RCP Cymru Wales.

22/05/23

RCP welcomes Labour’s ‘health mission’ and its plans to tackle health inequalities

As part of its ‘five missions for a better Britain’, the Labour Party has outlined its health commitments including better long-term workforce planning and tackling the social determinants of health.

22/05/23

Press release: RCP welcomes Labour’s ‘health mission’ and its plans to tackle health inequalities

As part of its ‘five missions for a better Britain’, the Labour Party has outlined its health commitments including better long-term workforce planning and tackling the social determinants of health.

18/05/23

The SENTINEL Project

In this blog by Dr Michael Crooks, senior clinical lecturer and honorary consultant in respiratory medicine at Hull York Medical School and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, he discusses how the SENTINEL project addressed the environmental impact of asthma and its treatment.

18/05/23

This Doctor Can: Ganesh Subramanian

‘I came to the UK to achieve my MRCP. This is now my 30th year in the NHS and I haven’t looked back.’ During Stroke Awareness Month, RCP fellow and consultant in stroke medicine Ganesh Subramanian tells This Doctor Can how he has achieved a career he can be proud of, despite coming from a humble background.

18/05/23

Accreditation programme set to improve diabetes inpatient care in UK first

A first-of-its-kind accreditation programme to improve the quality of diabetes inpatient care across the UK is set to launch on 31 May 2023.

18/05/23

Press release: Accreditation programme set to improve diabetes inpatient care in UK first

A first-of-its-kind accreditation programme to improve the quality of diabetes inpatient care across the UK is set to launch on 31 May 2023.

21/03/19

2019 assisted dying survey results. No majority view moves RCP position to neutral

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has adopted a neutral position on assisted dying following a survey of its UK fellows and members, reflecting their range of views.

11/05/23

Modern Outpatient Care – Principles and practice for patient centred outpatient care

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) sets out principles and recommendations for patient centred outpatient care.

11/05/23

This Doctor Can: Dr Raisah Khaliq

‘Not even water?’ Dr Raisah Khaliq, RCP clinical education fellow, reveals how she navigates working as a senior registrar in emergency medicine during Ramadan.

10/05/23

Regional adviser: Dr Mumtaz Patel

Dr Mumtaz Patel talks about her experience of being a regional adviser in the North West of England.

10/05/23

Cancer care at the front door: The therapies team

Kate Baker, Cathryn Lewis and Kate Williams are allied health professionals (AHP) working at the acute oncology (AOS) assessment unit in Velindre Cancer Centre, where AHP time is built into the funding model. In this blog they reflect on the benefits of a multidisciplinary (MDT) holistic approach to patient care.

09/05/23

Marking the coronation

As we join the nation in celebrating the coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, we explore the RCP’s history with the British monarchy, which dates back more than 500 years.

05/05/23

New associate global directors join the RCP

RCP Global vice president Dr Mumtaz Patel and her team are delighted to be welcoming three new associate global directors (AGDs).

03/05/23

RCP elects new senior censor and vice president for education and training, as well as five new councillors (1)

Dr Mumtaz Patel has been elected as the RCP’s new senior censor and vice president for education and training following a vote by 3,238 of the RCP’s fellows. She will succeed Dr Áine Burns and will take up the post on 1 August 2023 to serve for three years.

28/04/23

Connections | conference | concerns

Dr Olwen Williams reflects on another successful annual conference for the RCP, flags the work being done by the Medical care – driving change team, and expresses concern about the prevalence of sexism in medicine.

28/04/23

An insight into the RCP medicine careers showcase

Eva Larkai, one of the RCP’s Student and Foundation Network (SFDN) representatives, explores some highlights of the recent medicine careers week.

25/04/23

Can videoconference appointments help to reduce carbon emissions?

In this blog, Dr David Ross, consultant chest physician at NHS Western Isles, discusses how videoconference appointments have helped to reduce carbon emissions in the Outer Hebrides.

28/10/25

RCP welcomes introduction of Awaab’s Law

The RCP has welcomed the introduction of Awaab’s Law, a new regulation aimed at tackling damp and mould in social housing, highlighting it as an important step towards safer, healthier homes.

20/04/23

Cysylltiadau | cynhadledd | pryderon

Dyma Dr Olwen Williams yn myfyrio ar gynhadledd flynyddol lwyddiannus arall ar gyfer yr RCP, yn tynnu sylw at y gwaith sy’n cael ei wneud gan y tîm Gofal meddygol - ysgogi newid, ac yn mynegi pryder am gyffredinrwydd rhywiaeth ym maes meddygaeth.

06/04/23

This Doctor Can: Barbara Lachana Onen

Dr Barbara Lachana Onen, acute/general internal medicine consultant, talks about her journey from war-torn Uganda to a medical career in the UK.

05/04/23

RCP launches new e-learning research resources for members

Working in partnership with the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) and the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), we have developed an e-learning programme for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aimed at facilitating the wider participation of healthcare professionals in research.

05/04/23

‘Closer working between AOS and specialist palliative care teams in acute hospitals is so valuable’

In this blog, taken from the RCP Cymru Wales report, Cancer at the front door, Dr Gwenllian Mair Davies, clinical lead for palliative medicine in Swansea, Dr Gemma Lewis-Williams, co-clinical director for palliative medicine in north Wales, and Dr Idris Baker, national clinical lead for palliative and end of life care discuss how specialist palliative care can work more closely with acute oncology services to improve patient experience and end-of-life care.

30/10/25

‘Clear communication and protected training time are key to making resident doctors feel valued’: RCP president visits Stoke Mandeville Hospital to meet with fellows and members

A recent Royal College of Physicians (RCP) visit to Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust found a supportive training culture where resident doctors, consultants and educators work together to deliver high-quality patient care and education.

07/11/25

My journey as a college tutor: supporting the next generation of doctors

As part of our new college tutor spotlight series, Dr Faizan Rao, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology and RCP college tutor at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD), describes his passion for education, the challenges that he faces and the moments which make it all worthwhile.

04/04/23

Press release: Government halves promised social care funding

The RCP has responded to the news that the government has halved promised funding for the social care workforce from £500m to £250m.

04/04/23

Government halves promised social care funding

The RCP has responded to the news that the government has halved promised funding for the social care workforce from £500m to £250m.

04/04/23

Establishing a Greener Endoscopy in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust

In this blog post, Leigh Donnelly, endoscopy education and development lead at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, explores the preliminary measures their trust has taken to improve sustainability within their work.

04/04/23

Dr Sarah Clarke re-elected as RCP president

Dr Sarah Clarke has been re-elected as president of the RCP in a ballot organised by Civica Election Services.

31/03/23

A round-up of the second day of Medicine 2023

The second day of Medicine 2023 opened with a keynote lecture from Dr Simon Buckle, director of research strategy and programmes for Cambridge Zero at the University of Cambridge.

31/03/23

O obaith tawel i aeaf newydd o anniddigrwydd | edrych yn ôl ar flwyddyn brysur iawn

Mae myfyrio’n rhywbeth pwysig yn ein gallu i lunio cysyniadau, i wneud synnwyr ac i symud ymlaen, felly ar gyfer fy mlog olaf am 2022, rwyf wedi ailedrych ar fy myfyrdodau misol a phwysleisio pa mor gythryblus ac anodd ei darogan fu’r flwyddyn wrth i ‘normal newydd’ esblygu, gyda phob math o heriau newydd yn cael eu taflu atom o bob cyfeiriad.

31/03/23

Blwyddyn drobwynt | is-lywydd newydd | cystadlaethau i hyfforddeion

Dr Olwen Williams yn cyhoeddi enillydd etholiad 2023 ar gyfer swydd is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon dros Gymru ac yn annog hyfforddeion i arddangos eu gwaith drwy ein cystadlaethau blynyddol: mae cynllun darlithydd Turner-Warwick nawr yn derbyn crynodebau ac mae cystadleuaeth posteri Cymru yn agor ar 1 Ebrill.

31/03/23

Yma o hyd | cymuned fyd-eang | dechreuadau newydd

Yn ei blog y mis yma, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn edrych yn ôl ar atgofion ein Diweddariad mewn meddygaeth Cymru 2022. Hefyd, mae hi’n tynnu sylw at bwysigrwydd gofalu am eich iechyd meddwl yn ystod pwysau’r gaeaf ac yn agor yr alwad am enwebiadau ar gyfer ei holynydd fel is-lywydd RCP Cymru.

31/03/23

Yma o hyd | global community | new beginnings

In this month’s blog, Dr Olwen Williams looks back at the memories of our sold-out 2022 Wales Update in medicine. She also highlights the importance of looking after your mental health during winter pressures and opens the call for nominations for her successor as RCP vice president for Wales.

11/11/25

Precision oncology – the best medicine for everyone?

Tomorrow, Dr Amit Sud, winner of the 2025 Graham Bull Prize in Clinical Science will deliver the Goulstonian Lecture during Med+ 2025, at the Regent’s Park home of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Here he discusses his award-winning work to shape the future of cancer care.

31/03/23

Feeling hopeful | signs of recovery | exciting times ahead

It’s been a difficult couple of months across the health service in Wales – an understatement I know. We are constantly aware of increased demand, inadequate capacity, workforce issues and pressure to reduce the backlog and expedite hospital discharges. Are there any signs of recovery?

31/03/23

From cautious optimism to a new winter of discontent | looking back at a very busy year

Reflection is an important tool in our ability to conceptualise, sense-make and move forward, so for my final blog of 2022, I have revisited my monthly musings and noted that it’s been an unsettling and unpredictable year as a ‘new normal’ has evolved, with curveballs being thrown left, right and centre.

31/03/23

Sustainable healthcare in a globalised world

As the RCP launches its new sustainability and climate change campaign, our sustainability fellow Dr Toby Hillman reflects on ways we can deliver high-quality healthcare to populations today without compromising the ability of future populations to do the same.

30/03/23

A round-up of the opening day of Medicine 2023

This year’s annual conference, themed on sustainability and climate change, opened with a session on NHS sustainability chaired by RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke.

30/03/23

RCP calls for government to prioritise a just transition from fossil fuels

The RCP is urging the government to prioritise a just transition from fossil fuels, with support for people to reduce energy use, as it launches a new campaign highlighting climate change as the biggest long-term risk to human health.

30/03/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians calls for government to prioritise a transition from fossil fuels as it launches sustainability and climate change campaign

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is urging the government to prioritise a just transition from fossil fuels, with support for people to reduce energy use, as it launches a new campaign highlighting climate change as the biggest long-term risk to human health.

29/03/23

Dr Hilary Williams elected as next vice president for Wales

Dr Hilary Williams, a consultant in medical oncology at Velindre Cancer Centre in south Wales, has been elected the next vice president for Wales at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

29/03/23

A watershed year | new vice president | trainee competitions

Dr Olwen Williams announces the winner of the 2023 election for the post of RCP vice president for Wales and encourages trainees to showcase their work through our annual competitions: the Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme is now accepting abstracts and the Wales poster competition opens on 1 April.

29/03/23

Press release: Staff satisfaction in the NHS falls due to staff shortages, yet long-term workforce plan remains unpublished

The RCP has responded to analysis of the 2022 British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) published today by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust showing that satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level since the BSA survey began in 1983.

29/03/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians report shows majority of clinicians want to receive more training on health inequalities

A recent study conducted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has found that most clinicians feel they haven’t received enough training on health inequalities and would like more as part of their medical education.

29/03/23

Staff satisfaction in the NHS falls due to staff shortages, yet long-term workforce plan remains unpublished

The RCP has responded to analysis of the 2022 British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) published today by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust showing that satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level since the BSA survey began in 1983.

29/03/23

Royal College of Physicians report shows majority of clinicians want to receive more training on health inequalities

A recent study conducted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has found that most clinicians feel they haven't received enough training on health inequalities and would like more as part of their medical education.

27/03/23

RCP responds to Labour Party’s National Policy Forum consultation

The RCP has responded to the Labour Party’s 2023 National Policy Forum (NPF) consultation.

27/03/23

‘I’m really proud of the team and how far we’ve come’

Last week, a draft national service specification for acute oncology services (AOS) was published for consultation by the Wales Cancer Network. In this blog, taken from the RCP Cymru Wales report, Cancer at the front door, Dr Sarah Gwynne, clinical lead for oncology in Swansea Bay discusses how the team in south-west Wales has developed AOS over the past decade and outlines their plans for the future.

23/03/23

RCP commissioned by NHSE to deliver diploma in obstetric medicine

The RCP has worked with NHS England (NHSE) to create the curriculum, training and assessment of obstetric physicians.

15/02/23

Mood of the nation | innovation | Medicine 2023

As Dr Olwen Williams tries to forget the recent poor performance of the national men’s rugby team in the Six Nations Championship, she cheers herself up with a look ahead to Medicine 2023 and encourages NHS organisations to get involved with the Chief Registrar Programme.

10/11/25

2025 Focus on physicians survey: rota gaps, vacancies and wellbeing

Findings on rota gaps, vacancies and staff wellbeing from the 2025 Focus on physicians survey have been published by the three UK royal colleges of physicians.

23/03/23

This Doctor Can: Professor Laith Al-Rubaiy

Consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist Professor Laith Al-Rubaiy shares his fascinating journey into medicine – from Iraq to the UK.

20/03/23

World Obesity Day | Meet RCP's obesity fellows

Recently the RCP appointed three obesity fellows. For World Obesity Day, they share their stories (below) about what motivated them to be involved. They are due to start in their role as obesity fellows later this year.Novo Nordisk has provided financial support by way of a grant to fund the RCP obesity fellows. Novo Nordisk have had no involvement with or input into the development of the content and have had no influence over the selection of candidates.

17/03/23

Novo Nordisk ABPI suspension

The RCP has today ended its corporate partnership with Novo Nordisk following the company’s membership suspension by the ABPI for serious breaches of its Code of Practice.

03/11/25

Health Inequalities Blog Series Banner (1)

Health literacy: an often-overlooked factor in health inequalities

Health inequalities arise from interlinked factors such as poverty, transport, housing and access to care. Alongside these, health literacy remains a critical but sometimes under-recognised influence. In this piece, Dr Mrinalini Dey, rheumatology registrar and clinical PhD fellow at King’s College London, explores how health literacy is not just a communication issue, it’s a core determinant of health.

16/03/23

Recruitment open for RCP deputy medical director of Invited Reviews

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to apply for the deputy medical director of invited reviews position.

15/03/23

Press release: Childcare and pensions interventions welcome, but NHS long-term workforce plan yet to be seen

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.

15/03/23

Childcare and pensions interventions welcome, but NHS long-term workforce plan yet to be seen

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.

15/03/23

Dr Alex Phillips on the Turner-Warwick lectures

In this blog, Dr Alex Phillips – 2020 Turner-Warwick lecturer for Wales – talks about her experience with the lecturer scheme as an internal medicine trainee (IMT) and how it’s inspired her career going forward.

15/03/23

Thinking outside the box: ‘Almost half of these people shouldn’t have been on a waiting list in the first place’

Dr Lena Izzat is a consultant cardiologist at Prince Philip Hospital in Hywel Dda University Health Board. In this blog, taken from our recent report on innovation in west Wales, Thinking outside the box, she discusses how the growing pandemic backlog led to a stronger working relationship with primary care.

15/03/23

Thinking outside the box: ‘People want to come and work where they are empowered to innovate’

Indeg James and Dr Sioned Richards work in the intermediate care team in Carmarthen in west Wales. In this blog, taken from our recent report on innovation in west Wales, Thinking outside the box, they reflect on how a joined up approach has improved patient care and attracted staff.

09/03/23

Press release: NHS staff witnessing ‘near misses’ that could have hurt patients

The RCP has responded to the NHS staff survey in England.

09/03/23

NHS staff witnessing ‘near misses’ that could have hurt patients

The RCP has responded to the NHS staff survey in England.

09/03/23

RCP comment on Health Committee Alcohol strategy report

Commenting on the Health Select Committee's report on the government's alcohol strategy, Sir Ian Gilmore, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) special adviser on alcohol and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:

08/03/23

RCP in the local community

The RCP is working with local communities in our two main locations – Liverpool and London – on exciting secondary school pilot programmes. These initiatives are designed to educate, encourage and inspire secondary school pupils to consider a career in healthcare.

08/03/23

RCP commits to working collectively to tackle sexism in medicine

The RCP has signed the British Medical Association’s (BMA’s) Ending Sexism pledge.

08/03/23

Voting opens in RCP elections

Voting has now begun for RCP president, senior censor / education and training vice president, and elected councillors. It closes at midday on 3 April.

07/09/22

This Doctor Can: Brian Wang

To mark East and South East Asian Heritage Month 2022, academic foundation year 2 trainee Brian Wang reflects on how his Chinese heritage has shaped his life, both personally and professionally.

30/10/25

Constitutional reform | membership survey | training review

Constitutional reform and modernisation of the college Since my last bulletin I am delighted to report that, in a historic ballot following the AGM, RCP fellows voted to extend voting rights to collegiate members in elections for councillors and vice presidents. 

03/03/23

This Doctor Can: Dr Dinesh Kumar FRCP

Consultant dermatologist Dr Dinesh Kumar shares his story of growing up in Bangalore, India, and how he was inspired to become a doctor.

03/03/23

Arrangements for the special general meeting of fellows for the election of the president/College Day 2023

The special general meeting of fellows for the election of the president will be held on Monday 3 April 2023 as part of College Day. Please find details below regarding attendance at the special general meeting, lectures and dinner. The College Day programme is available as a download below. A confidential link is also provided at the foot of this page to the Civica Election Services voting platform so all members and fellows can access candidates’ election material. Fellows, in good standing, will be contacted by Civica with details on how to vote.

05/11/25

GIM-Sim: Building a sustainable simulation programme for internal medicine training doctors

In our latest RCP next generation campaign blog, the winners of our 2025 ACT abstract competition, Dr Hannah Parker and Dr Kieran Hardern share how they developed a curriculum-linked, sustainable simulation programme for internal medicine training (IMT) doctors at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

03/03/23

Press release: NHS vacancy rates worse than last year

The RCP has responded to the latest data on NHS full time equivalent vacancy rates.

02/03/23

NHS vacancy rates worse than last year

The RCP has responded to the latest data on NHS full time equivalent vacancy rates.

28/02/23

Dr Andrew Duncombe appointed as new Future Healthcare Journal editor-in-chief

Dr Andrew Duncombe has been appointed as the next editor-in-chief of the Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ).

28/02/23

Hwyliau'r genedl | arloesi | Medicine 2023

Wrth i Dr Olwen Williams geisio anghofio perfformiad gwael tîm rygbi cenedlaethol y dynion ym Mhencampwriaeth y Chwe Gwlad yn ddiweddar, mae’n cysuro ei hun drwy edrych ymlaen at Medicine 2023 ac mae’n annog sefydliadau’r GIG i gymryd rhan yn y Rhaglen Prif Gofrestrwyr.

28/02/23

Physician Associate regulation – public consultation released

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA), together with the RCP, welcome the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) publishing its consultation on draft legislation to bring physician associates (PAs) into regulation today.

27/02/23

How to break bones and alienate people

Alison Smith, shares her story of how being diagnosed with osteoporosis led to her being involved in a national clinical audit to prevent secondary fractures (Fracture Liaison Service Database).

13/07/23

Ruw Abeyratne: Health Inequality: Let’s Get Digital

Mitigation for digital exclusion is one of NHS England’s five strategic pillars for tackling health inequalities. However, before we can mitigate for exclusion, we must agree on a shared understanding of what the problem is.

23/02/23

RCP responds to latest NHS Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard report

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard (MWRES) report.

06/09/23

Helena Clements: Transition of young people with complex disability to adult services

There is something uniquely special about starting the clinical journey with a baby or small child and their parents as we come to understand their condition and its implications.

18/07/24

Rhodri Smith: My Clinical Genetics training journey

I was always aware of clinical genetics from an early stage but for some reason that I will never really understand, had not really considered it as a career until later in my ACF training at the start of IMT3.

05/11/25

Have your say: help shape the RCP’s future

There’s only one week left to complete the 2025 survey to shape the future direction of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). If you are a fellow or a member of the RCP, please take just 10 minutes to tell us what you want from your college over the next three years.

28/11/24

AI in translation: Melanie Cole on language, innovation, and the future of healthcare communication

22/02/23

RCP statement on BMA ballot for industrial action by junior doctors

The overwhelming vote by trainee doctors in favour of industrial action is a stark indication of just how strongly they feel that the government must do more to value and invest in the workforce now and for the long-term.

16/02/23

College and associate college tutor network regional spotlight series – London and South East

Amrita D’Souza, Catherine Hornby, Tony Little, Poonam Patel, Helen Ward, Ravi MenonThis month we are focusing on the work of the London and South East region from the perspective of IMT2s and incoming associate college tutors (ACTs) at North Middlesex Hospital in London. The doctors reflect on developing a simulation programme designed to help address the common fear held by IMTs of stepping up as future IMT3 medical registrars.

16/02/23

College and associate college tutor network regional spotlight series – Wales

This month we are focusing on Wales' achievements and good practices achieved by the CTs and ACTs.

14/02/23

RCP welcomes new Linacre fellow

RCP has welcomed Dr Shruthi Konda as the new Linacre fellow, who will work closely with RCP representatives across all career grades.

10/02/23

Regional adviser: Dr Elaine Hui

Dr Elaine Hui talks about her experience of being a regional adviser in London.

10/02/23

Regional adviser: Dr Jacob de Wolff

Dr Jacob de Wolff talks about his experience of being a regional adviser in the North West London region.

09/02/23

RCP responds to the latest NHS performance stats

The RCP has commented on the latest NHS monthly performance data.

09/02/23

Hear from a chief registrar about the programme

Read about the benefits of the Chief registrar programme, from one of our 21/22 Chief registrars, Waqas Akhtar.

09/02/23

Statement from the physician community on the BMA ballot for industrial action

With just over a week until the BMA ballot for industrial action closes, we as leaders of the physician community want to reiterate to our trainee colleagues that whatever choice you make – we support you. Our message is the same to consultants who will receive a consultative ballot later this month.

09/02/23

Working in medicine is a privilege that shouldn’t just be for the privileged

In 2020 the RCP published A 2020 vision: An independent report into diversity and inclusion at the Royal College of Physicians. We said that we believe that the RCP will thrive by actively promoting inclusivity, with people of all backgrounds coming together and achieving success.

08/02/23

This Doctor Can: Peter Chiodini

Peter Chiodini, clinical parasitologist and clinician, talks about his working-class childhood, his pathway into medicine and the importance of social mobility.

08/02/23

Proposal to revise the RCP bye-laws

Dear fellow, At this year’s Annual General Meeting (Comitia) fellows will be asked to vote on a package of changes to the RCP’s bye-laws.

08/02/23

Annual general meeting (AGM)/Comitia – 24 September 2020 Meeting papers and arrangements (for fellows)

The virtual AGM/Comitia was held on Thursday 24 September 2020 at 14.30–16.30hrs to ensure the safety of fellows during the pandemic and allow maximum engagement. This page includes the agenda/meeting papers and you can watch the president’s address, the senior fellow's vote of thanks and presentations by the senior officers below.Attendance at the AGM is a benefit of fellowship and therefore discussion items and Q&A are not included within the edit. However, we know that both fellows and members (who also have access to this webpage) will be interested in the proceedings and respect its confidential nature.

06/02/23

Announcing the 2023 Turner-Warwick lecturers

The Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme provides a sense of pride, builds confidence and gives encouragement to trainees across the UK. The scheme not only underlines the value trainees bring to healthcare, but also fosters skills like public speaking and how to package information for diverse medical audiences.

06/11/25

Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK publishes independent review of MRCP(UK) Part 2 written examination error (September 2023)

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom has today (6 November 2025) published the independent review undertaken by Professor John McLachlan into the error that occurred after the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination held on 6 September 2023 (Diet 2023/3).

02/02/23

RCP elections 2023: Candidates for president, senior censor / education and training vice president and councillor election

The RCP has announced the names of fellows standing for election as president, senior censor / education and training vice president, and councillors in 2023. The vice president for Wales role has been elected uncontested following an extended nomination period. The candidates are listed alphabetically by surname for each contested election.

01/02/23

‘During my time on the RCP Trainees Committee, medical training in Northern Ireland has faced substantial challenges’

Reflecting on his time as a member of the RCP Trainees Committee, Dr Andrew Spence looks back at the pandemic and its effect on medical education before considering the future of healthcare in Northern Ireland.

30/01/23

RCP election candidates announced

The RCP has published a list of candidates standing for election as its president, clinical vice president, and as elected councillors.

31/01/23

RCP appoints new clinical adviser on flexible working

Dr Rifca Le Dieu, consultant in haemato-oncology, has been appointed as the RCP clinical adviser on flexible working.

30/01/23

Candidates for president, clinical vice president and councillor elections – RCP elections 2022

The RCP is delighted to announce the names of fellows standing for election as president, clinical vice president and councillors in 2022. The candidates are listed alphabetically by surname for each election.

27/01/23

Royal College of Physicians responds to government confirmation that Health Disparities White Paper has been scrapped

The RCP has commented on the news that government will not be publishing the Health Disparities White Paper.

26/01/23

Royal College of Physicians responds to government announcement of Major Conditions Strategy

The RCP has responded to the launch of the Major Conditions Strategy with a statement from its president.

23/01/23

This Doctor Can: Michael Gooseman

Consultant thoracic surgeon, Michael Gooseman, talks about the inspiration that led him to pursue a career as a doctor.

07/11/25

We can all help to make medicines safe

Improve medication safety by addressing prescribing errors, drug toxicity risks, access delays, and communication gap. Safer prescribing saves lives and prevents harm.

11/02/22

RCP fellows and members receive New Year honours

Many fellows and members of the RCP were included in the Queen’s New Year honours for their contribution to healthcare in the UK and internationally.

17/01/23

Special general meeting of fellows for the election of the president / College Day 2022

The special general meeting of fellows for the election of the president was held on Monday 11 April 2022 as part of College Day. You can watch the president’s address and the announcement of the result of the election below.

13/01/23

Royal College of Physicians responds to the latest NHS performance stats

The RCP has commented on the latest NHS monthly performance data.

13/01/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to the latest NHS performance stats

The RCP has commented on the latest NHS monthly performance data.

12/01/23

Pressure | priorities | festive wishes

Many of you will have been looking forward to this holiday period as one in which things might be a little more ‘normal’ for the NHS, but instead it is shaping up to be more extraordinary than ever.While our third Christmas under the shadow of COVID-19 won’t see as many coronavirus cases as a year ago, it is still very much having an impact on hospitals – earlier this month there were 6,957 people with COVID-19 in hospital in the UK (6,720 of them in England).

10/01/23

Positives from the pandemic: ‘In the last cohort before COVID-19, every sixth-form student who completed the full 2-year programme got an offer for at least one medical school’

Dr John Glen reflects on the success of a widening participation scheme in north Wales that supports local state school children to apply to medical school. This blog is taken from the RCP report, Positives from the pandemic, which was published after a virtual visit to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in June 2022.

06/01/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians Museum opens new exhibition: Unfamiliar

A new exhibition – Unfamiliar – is set to open at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Museum in Regent’s Park, London, later this month, offering photographic reinterpretations of every-day medical objects from the past.

04/01/23

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to government confirmation of Environment Act targets

The RCP has responded to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ response to its public consultation on setting environmental targets required under the Environment Act 2021.

04/01/23

Positives from the pandemic: ‘It’s just great that we’re flying the flag for Wales and the north’

Dr Orod Osanlou, a consultant in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics and general internal medicine, is director of the North Wales Clinical Research Facility. In this blog, taken from our recent report on innovation in north Wales, Positives from the pandemic, he discusses how colleagues in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board became involved in COVID-19 vaccine trials, raising the profile of their health board and building a new reputation for innovation and research.

02/02/22

PACES training in Burma/Myanmar

An RCP team led by Dr Steve Jones (Associate International Director for the Asia Pacific region) travelled to Yangon last month to run two training courses aimed at supporting junior doctors preparing to take the MRCP(UK) PACES exam.

11/11/25

'Doctors are being asked to do the impossible': Royal College of Physicians warns NHS staffing vacancies are contributing to longer hospital stays and waiting lists

83% of consultant physicians say rota gaps are directly impacting patient care, while resident doctors say ‘the system is broken and we’re burning out trying to fix it’.

02/02/22

Fourth PACES training course delivered in Burma/Myanmar

A team of representatives from the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has delivered two training courses aimed at supporting junior doctors preparing to take the MRCP(UK) PACES exam in Yangon.

27/07/22

RCP partners with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to launch Diploma in UK Medical Practice

The RCP and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) have launched the Diploma in UK Medical Practice (DipUKMP), a professional diploma open to all international trainees working in an NHS trust as part of the RCP’s Medical Training Initiative (MTI).

02/02/22

Three royal colleges deliver clinical and communication skills courses in Mandalay

A team made up of representatives from the Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP), the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) is in Mandalay, Burma/Myanmar, this week to deliver two intensive clinical and communication skills courses aimed at supporting Burmese trainees preparing to take the MRCP(UK) PACES exam.

02/02/22

Three royal colleges return to Yangon for PACES training

In the sixth visit of its kind since 2014, a joint Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow team travelled to Yangon, Burma/Myanmar to deliver two intensive PACES training courses.

01/11/22

AI and healthcare: Gathering and interpreting data in the future

With the advent of diagnostics, treatment and artifical intelligence in the health sector, Huw Llewelyn MD discusses the challenges facing the medical profession, particularly in assessing these new interventions when randomised control trials (RCTs) are impractical.

21/12/22

The ‘duty to refer’: why the CQC should review their inspection regime

Sir Ian Kennedy calls upon the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to add compliance with statutory duties regarding homelessness to regimes for inspecting hospitals.

11/11/25

Spotlight on local innovation: supporting IMGs across Buckinghamshire

In the first of our new Spotlight on local innovation series of articles, we hear from colleagues at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust where a structured and compassionate programme is helping international medical graduates (IMGs) to settle, thrive and progress. Dr Aslihan Tapan, a medical education fellow at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, explains what they’ve achieved so far.

16/08/22

It’s not over | eradicating racism | sequelae of COVID-19

In a non-COVID world this week I would have been musing on the upcoming Olympics and discussing the blue skies of summer holidays. Both seem a world away, and while UK ED admissions are back up to 85% of pre-COVID levels and the weekly ONS data show that excess deaths have now fallen to below 2019 levels, life feels anything but normal.

08/11/22

Regional adviser: Dr Claire Cullen (2015–2021)

In this blog, Dr Claire Cullen, former RA 2015–2021, shares her experience of being a regional adviser in Merseyside.

11/02/22

RCP fellows and members receive Queen’s Birthday Honours

Many fellows and members of the RCP were included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021, including several receiving well-deserved recognitions for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

16/06/22

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19

While the vaccine programme continues its rollout and COVID-19 cases are now fortunately in decline, the pandemic has had tragic consequences for our physician family.

13/11/25

Public unaware of the health harms of air pollution, warns Royal College of Physicians

The RCP has called for a UK wide public health campaign about air pollution, as new findings show that the majority of the British public are in the dark about the health harms linked to poor air quality including dementia, stroke, heart disease and poor foetal health.

16/08/22

Royal College of Physicians appoints first female registrar in over 500 years

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Professor Cathryn Edwards as its new registrar. The first woman to hold the post in over 500 years.

13/11/25

RCP Virtual Poster Competition 2025 720X500px

RCP announces the winners of the virtual poster competition for 2025

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 virtual poster competition, which celebrates the achievements of medical students, foundation doctors and resident doctors across the UK.

16/08/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians appoints first female registrar in over 500 years

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has appointed Professor Cathryn Edwards as its new registrar. The first woman to hold the post in over 500 years.

02/02/22

Support for health workers in Burma/Myanmar

Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK call for staff to be allowed to do their jobs.

23/02/22

Safety is the priority as we welcome people back into RCP buildings

COVID-19 updated government guidance 21 February 2022In the interest of your own and other attendees’ health and safety, we continue to encourage people using our facilities to take a lateral flow test before attending. If the test is positive or you are feeling unwell, please do not to visit or attend an event at the RCP.

15/11/22

Where did all the asthma and COPD go?

As Professor John Hurst takes over as senior clinical lead for the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme, he reflects on the current state of care for these common diseases and sets out his priorities for the programme.

15/09/22

This Doctor Can: Dr Yasmin Jeelani Drabu

In her blog post for South Asian Heritage Month, Dr Yasmin Jeelani Drabu talks about the discrimination she’s faced during her career in the NHS.

16/08/22

RCP welcomes third primary dose vaccination for vulnerable patient groups

The RCP welcomes new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on a third dose vaccination for those with severe immunosuppression.

15/09/21

Powerful stories make the case for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities

Over 90 senior representatives of the Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) have written to the Prime Minister calling for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities.

31/01/22

Announcing the 2021 Turner-Warwick lecturers

The Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme provides a sense of pride, builds confidence and gives encouragement to trainees across the UK. The scheme not only underlines the value trainees bring to healthcare, but also fosters skills like public speaking and how to package information for diverse medical audiences.

17/09/25

Highlighting infant safety on World Patient Safety Day

As the recently appointed RCP clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards, I was pleased to learn that the World Health Organization theme for World Patient Safety Day 2025 is ‘patient safety from the start’.

08/09/22

This Doctor Can: what it means to be an immigrant working in the NHS

During the pandemic, clinical oncology registrar Dr Asadullah Anees Khan was struck by how many immigrant NHS doctors tragically died from COVID-19, and how their stories and experiences were only gaining recognition after their deaths. He resolved to set about changing this, and to create a space for the stories of NHS staff from all over the world, told on their own terms.

14/11/25

‘Bottlenecks in medical training reflect a long-term failure of workforce planning’: why the next NHS workforce plan must deliver lasting change

This week, the RCP welcomed over 400 doctors to Regent’s Park for our autumn annual conference, Med+ 2025. With over 1000 people also joining us online, the 2-day event was a celebration of clinical excellence. On Wednesday, a wide-ranging breakfast Q and A session between Resident Doctor Committee (RDC) deputy chair Dr Max Thoburn and RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel brought sharp focus to the urgent issues facing resident doctors.

14/02/22

Supporting patients needing emergency and urgent care

The RCP and the Getting It Right First Time programme (GIRFT) have published a statement which sets out how best to support patients who present with emergency and urgent medical care needs.

11/01/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians museum reopens to the public

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is opening its museum doors to the public.

26/11/21

RCP museum reopens to the public

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCP is opening its museum doors to the public.

18/01/22

Myfyrdodau tymhorol | Adolygiad blynyddol Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon yng Nghymru

Wrth imi gyrraedd diwedd fy ail flwyddyn fel is-lywydd yr RCP yng Nghymru, a fy mlog olaf am eleni, mae’n bleser cael cyflwyno crynodeb o’r gwaith a wnaed gan eich tîm yn RCP Cymru Wales yn ystod 2021.

16/12/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Migration Advisory Committee recommendation

The RCP has responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC’s) annual report in which it recommends making care workers immediately eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa and placing the occupation on the Shortage Occupation List.

05/01/22

RCP appoints new director of Medical Workforce Unit

Dr Sarah Logan, consultant in infectious diseases and general medicine has been appointed as Director of the RCP’s Medical Workforce Unit (MWU).

02/02/22

RCP appoints new SAS lead

Dr Jamie Read, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, has been appointed as lead for staff, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors.

06/01/22

RCP responds to the Health and Social Care Committee's report on clearing the backlog

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s report, ‘Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic’.

06/01/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to the Health and Social Care Committee's Report on clearing the backlog

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s report, ‘Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic’.

17/01/22

Overall winner named for 2021 RCP Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme

Dr Rajna Golubic, 2021 Turner-Warwick lecturer for the Eastern region, was chosen as the overall winner of the 2021 scheme.

02/12/22

This Doctor Can: widening access to career opportunities

Dr Kav Davoudi came to the UK as a teenager, having never been on a plane without his parents before and with very little grasp of the English language. The challenges he faced as an international medical trainee in the UK led him to set up an online community to support medical students and doctors with their careers.

11/03/22

Fellowship proposals invited for submission to July council

As we continue to roll out the new RCP fellowship election process, we are now inviting proposals and self-proposals for submission to July council.

12/01/22

One in five doctors feels overwhelmed at work every day

The RCP’s fourteenth survey of members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence is now falling, but it follows a period in which most felt overwhelmed on at least one occasion.

12/01/22

Press release: One in five doctors feels overwhelmed at work every day

More than two thirds of doctors (69%) have felt overwhelmed at least once while at work in the past 3 weeks, according to a survey by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

18/01/22

Case numbers | hospitalisation and mortality | self-isolation | mandatory vaccination

I marvel at the rapidity of change in our situation with respect to COVID-19 and the past fortnight has not disappointed. I hesitate to say that sunlit uplands are now visible, but the darkened skies are definitely lightening and certainly the media are stressing the positives. I will endeavour not to be too much of a party pooper but the results of our latest survey a week ago suggest that all is not well in the NHS.

18/01/22

COVID-19 survey results | mandatory vaccination | PPE | boosters

The steady march of Omicron across the UK continues, although there are some glimmers of hope in the data. There have been increasing numbers of healthcare workers (including regular readers of this bulletin) who have contracted COVID-19 and this is taking its toll on services, especially in London. Over the weekend we conducted a brief survey to see where we are at as physicians, which I will reference throughout this bulletin.

18/01/22

Hospital COVID-19 cases | sickness rates | Nightingales

Happy 2022! Christmas aside, the 2 weeks since my last bulletin have been ‘testing’ for the NHS and for me personally. Apart from the issues with access to PCR tests and lateral flow devices (LFDs), much has been said in the media about the current Omicron wave that needs a little sense checking and I will start with that.

18/11/25

Outpatient transformation key to reducing waiting lists, Royal College of Physicians says in response to Public Accounts Committee report

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Public Accounts Committee’s report Reducing NHS Waiting Times for Elective Care, which examines why key recovery targets have been missed despite investment.

27/01/22

Educating, improving and influencing for better health and care – RCP launches 3-year strategy

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced a new strategy with three main priorities: educating physicians and supporting them to fulfil their potential; improving health and care and leading the prevention of ill health across communities; and influencing the way that healthcare is designed and delivered.

26/01/22

RCP Museum receives Art Fund award

The RCP Museum has been awarded £8,770 from the Art Fund’s Reimagine grants to support the museum’s public engagement work during 2022.

29/01/22

RCP vice president for Wales: Cautious optimism | election fever | are closer to home

RCP vice president for Wales, Dr Olwen Williams discusses our new report on 'hospital at home' in Wales, invites doctors to join our new SAS network, and looks ahead to the Six Nations.

29/01/22

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Llygedyn o obaith | cyffro cyn etholiad | gofal yn nes at adref

Dr Olwen Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod ein hadroddiad newydd ar 'ysbyty gartref' yng Nghymru, yn gwahodd meddygon i ymuno â'n rhwydwaith SAS newydd, ac yn edrych ymlaen at y Chwe Gwlad.

31/01/22

RCP Cymru Wales calls for investment in ‘hospital at home’ services and social care to keep patients at home for longer

The RCP has launched a new report calling for investment in ‘hospital at home’ services that provide specialist medical care in the community across Wales. These teams can help to reduce hospital admissions, get people home more quickly, and improve the quality of patient care.

02/02/22

Parliament debates health inequalities

The RCP, as convenor of the Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA), has used a parliamentary debate to highlight the need for a cross-government strategy to reduce avoidable differences in health between different parts of the country and within or between different communities.

01/02/22

RCP marks a dangerous year in Myanmar

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is one of several royal colleges lighting up their buildings in red today, the first anniversary of the deadly coup in Burma/Myanmar, in a moment of solidarity and remembrance for health workers in the country who have risked, and lost, their lives to provide care.

01/02/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to government decision to open consultation on mandatory vaccinations

The RCP has responded to the announcement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, that the government will open a new consultation on whether to scrap mandatory vaccinations for health and care staff.

01/02/22

RCP responds to government decision to open consultation on mandatory vaccinations

The RCP has responded to the announcement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, that the government will open a new consultation on whether to scrap mandatory vaccinations for health and care staff.

04/02/22

Become a Garden Fellow

The RCP is looking for a small number of additional garden fellows to join the existing group who lead tours of its renowned medicinal garden at Regent’s Park in London, and whose duties include contributing to publications, lectures, podcasts and the garden’s website.

03/02/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health Foundation and Ipsos polling on public view of government’s NHS policies

The RCP has responded to polling by the Health Foundation and Ipsos showing that only 12% of the UK public agree their government has the right policies for the NHS.

03/02/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Levelling Up White Paper

The RCP has responded to the government’s Levelling Up White Paper.

03/02/22

RCP responds to Health Foundation and Ipsos polling on public view of government’s NHS policies

The RCP has responded to polling by the Health Foundation and Ipsos showing that only 12% of the UK public agree their government has the right policies for the NHS.

03/02/22

RCP responds to Levelling Up White Paper

The RCP has responded to the government’s Levelling Up White Paper.

08/02/22

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS Elective Recovery Plan

RCP responds to today's publication by NHS England of a delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care.

08/02/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS Elective Recovery Plan

RCP responds to today's publication by NHS England of a delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care.

09/02/22

NHS Elective Recovery Plan: Having enough staff to meet demand

RCP president Andrew Goddard discusses the NHS Elective Recovery Plan.

10/02/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Integration White Paper

The RCP has responded to the Integration White Paper

10/02/22

RCP responds to Integration White Paper

The RCP has responded to the Integration White Paper.

23/02/22

RCP fellow appointed honorary CBE

Congratulations to RCP fellow Professor Cheng-Hock Toh who has been appointed as an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his services to haematology and medicine.

15/02/22

RCP responds to NHS Race and Health Observatory report

The RCP has responded to the NHS Race and Health Observatory’s report on Ethnic Inequalities in Healthcare.

25/02/22

RCP vice president for Wales: rainbows | RCP elections | a view from west Wales

In this month’s blog, Dr Olwen Williams offers solidarity with colleagues in the LGBT+ community and introduces the first of our guest bloggers, Dr Sam Rice, RCP regional adviser for south-west Wales.

25/02/22

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: enfys | etholiadau coleg | meddyliau o orllewin Cymru

Yn y blog y mis hwn, mae Dr Olwen Williams mewn undod â chydweithwyr yn y gymuned LGBT+ ac yn cyflwyno ein blogiwr gwadd cyntaf, sef Dr Sam Rice, cynghorydd Rhanbarthol De Cymru ar gyfer Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon.

23/02/22

Royal College of Physicians responds to Health Foundation report on government policies for tackling the leading risk factors driving ill health

The RCP has responded to the Health Foundation’s report calling for the government to take stronger action to tackle the leading risk factors for ill health.

31/05/22

RCP launches its first formal SAS doctor strategy

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today launched its first formal SAS doctor strategy. The new strategy, spanning 2022–24, sets out how the RCP will ensure SAS doctors are treated equitably within the RCP; are offered tailored opportunities that recognise their unique contributions to healthcare settings; and are provided with a platform to develop fulfilling careers.

05/04/22

Meet the candidates standing for president 2022

On Wednesday 2 March the seven candidates standing for president took part in a hustings event designed to increase engagement in the forthcoming election.

02/03/22

RCP responds to government amendments on health inequalities and research

Ahead of today's debate in the House of Lord's on the Health and Care Bill, the RCP has issued a statement in response to amendments laid by Minister Lord Kamall on health inequalities and research.

04/03/22

RCP calls for more investment in services for people living with obesity in England

On World Obesity Day 2022, the Royal College of Physicians is calling for ‘a National Obesity Prescription for England’ to improve care and reduce prevalence.

03/03/22

RCP urges Peers to vote for stronger workforce planning in the Health and Care Bill

The RCP is one of 100 health and care organisations backing an amendment for stronger workforce planning tabled by Baroness Cumberlege, Lord Stevens of Birmingham, Baroness Thornton and Baroness Walmsley. Ahead of this amendment being debated today, the RCP has issued a statement urging peers to speak in support of and vote for the amendment.

04/03/22

RCP Global – supporting women in healthcare globally to unleash their potential

RCP Global is working in collaboration with the RCP Education team to launch a pilot Global Women Leaders Programme. The programme aims to address the imbalance in leadership opportunities for women in healthcare globally.

03/03/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians warns the UK is facing a crisis in care for older people

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is warning that a combination of a rapidly ageing population and a lack of NHS workforce planning means we are sleepwalking into an avoidable crisis of care for older people. Unless government commits to publishing regular assessments of the number of staff needed to deliver care, the NHS will be flying blind on staffing.

04/03/22

Royal College of Physicians responds to Lord's vote to require publication of health and care workforce numbers

The RCP has responded to the news that members of the House of Lords have voted to require the regular publication of health and care workforce projections.

08/03/22

RCP premieres new hard-hitting documentary on obesity

A third of the country does not have access to obesity treatment, says the RCP in a new hard-hitting documentary about the growing obesity crisis and how to tackle it.

04/03/22

Press release: People living with obesity face postcode lottery of care, says Royal College of Physicians

A third of the country does not have access to obesity treatment, says the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in a new hard-hitting documentary about the growing obesity crisis and how to tackle it.

08/03/22

Leading the way with women

This International Women’s Day the RCP is celebrating the role of women in leadership and highlighting some of the steps it is taking to support and encourage women to become healthcare leaders here in the UK and globally.

08/03/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care's vision for healthcare reform

The RCP has responded to Sajid Javid's speech setting out his plans to recover and reform the NHS.

09/03/22

RCP responds to NHS England announcement of a new community pharmacist service to support patients to stop smoking

The RCP has responded to NHS England’s announcement that every pharmacy in England will be able to offer stop smoking support to patients when they are discharged from hospital.

09/03/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England announcement of a new community pharmacist service to support patients to stop smoking

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to NHS England’s announcement that every pharmacy in England will be able to offer stop smoking support to patients when they are discharged from hospital.

17/03/22

The Medical Class of 2021: Post CCT survey is live and available to complete #PostCCTSurvey

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians in collaboration with the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board launched the Medical Class of 2021 - Post CCT survey on 7 February. This survey was sent to all doctors in the medical specialties in the UK gaining a CCT in 2021. The responses we receive back help us understand what works, what needs to change, what makes a difference when applying for a substantive post and how we can better support trainees through this time of transition.

17/03/22

The road to recovery is paved with good prevention

As the Secretary of State said in his speech at our London building last week, the challenges facing the NHS today are significantly different from those in 1948.

24/03/22

Vote for the next RCP president, clinical vice president and Councillors

Fellows, don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of the RCP and physician voice in health and care policy.

29/03/22

RCP and British Pharmacological Society report calls for personalised testing for safety and effectiveness of common medicines to be offered throughout the NHS

Testing patients for genetic variations that affect how their body will respond to common medicines must be integrated fully, fairly and swiftly into the NHS, according to a report published by the RCP and the British Pharmacological Society.

29/03/22

Over 100 health organisations sign open letter to the Prime Minister urging him to strengthen workforce planning Health and Care Bill

Over 100 health and care organisations, including the Royal College of Physicians, behind the #StrengthInNumbers campaign have signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to accept the Lords’ amendment to the Health and Care Bill that will guarantee independent assessments of how many health and social care staff we need now and in future.

31/03/22

Language matters | Physician associates | Wales Update in medicine 2022

This month, Dr Olwen Williams uses her blog to reflect on the importance of the language we use, the upcoming Faculty of Physicians tour dates in Wales and she introduces this month’s guest blogger, Dr Hilary Williams. There’s also a reminder for RCP fellows: please remember to vote in the 2022 election!

30/03/22

RCP responds to King's Fund and Nuffield Trust analysis of British Social Attitudes Survey

The RCP has responded to analysis of the 2021 British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) published today by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust showing that satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level since 1997.

01/04/22

Medicine 2022: Secretary of state Sajid Javid in interview with RCP president

Secretary of state for health and social care Sajid Javid MP acknowledged that the NHS needs ‘more people at all levels’ in an interview with RCP president Dr Andrew Goddard on the first day Medicine 2022, the RCP’s annual conference.

30/03/22

Press release: RCP responds to King's Fund and Nuffield Trust analysis of British Social Attitudes Survey

The RCP has responded to analysis of the 2021 British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) published today by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust showing that satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level since 1997.

31/03/22

Pwysigrwydd yr iaith a ddefnyddiwn | meddygon cyswllt | Diweddariad ym maes meddygaeth Cymru 2022

Y mis hwn, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn defnyddio ei blog i fyfyrio ar bwysigrwydd yr iaith a ddefnyddiwn, dyddiadau taith Cyfadran y Meddygon a fydd yn digwydd cyn hir yng Nghymru, ac mae'n cyflwyno blogiwr gwadd y mis, sef Dr Hilary Williams. Yn ogystal, mae’r blog yn atgoffa cymrodyr Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon i bleidleisio yn etholiad 2022!

31/03/22

This Doctor Can: Transgender Day of Visibility

To mark Transgender Day of Visibility, GP Dr Christine Mimnagh talks about the importance of transgender healthcare and education.

31/03/22

RCP responds to Commons consideration of Lords’ amendments to the Health and Care Bill

The RCP has responded to MPs voting to remove Lords’ amendment 29 which would have required published independent assessments of current and future workforce numbers based on projected patient demand.

16/08/22

A round-up of news from the opening day of Medicine 2022

This year’s RCP annual conference opened with a session from Professor Chris Whitty, in which he discussed the relative roles of the state, the medical profession and the individual in improving public health.

01/04/22

A round-up of highlights from the second day of Medicine 2022

The second day of Medicine 2022 opened with a talk from Professor Trish Greenhalgh, who discussed approaches to policymaking.

05/04/22

COVID cases | staff sickness | Ukraine | variants

Two years on from the first UK lockdown, COVID-19 is the gift that keeps on giving and the war in Ukraine continues to send shockwaves across the world. It all stops making sense at times, but I will try and summarise where we are at on both as well as some lesser matters of the moment.

05/04/22

Self-isolation | variantwatch | elective care recovery plan

It has been a worrying 2 weeks with political posturing both within the UK and on the wider world stage. Like many, I am watching the events in Ukraine with trepidation and memories of the cold war and ‘Threads’ (that’ll date me) have come flooding back. The winter Olympics seem oddly distant and irrelevant in view of other world events and climate change.COVID-19 continues to affect all we do in health services and even though some politicians and parts of the public want us to ‘forget and move on’, the virus and the damage it has wrought remain the main topics of this week’s bulletin.

05/04/22

Ukraine | medical students | COVID-19 infections | death rates | RCP elections

In the UK spring is straining at the leash, with brighter mornings and shoots of green beginning to appear in the beds and hedgerows. The world is not showing such a positive direction of travel and there is not much cheer to be had in the news each day. There is much to discuss.

06/04/22

RCP responds to latest House of Lords vote in favour of workforce amendment to the Health and Care Bill

Last night (5 April) the House of Lords considered the latest amendments to the Health and Care Bill. During the debate Peers voted in favour of an amendment tabled by Baroness Cumberlege that would require the government to publish regular assessments of workforce numbers, which is supported by over 100 health and care organisations including the RCP.

07/04/22

CMO gives keynote address at RCP Medicine 2022

Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, was the opening speaker at Medicine 2022. Professor Whitty gave a wide-ranging talk on the relative roles of the state, the medical profession and the individual in improving public health.Shared below is a summary of the key points from the presentation.

14/04/22

Professor David Oliver wins RCP presidential election

David Oliver has been elected the 122nd president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). He will take over from current president, Dr Andrew Goddard, on 13 September 2022, and serve a 4-year term.

21/04/22

The green shoots of spring | a new president | 6 goals for urgent care

Spring is a time to be joyous, thanks to the warmer weather, trees covered with blossom, lambs gambolling in the fields and a plethora of wildflowers. It’s a time of renewal, regeneration and celebration.

21/04/22

Medical royal colleges publish joint call for urgent action on health and care workforce, inequalities and waiting lists ahead of 2022 Stormont election

On behalf of hundreds of doctors in Northern Ireland, the three UK Royal Colleges of Physicians have come together to launch an action plan for the next Northern Ireland executive.

20/04/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians opens new exhibition exploring satire in medicine

The Royal College of Physician’s (RCP's) new exhibition - A taste of one’s own medicine - explores the enduring appeal of satirical images, and how doctors have been ridiculed, reprimanded and maligned for centuries.

21/04/22

Y gwanwyn yn blaguro | llywydd newydd | 6 nod ar gyfer gofal brys

Mae’r gwanwyn yn gyfnod o lawenydd, diolch i’r tywydd cynhesach, blodau ar y coed, ŵyn yn prancio yn y caeau a llu o flodau gwyllt. Mae’n gyfnod o adnewyddu, adfywio a dathlu.

21/04/22

RCP elects new clinical vice president and four new councillors

Dr John Dean has been elected as the RCP's new clinical vice president following a vote by over 2,758 of the RCP’s fellows. He will succeed Dr Sarah Clarke in the role.

21/04/22

This Doctor Can: training as a physician while awaiting a kidney transplant

Dr Abi Gupta, a consultant geriatrician in the West Midlands, was placed on the kidney transplant list just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK. Here, he tells his story of training to become a consultant while battling life-threatening illnesses.

22/04/22

‘A lack of NHS staff will continue to limit COVID-19 recovery plans’

RCP Cymru Wales launches findings from recent work with specialty (SAS) doctors and calls on health boards to take a fresh approach to filling hospital rota gaps and bringing down waiting lists.

26/04/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians publishes new guidance on the diagnosis of fibromyalgia

New guidelines aiming to support clinicians in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have been published by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

26/04/22

RCP publishes new guidance on the diagnosis of fibromyalgia

The RCP has published new guidelines aiming to support clinicians in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

28/04/22

RCP responds to the Health and Care Bill passing

The RCP has commented on the passing of the Health and Care Bill which has now received Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament.

03/05/22

O’Donoghue Wall names to be unveiled as donations invited

The RCP will this month unveil the O’Donoghue Wall names in its Liverpool home, The Spine, and is encouraging donations to the fundraising appeal established to support its work there.

04/05/22

This Doctor Can: the power of mentorship

Dr Brian Wang, a foundation year 1 doctor and RCP Student and Foundation Doctor Network representative for London, credits much of his professional development and achievements to the incredible mentors he had growing up. In this piece he explains why that very experience led him to set up a mentoring initiative for young people considering a career in medicine.

06/05/22

New exhibition of medical satire opens and could feature your artwork

‘A taste of one’s own medicine; medical satire at the Royal College of Physicians’ opened on 3 May at the RCP in Regent’s Park, London.The public exhibition explores the ridiculed and reviled in the RCP’s satirical print collection, and allows visitors to discover the complex social, political and historical stories contained within the images.

11/05/22

RCP responds to letter on enabling the workforce for elective recovery

In response to a letter from NHS England to NHS Trust leaders on ‘enabling the workforce for elective recovery’, the RCP has once again called for clear plans, regularly reviewed, to increase recruitment and improve retention of staff.

18/05/22

Sketch The Spine competition – winners announced!

Last year, we launched our Sketch The Spine competition to celebrate the opening of our new northern home in Liverpool. We invited children aged 4–11 to draw a picture of The Spine and we received fantastic artwork from across the country.

11/05/22

Press release: Photographer creates powerful photographic time capsule of COVID-19

A new exhibition documenting the lives of health and care staff at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is being unveiled at RCP at The Spine in Liverpool on 19 May.

11/05/22

COVID cases | variants | cost of living | hepatitis in children

The news that the NHS has been running short of bed linen this week would be worth a quip were it not a sign of how dire things are at the moment. I have been trying to find out why this issue has cropped up – sickness among laundry staff, supply chain issues and too many patients all spring to mind. Maybe someone has been literally cutting hospital corners…I have been a bit distracted over the past 2 weeks but hopefully haven’t missed too much. Here is where I see things as of today

11/05/22

COVID cases | NHS workforce | backlog | The Spine

This will be a relatively short bulletin as I am currently out of the UK and travelling between various AirBnBs, friends’ spare rooms and the occasional hotel. Despite my absence from the UK, the world has kept spinning and events have continued to happen. Here is my view from afar.

12/09/22

Photographer creates powerful time capsule of COVID-19

SELFLESS, a new exhibition documenting the lives of health and care staff at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, opens at RCP at The Spine in Liverpool on 19 May. The exhibition is open to the public from 19 May to 19 June (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm), after which it moves to the RCP at Regent’s Park in London from 1 July to December 2022. Entry is FREE.

16/05/22

Royal College of Physicians responds to Department of Health and Social Care's delaying of new laws to limit junk food marketing tactics

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to DHSC's announcement that they will delay implementing new laws designed to limit junk food marketing tactics.

17/05/22

Press release: Over half of Brits say their health has worsened due to rising cost of living

Over half of Brits (55%) feel their health has been negatively affected by the rising cost of living, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

08/09/22

When your home doesn’t meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard, it’s your health that suffers

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

16/05/22

RCP and FPA disappointed at further delay to regulation

The RCP and Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) have expressed disappointment that there is going to be a further delay to the legislation that will make Physician Associates (PAs) a regulated profession.

17/05/22

Over half of Brits say their health has worsened due to rising cost of living

Over half of Brits (55%) feel their health has been negatively affected by the rising cost of living, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the RCP.

18/05/22

Eliminating fuel poverty is vital to tackling health inequality

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

19/05/22

Keeping faith during the cost of living crisis

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

26/05/22

Members and Fellows Lounge now open at The Spine

RCP at The Spine, our new home in the north, now offers an exclusive lounge for members and fellows. Situated on the ninth floor, the space has impressive views of Liverpool and beyond, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine and access to charging points.

25/10/22

Trainee competition | cost of living | SWAN clinics

In this month’s blog, Dr Olwen Williams calls on trainees to enter the RCP’s poster competition, invites colleagues in north Wales to join us for a catch up in June, and looks forward spending time in the garden this summer.

26/05/22

Kidney health disparities – taking action

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

20/05/22

People who are homeless face some of the worst health outcomes. The cost of living crisis is only set to make this worse

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

16/09/22

The cost of living crisis and the right to health

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

21/05/22

The State of Ageing 2022 highlights shocking inequalities in later life

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

22/05/22

How employment impacts directly on health

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

22/05/22

People with cystic fibrosis may face a stark choice as the cost of living soars

This piece is part of a series of blog posts by members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance, highlighting the breadth of health inequalities that exist throughout society. #EverythingAffectsHealth

31/05/22

Cystadleuaeth ar gyfer hyfforddeion | costau byw | clinigau SWAN

Amser ‘plannu tu allan’ yw mis Mai. Mae’r hadau a blannwyd yn gynharach yn y flwyddyn yn awr yn blanhigion iach a byddan nhw’n darparu ein cartref gyda chyflenwad o lysiau a dail salad. Mae’r tŷ gwydr yn llawn o blanhigion tomatos, tsilis a phuprynnau ac rydw i’n freintiedig i gael yr amser a’r tir fel ei gilydd i dyfu fy mwyd fy hun.

24/05/22

Doctors should be supported by their employers to carry out work for the wider health system

A letter reminding employers to support doctors who contribute their time for the wider benefit of the health system has this week been sent to NHS chief executives and medical directors.

25/05/22

Monkeypox | COVID-19 | workforce | cost of living

I’m back from my travels outside of the UK and now travelling inside it. The first in-person regional update since pre-COVID times was in Liverpool last week and it was brilliant to see so many colleagues enjoying learning and meeting together. I also had to stand up in front of them in the traditional ‘open forum’. This week’s bulletin gives a good taste of the topics of the day that we talked about.It was a busy week at The Spine as we also opened SELFLESS, a photography exhibition sharing powerful images and stories of healthcare colleagues at the start of the pandemic, and unveiled the names of those who have generously donated to the O’Donoghue Wall. If you are in the area, both are worth a visit. SELFLESS will move to London in July.

26/05/22

RCP Global vice president – exploring global healthcare with HRH The Prince of Wales

RCP Global vice president, Dr Mumtaz Patel, attended a meeting with HRH The Prince of Wales, which explored the support that RCP Global and other royal colleges provide to refugees and asylum seekers who aim to continue working as healthcare professionals in the UK.

09/09/22

The Queen and the Royal College of Physicians

Her Majesty the Queen was the RCP's Visitor – the equivalent of a patron for other organisations, but a much older term reflecting the RCP’s heritage – and visited the organisation three times, most recently in 2018 to mark the RCP’s 500th anniversary.

31/05/22

RCP responds to Royal College of Emergency Medicine report ‘Beds in the NHS’

The RCP has responded to a new report by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine indicating that 13,000 staffed beds are required in the NHS across the UK to drive meaningful change and improvement.

08/06/22

RCP president Andrew Goddard knighted in Birthday Honours

Dr Andrew Goddard, president of Royal College of Physicians, has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

14/07/22

Responding to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak has raised new, urgent questions. On 30 May, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – which is leading the UK’s response – convened a webinar with the Royal College of Physicians for members and clinicians.

08/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Royal College of Emergency Medicine report ‘Beds in the NHS’

The RCP has responded to a new report by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine ‘Beds in the NHS’ showing that 13,000 staffed beds are required in the NHS across the UK to drive meaningful change and improvement.

08/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians president Andrew Goddard knighted in Birthday Honours

Dr Andrew Goddard, president of Royal College of Physicians (RCP), has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

09/06/22

RCP fellows receive Queen’s Birthday Honours

Many fellows of the RCP were included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022.

09/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Khan review into making smoking obsolete

The RCP has responded to an independent review by Dr Javed Khan OBE, setting out recommendations to support the government to meet its smokefree ambition by 2030.

14/06/22

Statement regarding RCP chief examiner role

We understand the concerns raised about the RCP chief examiner role currently being advertised and want to be clear what this role entails and requires.

12/09/22

Powerful photographs of health and care staff during COVID-19 on display at the Royal College of Physicians in London

A powerful exhibition documenting the lives of health and care staff at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic will be on show at the Royal College of Physicians in London from 1 July – 1 August 2022.

15/06/22

Royal College of Physicians responds to National Food Strategy

The RCP has responded to the publication of the government’s National Food Strategy.

15/06/22

Monkeypox | flu | emergency care | ICSs

The Platinum Jubilee weekend has been a bit of a distraction from all the bad news of late and if nothing else it has allowed us all to gauge what the UK thinks about its monarch (I think she’s wonderful), the royal family as a whole and, perhaps most tellingly, its prime minister.It is time, though, to take down the bunting, put the BBQ away (it may be a busy week for acute medics and gastroenterologists) and refocus on medicine. And in particular a very un-fun trio of zoonotic infections.

16/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Racism in Medicine report

The RCP has responded to the British Medical Association’s Racism in Medicine survey which asked UK doctors and medical students about their experience of racism in the medical profession and the workplace.

12/07/22

RCP responds to Racism in Medicine report

The RCP has responded to the British Medical Association’s Racism in Medicine survey which asked UK doctors and medical students about their experience of racism in the medical profession and the workplace.

16/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS monthly performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS monthly performance data.

16/06/22

RCP responds to NHS monthly performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS monthly performance data.

08/09/22

This Doctor Can: Pulmonary Rehabilitation Awareness Week

To mark Pulmonary Rehabilitation Awareness Week, Professor Sally Singh talks about her entry into the specialism and why it continues to be a highly valued intervention for people with chronic respiratory disease.

23/06/22

At the end of every rainbow | work–life balance | consultant appointments

Looking back at Pride month, Dr Olwen Williams, RCP vice president for Wales discusses visibility, inclusivity and diversity in medicine, and highlights upcoming RCP events in Cardiff.

23/06/22

Ym mhen draw pob enfys |cydbwysedd rhwng bywyd a gwaith | penodi meddygon ymgynghorol

Wrth edrych yn ôl ar fis Pride, mae Dr Olwen Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod gwelededd, cynwysoldeb ac amrywiaeth mewn meddygaeth, ac yn tynnu sylw at ddigwyddiadau RCP sydd ar ddod yng Nghaerdydd.

19/08/22

RCP launches acute care toolkit for people with a learning disability

The RCP has launched a new acute care toolkit aimed at all staff who work in acute medical units. It provides important and straightforward advice when treating patients with a learning disability who present as acutely unwell.

12/07/22

NHS services | COVID-19 | monkeypox | Clean Air Day

Once again I started this bulletin in a theatres coffee room during the antisocial hours of a weekend (those on calls come around way too fast). It was a busy weekend, so this bulletin will be a bit shorter than normal and has been written ‘in haste’. My hospital is full and the medical admissions unit seems more popular than ever, but at least I feel wanted and I know I am not alone. Here is what is happening in the world of medicine.

08/09/22

Dr Jamie Read becomes first SAS doctor appointed as a medical school dean in UK

RCP SAS lead Dr Jamie Read has been appointed to the post of dean of medical education and director of the Centre for Medical Education by Cardiff University, which he will be taking up from September 2022.

27/06/22

RCP calls for more ambitious air quality targets in response to DEFRA consultation

The RCP has called for the government to strengthen its proposed targets for improving air quality in its response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ consultation on environmental targets.

27/06/22

Senior health leaders say the government must set more ambitious targets to reduce the health impacts of air pollution

Leading health organisations, including the RCP, and those with lived experience have written an open letter to Minister Jo Churchill urging the Department to commit to reducing air pollution from PM2.5 to 10μg m-3 by 2030. The government’s proposal to reach 10μg m-3 by 2040 does not go far enough given the grave impacts on health.

28/06/22

Faculty of Physician Associates new president and vice president announced

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) has announced the results of its elections for president and vice president.

29/06/22

ClinMed’s impact factor rises to 5.41

The RCP is delighted that Clinical Medicine’s impact factor (for 2021 citations of content published in 2019 and 2020) has gone up from 2.66 to 5.41.

30/06/22

Launch of the UK COVID-19 inquiry

The RCP has responded to the official launch of the UK COVID-19 inquiry.

30/06/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians invites visitors to an evening of medical history and drama

The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP’s) theatrical summer event – A theatre of doctors: an evening of medical history and drama - will bring to life the satirical images on display in its current exhibition, A taste of one’s own medicine: medical satire at the RCP.

05/07/22

Leading hospital doctors call for urgent action to safeguard the future of the health service in Northern Ireland

On behalf of hundreds of doctors in Northern Ireland, the three UK royal colleges of physicians have come together to call on assembly members to take action to secure a multi-year budget for health and social care.

27/10/22

RCP responds to the appointment of Rt. Hon. Steve Barclay MP as secretary of state for health and social care

The RCP has today responded to Steve Barclay’s appointment as secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

11/10/22

Annual general meeting (AGM)/Comitia – Tuesday 13 September 2022

Fellows and members are encouraged to view the proceedings of the AGM with the caveat that the edit should not be circulated further. You can skip to relevant items at the timings below:

21/07/22

Annual general meeting (AGM) of fellows 2022

Notice is hereby given that the AGM will take place between 17.00-19.00hrs on Tuesday 13 September 2022.

12/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to timetable for the Conservative Party leadership contest

The RCP has responded to the timetable announced by the 1922 Committee for the Conservative leadership contest.

12/07/22

RCP responds to announcement of Conservative party leadership contest rules

The RCP has responded to the rules announced by the 1922 Committee for the Conservative leadership contest.

15/07/22

50 organisations in Wales come together to call for renewed cross-government action to tackle inequalities and ill-health

A new paper from the Welsh NHS Confederation Health and Wellbeing Alliance, in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), calls on the Welsh government to produce a cross-government plan to reduce poverty and tackle inequalities.

18/07/22

RCP publishes ethical guidance for endemic COVID-19

The RCP, with support from RCEM, RCGP, RCN, RCPE, RCPSG, RCPsych and RCSE, has published guidance for NHS staff negotiating the NHS ‘Road to Recovery’.

14/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians comments on latest NHS performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest monthly NHS performance data release on Thursday 14 July 2022.

14/07/22

RCP comments on latest NHS performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest monthly NHS performance data release on Thursday 14 July 2022.

14/07/22

Dr Rebecca D’Cruz on the Turner-Warwick lecturers

In this blog, Dr Rebecca D’Cruz – 2020 Turner-Warwick lecturer for London – speaks about what she gained from the scheme and her unique experiences with research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

15/07/22

Press release: Record number of physician jobs unfilled

More than half (52%) of advertised consultant physician posts in England and Wales went unfilled last year, according to a UK-wide census of doctors conducted by the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

18/07/22

RCP census finds record number of physician jobs unfilled

More than half (52%) of advertised consultant physician posts in England and Wales went unfilled last year, according to a UK-wide census of doctors conducted by the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

18/07/22

Statement from the RCP and Professor David Oliver

Professor David Oliver has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the presidency of the RCP, a role he was to commence in September when Sir Andrew Goddard steps down.

08/09/22

This Doctor Can: Professor Anton Emmanuel

For South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) 2022, Professor Anton Emmanuel, RCP medical director of publishing, talks about the importance of marking SAHM, and shares the story of his own Sri Lankan Tamil heritage.

19/07/22

2023 Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme for trainees is open

This scheme will appoint 14 trainee lecturers spanning the UK’s regions and nations, along with an overall winner.

19/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians comments on results of GMC national training survey

The RCP has commented on the publication of the General Medical Council’s national training survey.

19/07/22

RCP comments on results of GMC national training survey

The RCP has commented on the publication of the General Medical Council’s national training survey.

21/07/22

Health leaders urge Conservative leadership candidates to make health and care a priority

The RCP is one of several medical royal colleges and Faculties representing the full range of medical specialties across primary, public health and hospital care who have signed a joint statement urging the next Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative and Unionist party to make health and care a priority.

20/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to analysis of NHS workforce projections by the Health Foundation's REAL centre

The RCP has commented on the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre's analysis of NHS workforce supply and demand projections.

21/07/22

RCP appoints four new censors

The RCP has appointed four new censors.

21/07/22

RCP responds to analysis of NHS workforce projections by the Health Foundation's REAL centre

The RCP has commented on the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre's analysis of NHS workforce supply and demand projections, out today.

02/08/22

Dr Sarah Clarke announced as new RCP president

Dr Sarah Clarke has been announced as the 122nd president of the RCP, following an extraordinary meeting of RCP Council on Thursday 21 July.

22/07/22

Press release: Dr Sarah Clarke announced as new Royal College of Physicians president

Dr Sarah Clarke has been announced as the 122nd president of the RCP, following an extraordinary meeting of RCP Council on Thursday 21 July.

25/07/22

Update on PA and AA Regulation and Wider Regulatory Reform – Department of Health and Social Care latest position

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) and Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcome the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) updated position on Physician Associate (PA) regulation and wider regulatory reform.

25/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health and Social Care Committee workforce report

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s report following their inquiry into Workforce: Recruitment, Training, and Retention in Health and Social Care.

25/07/22

RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee workforce report

The RCP has responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s report following their inquiry into Workforce: Recruitment, Training, and Retention in Health and Social Care.

26/07/22

Why nominate someone for FRCP?

In this blog, RCP president Sir Andrew Goddard reflects on his time as a fellow and why he urges physicians to propose younger colleagues for FRCP.

28/07/22

Courage | GMC NTS results | Research funding

RCP vice president for Wales, Dr Olwen Williams highlights our new report on health inequalities in Wales and looks ahead to the excitement of our 2022 Wales membership ceremony which will be held in November.

28/07/22

Dewrder | Canlyniadau Arolwg Hyfforddi Cenedlaethol y Cyngor Meddygol Cyffredinol | Cyllid ymchwil

Dr Olwen Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn amlygu ein hadroddiad newydd ar anghydraddoldebau iechyd yng Nghymru ac yn edrych ymlaen at gyffro ein seremoni aelodaeth Cymru 2022 a gynhelir ym mis Tachwedd.

26/07/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Conservative Party leadership debate

The RCP has commented on the Conservative Party leadership debate aired by the BBC on Monday 25 July.

26/07/22

RCP responds to Conservative Party leadership debate

The RCP has commented on the Conservative Party leadership debate aired by the BBC on Monday 25 July.

27/07/22

COVID-19 cases | digital healthcare | global pathogens | moving on

Since my last bulletin there have been some seismic events that have thrown the political systems on both sides of the Atlantic into turmoil. The US Supreme Court decision to reverse Roe v Wade will set back women’s health in the US over half a century, and the plummeting of support for the UK government and industrial action by many groups implies the next few months will be anything but stable. Meanwhile the NHS slowly slips into terminal decline and various infections resurface to threaten a susceptible and weakened population across the globe. Let’s start with our old friend SARS-CoV-2.

02/08/22

RCP welcomes new appointments

The RCP is delighted to welcome all those taking up new appointments at the RCP including clinical vice president, four new censors and councillors, and president and vice president of the Faculty of Physician Associates.

08/08/22

Dr Ayodele Sasegbon on the Turner-Warwick lecturers

In this blog, Dr Ayodele Sasegbon – 2019 Turner-Warwick lecturer for the North Western region and overall winner for 2019 – speaks about his experiences with the RCP lecturer scheme and how it helped him finish his PhD thesis and beyond.

18/08/22

Dr Ken Baker on the Turner-Warwick lectures

In this blog, Dr Ken Baker – 2019 Turner-Warwick lecturer for the Northern region – talks about how the scheme for trainees helped him to stand out and still positively impacts his career today.

09/09/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England plan to boost capacity over winter

The RCP has responded to NHS England's plan for increasing capacity and operational resilience in urgent and emergency care ahead of winter.

15/08/22

RCP responds to NHS England plan to boost capacity over winter

The RCP has responded to NHS England's plan for increasing capacity and operational resilience in urgent and emergency care ahead of winter.

03/10/22

This Doctor Can: Dr Sarfraz Qureshi

In this piece for South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) 2022, Dr Sarfraz Qureshi describes how he came from humble beginnings in Pakistan before moving to Britain to work as an NHS doctor for over five decades.

17/08/22

COVID | monkeypox | workforce | air pollution and dementia

I hope that many of you read this bulletin late if it means you are on holiday and getting some well-deserved downtime. The thought of a bit of a break is certainly keeping me going as we don’t seem to be getting much of a reprieve from politics or NHS pressures. After this July the concept of ‘winter’ pressures will have been subsumed into the history books. I have been enjoying all the sport on at the moment and the positive light being shone on the Midlands via the Commonwealth games coverage. I’ll comment on the footie later.

17/08/22

RCP announces new membership benefit: RCP Launchpad

RCP Launchpad brings together information, tips and guidance into one resource to help new consultants and SAS doctors grow into excellent educators, trainers and autonomous medical practitioners.

17/08/22

Winter plan | workforce | heatwave | IT

August usually feels like a quiet month with fewer people around in both the hospital and the RCP. 2022 is determined to be different. NHS data show that while there may be fewer doctors in the hospital, the demand for services is unrelenting. UK and global politics haven’t got much quieter either and cybercriminals have been targeting the NHS. A drought has been declared in much of England and energy prices are spiralling up. One of the few positive things I can say is that at least the current COVID-19 wave is ebbing.

31/08/22

Cost of living | excess mortality | COVID testing

The August bank holiday has passed, welcome rain returned to many parts of the UK and autumn is on the way – although many of the trees have already shed leaves in an attempt to survive 2022. British political action and inaction have marked much of the past 2 weeks, and there have also been some devastating announcements about energy costs.

16/09/22

RCP loans artworks to major national anatomy exhibition

The RCP Museum has loaned two key artworks from the collection to feature in National Museums Scotland’s (NMS’) major exhibition, ‘Anatomy: a matter of death and life’. Edinburgh’s ‘must-see exhibition’ (The Times) charts a 500-year history of anatomical study in art and science.

05/09/22

RCP welcomes new NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework

NHS England has published the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), representing a significant shift in the way the NHS responds to patient safety incidents.

06/09/22

Test census toolkit

Test

21/11/25

Rising competition exposes flaws in specialty training selection, say early-career doctors

A new paper published in the Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) highlights how rapidly increasing competition for specialty training posts is exposing deep flaws in the current selection process for resident doctors – with potential consequences for fairness, workforce morale and patient safety.

13/09/22

RCP unveils COVID-19 memorial sculpture

The RCP has unveiled a sculpture to remember doctors who died having worked in the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/09/22

RCP responds to appointment of new secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to Dr Therese Coffey’s appointment as secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

05/10/22

Over two thirds of Brits worry about the impact of rising energy bills on their ability to stay warm and healthy at home this winter

New polling commissioned by the RCP has found that rising energy bills have led to over two thirds of Brits (69%) feeling more worried about their ability to stay warm and healthy at home this winter compared to last winter.

09/09/22

Her Majesty The Queen

The Royal College of Physicians is saddened at the death of its Visitor, Her Majesty The Queen.

13/10/22

RCP responds to latest NHS monthly performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS monthly performance data.

14/09/22

Dr Sarah Clarke becomes 122nd president of the RCP

Dr Sarah Clarke, a consultant cardiologist at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Cambridge, assumes the role from Sir Andrew Goddard, whose 4-year term as president has come to an end.

23/09/22

RCP responds to statement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to the statement by Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following publication of the government's plans for the NHS and social care.

26/09/22

RCP responds to fiscal statement

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng’s first fiscal statement.

21/11/25

‘Resident doctors feel undervalued’: Royal College of Physicians responds to GMC workforce report

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council’s State of medical education and practice in the UK: workforce report 2025.

26/09/22

Statement from PRCP in response to story in The Times

Responding to the story in The Times on Saturday 24 September 2022, RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke said:

14/10/22

Apology

Dear colleagues

27/09/22

RCP Cymru Wales releases new interview with Judith Paget, NHS Wales chief executive

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has today (Tuesday 27 September) released the latest in a series of video podcast interviews from Dr Olwen Williams, RCP vice president for Wales, in which she interviews senior leaders in the Welsh public sector about their vision for a healthier Wales.

21/11/25

Rapid response to BMJ investigation: Thousands of NHS doctors are trapped in insecure “gig economy” contracts

President of the RCP, Professor Mumtaz Patel, has issued a rapid response to a BMJ investigation revealing thousands of locally employed doctors are trapped in insecure "gig economy" contracts.

27/09/22

RCP responds to Labour's pledge to expand medical school places

The RCP has responded to the Labour party’s announcement that they will make the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history.

27/09/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians unveils COVID-19 memorial sculpture

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has unveiled a sculpture to remember doctors who died having worked in the COVID-19 pandemic.

21/11/25

Spotlight on local innovation: transforming stroke care at the Countess of Chester Hospital

In the latest of our Spotlight on local innovation series of articles, Dr Sam Sheppard, consultant physician in stroke and care of the elderly and RCP collegiate member writes about how stroke care has been transformed at the Countess of Chester Hospital in the northwest of England.

27/09/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to appointment of Dr Thérèse Coffey as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to Dr Thérèse Coffey’s appointment as secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

27/09/22

Press release: RCP responds to latest NHS monthly performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS monthly performance data.

27/09/22

Press release: Her Majesty The Queen

The Royal College of Physicians is saddened at the death of its Visitor, Her Majesty The Queen.

27/09/22

Press release: RCP responds to statement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to the statement by Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following publication of the government's plans for the NHS and social care.

27/09/22

Press release: RCP responds to fiscal statement

The RCP has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng’s first fiscal statement.

30/09/22

Press release: RCP responds to Labour's pledge to expand medical school places

The RCP has responded to the Labour party’s announcement that they will make the biggest expansion of medical school places in British history.

28/09/22

The times they are a-changin'

In this month’s blog, Dr Olwen Williams looks forward to the new member ceremony in Cardiff in November, discusses her latest video interview with Judith Paget, and welcomes a new regional adviser to the RCP Cymru Wales team!

28/09/22

‘My role as RCP college tutor is to create a culture of care and encouragement’

In this month’s guest blog, Dr Khalid Ali, consultant neurologist at the Grange University Hospital in south-east Wales reflects on the challenges of opening a new hospital during a pandemic and his decision to become RCP college tutor.

28/09/22

Mae newid ar y gorwel

Ym mlog y mis yma, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn edrych ymlaen at y seremoni i aelodau newydd yng Nghaerdydd ym mis Tachwedd, yn trafod ei chyfweliad fideo diweddaraf gyda Judith Paget, ac yn croesawu cynghorydd rhanbarthol newydd i dîm RCP Cymru Wales!

28/09/22

'Fy rôl fel tiwtor coleg RCP yw creu diwylliant o ofal ac anogaeth'

Ym mlog gwadd y mis yma, mae Dr Khalid Ali, niwrolegydd ymgynghorol yn Ysbyty Athrofaol y Grange yn ne-ddwyrain Cymru yn myfyrio ar yr heriau o agor ysbyty newydd yn ystod pandemig a’i benderfyniad i ddod yn diwtor coleg RCP.

05/10/22

Over 155 organisations urge Health and Social Care Secretary to publish health disparities white paper

Over 155 members of the Inequalities in Health Alliance (IHA) have signed a letter to Dr Thérèse Coffey ahead of Conservative party conference this weekend urging the secretary of state for health and social care to maintain the commitment to publishing a Health Disparities White Paper (HDWP) by the end of this year.

28/09/22

Press release: RCP responds to speech by shadow secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting at the Labour Party Conference 2022

The RCP has responded to the shadow secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, following his speech at the Labour Party Conference 2022.

05/10/22

RCP responds to speech by shadow secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting at the Labour Party Conference

The RCP has responded to the shadow secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, following his speech at the Labour Party Conference.

30/09/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS Providers survey on the impact of the rising cost of living

The RCP has responded to the findings of NHS Providers’ survey which examines the impact of the rising cost of living on NHS trusts, their workforce, patients and the communities they support.

30/09/22

RCP responds to NHS Providers survey on the impact of the rising cost of living

The RCP has responded to the findings of NHS Providers’ survey which examines the impact of the rising cost of living on NHS trusts, their workforce, patients and the communities they support.

21/12/22

RCP elections 2023 – Nominations are now open

Please note that further to the details below that nominations for the vice president for Wales and councillors have been extended until midday on Thursday 12 January 2023.

24/11/25

RCP visit to Ulster Hospital finds clinical innovation in the face of extreme system pressures

Senior leaders from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) visited Ulster Hospital in Belfast in November to hear directly from resident doctors, consultant physicians and specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors about the opportunities and challenges facing medical teams across South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT).

04/10/22

RCP obesity fellowship programme is now open

TBC

25/11/25

‘NHS must halve waiting lists to meet government 18-week target’, new study warns

A new study published in the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) shows that England’s elective waiting list must be cut by more than half – from the current 7.4 million to 3.4 million – to achieve the government’s target of 92% of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks for treatment.

05/10/22

RCP responds to speech by secretary of state for health and social care Dr Thérèse Coffey at the Conservative Party Conference

The RCP has responded to the secretary of state for health and social care Dr Thérèse Coffey's speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

12/10/22

Addressing colonial and exploitative histories in the RCP Archive, Heritage Library and Museum collections

October is Black History Month. In this blog the Archive, Heritage Library and Museum Services (AMS) team reflect on the racism, colonialism and other exploitative histories present in the collections, and how we are beginning to address these legacies. This post contains potentially distressing discussion of enslavement and historic medical experimentation.

25/11/25

‘We are moving in the right direction’: RCP publishes summary of November 2025 Council meeting

RCP Council met on 18 November to review progress across major workstreams, discuss the college’s strategic direction, and continue its focus on openness and engagement.

17/10/22

RCP sets out urgent workforce solutions to keep the NHS running

The RCP has warned that long waiting times in the NHS will become normalised unless the government acts immediately, as well as setting out credible long-term workforce solutions.

13/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to latest NHS monthly performance data

The RCP has responded to the latest NHS monthly performance data

26/11/25

Daily board rounds and redesigned rotas halve AMU length of stay in Frimley Park Hospital

A new paper published in the Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) describes how a structured quality improvement programme helped to bring one acute medical unit up to national standards.

13/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians sets out urgent workforce solutions to keep the NHS running

The RCP has warned that long waiting times in the NHS will become normalised unless the government acts immediately, as well as setting out credible long-term workforce solutions.

18/10/22

Improving medicine safety at hospital discharge; development of the guide

Patient and Carer Network member, Rebecca Harrison, talks about her experience of improving medicine safety through working with different stakeholders at the RCP.

25/11/25

‘Resident doctors are losing hope’: RCP president and Resident Doctor Committee co-chairs meet chief medical officer for England to advocate for action on specialty training recruitment bottlenecks

RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel and Resident Doctor Committee co-chairs Dr Stephen Joseph and Dr Catherine Rowan met with chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and NHSE medical director Professor Meghana Pandit this week.

21/11/22

Improving medicines safety at hospital discharge

Jen Flatman, medicines safety and governance pharmacist and former RCP medicines safety clinical fellow, discusses a resource to support people to continue to use their medicines safely once they leave hospital.

18/10/22

Patient safety; our priority every day of the year

Dr Amy Proffitt, RCP patient involvement officer, explores how the patient voice is represented in patient safety.

18/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to GMC workforce report

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council’s (GMC’s) workforce report - The state of medical education and practice in the UK.

18/10/22

RCP responds to GMC workforce report

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council’s (GMC’s) workforce report - The state of medical education and practice in the UK.

19/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians and National Institute for Health and Care Research call for research to be a core part of clinical care in new position statement

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have published a joint position statement on ‘Making research everybody’s business’.

21/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report

The RCP has responded to the Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care report.

21/10/22

RCP responds to Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report

The RCP has responded to the Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care report.

27/10/22

Compassion | Census | Supporting our SAS colleagues

In this month’s blog, Dr Olwen Williams, RCP vice president for Wales discusses compassionate leadership and urges fellows and members to complete the 2022 RCP census, before reflecting on the huge contribution of SAS doctors to the NHS workforce.

23/11/22

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians launches the 2022 census of UK consultants and SAS doctors #PhysicianCensus

Every year the Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow conducts a census with the aim of providing robust data on the state of the physician workforce in the UK. These census data help us plan for the future and is more important than ever, considering the effects of COVID-19 on the NHS.

26/11/25

RCP responds to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement

The RCP has today responded to the announcements affecting patients and clinicians made in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn financial statement.

26/10/22

Tosturi | Cyfrifiad | Cefnogi ein cydweithwyr SAS

Ym mlog y mis yma, mae Dr Olwen Williams, is-lywydd RCP Cymru yn trafod arweinyddiaeth dosturiol ac yn annog cymrodyr ac aelodau i gwblhau cyfrifiad RCP 2022, cyn myfyrio ar gyfraniad enfawr meddygon SAS i weithlu’r GIG.

21/12/22

Launch of SWAN (syndrome without a name) clinics

This month’s guest blog comes from Dr Jamie Duckers, a consultant in cystic fibrosis and respiratory medicine at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Here, he discusses recent Welsh government investment in ‘syndrome without a name’ (SWAN) clinics.

28/10/22

RCP publishes findings and recommendations from a senior stakeholder roundtable in Belfast

As Northern Ireland waits to find out whether a new Stormont election will be called, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published findings and recommendations following its recent president’s roundtable in Belfast.

27/10/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to the appointment of Steve Barclay as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to the appointment of the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

27/10/22

RCP responds to the appointment of Steve Barclay as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has responded to the appointment of the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

10/11/22

Royal College of Physicians publishes ‘Positives from the pandemic’ (1)

A new RCP Cymru Wales report highlights the importance of training doctors locally in north Wales as a solution to the workforce crisis.

18/11/22

Press release: Royal College of Physicians comments on announcement that UK government will miss deadline for setting environmental targets

The RCP has responded to the news that the government will miss the legal deadline for setting environmental targets.

28/10/22

RCP comments on announcement that UK government will miss deadline for setting environmental targets

The RCP has responded to the news that the government will miss the legal deadline for setting environmental targets.

04/11/22

Senior health leaders say the government must publish targets to reduce air pollution without delay

The Environment Act 2021 set a deadline of 31 October 2022 for the government to introduce a range of environmental targets to address environmental decline and its impact on human health in various areas, including air quality. The government failed to meet this deadline, as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed to parliament last week.

28/11/22

Press release: Leading health organisations urge government to publish environmental targets

Ten leading health organisations including the Royal College of Physicians, and those with lived experience, have written to Dr Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to implore the government to publish environmental targets as soon as possible.

21/12/22

Nominations open for two vice presidents and four members of Council

Please note that the nomination period for the roles of vice president for Wales (VPW) and elected councillors have been extended until midday, Thursday 12 January 2023. References to the original deadline of Friday 16 December 2022 below and on the nomination forms for these roles can be ignored.

18/11/22

Positives from the pandemic: ‘Some of the digital tools and innovative solutions will definitely stay with us’

Nobody really saw it coming. A pandemic on this scale caused huge challenges for those of us involved in medical education; we’re still seeing the impact of redeployment on our junior colleagues, in terms of training progression, fatigue and so forth. Educational supervisors no longer had time to meet with trainees, and when they did meet, all they’d ever seen were people with COVID-19, which didn’t make for a very well-rounded discussion at the time.

18/11/22

Thirty-six organisations come together to call on the Welsh government to publish its national workforce implementation plan for health and care

As the latest monthly NHS Wales waiting times for hospital treatment are published, 36 organisations from across health and social care, including royal colleges, charities, patient groups and professional bodies, have come together to sign a joint letter to the first minister, calling on the Welsh government to publish the long-awaited national workforce implementation plan for health and care.

16/11/22

Change | challenges | flexibility

It is tempting to say that the only thing that hasn’t changed since my last bulletin is just how much things have continued to change.

23/11/22

Over 100 health and care organisations call for staffing forecasts in the NHS long-term workforce plan

Over 100 health and care organisations, including the Royal College of Physicians, have signed a letter to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt in support of publishing the NHS long-term workforce plan in full – including assessments of how many staff will be needed to keep pace with demand.

25/11/22

‘We need a poverty action plan to fight health inequalities in Wales’

A new briefing from the Welsh NHS Confederation Health and Wellbeing Alliance and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) describes how the NHS, local government and third sector organisations across Wales are working to break down barriers and tackle health inequalities.

01/12/22

A vision for better bone health in Wales

Dr Inderpal Singh is a consultant geriatrician at the Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr hospital in south-east Wales, responsible for the Caerphilly falls and bone health service. As the national clinical lead for falls and frailty, he shares his vision for improving bone health through closer working between the Welsh government, health boards and the third sector.

14/12/22

Thinking outside the box: ‘Reducing length of stay makes a massive difference to patients’

Dr Nicholas Coles is a consultant in care of the elderly at Glangwili hospital (GGH) in Carmarthen. In this blog, taken from our recent report on innovation in west Wales, Thinking outside the box, he discusses how setting up a frailty unit at the front door has improved patient care.

08/12/22

RCP responds to the CMO’s annual report, focused on air pollution

The RCP has responded to England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Chris Whitty’s annual report which looks at ways to improve air pollution.

13/12/22

Hospitals and helping people experiencing homelessness this winter

The RCP and its partners are concerned that a significant number of people may find themselves homeless this winter. We can all help prepare for and respond to it.

09/12/22

Our Northern Ireland priorities

In her first special bulletin to RCP fellows and members in Northern Ireland, Dr Sarah Clarke looks back at a successful RCP Update in Belfast, the launch of our briefing paper, The time is now – 6 months on, and highlights plans for an online workshop with trainees in March 2023.

13/12/22

Rebuilding the NHS: Better medical pathways for acute care 2022

Urgent update, immediate priorities and recommendations from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) and the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM).

13/12/22

Workforce | winter | support

I don’t think any of us thought last month’s long-awaited autumn statement would solve all the challenges currently facing the NHS and indeed, number-crunchers were quick to point out that the extra £3.3 billion funding next year and the year after would be swallowed by inflation and other rising costs.

14/12/22

Thinking outside the box: Delivering lung cancer outpatient clinics in a rural and remote area

Dr Robin Ghosal is a consultant in respiratory medicine and clinical lead for lung cancer in Hywel Dda University Health Board. In this blog, taken from our recent report on innovation in west Wales, Thinking outside the box, he discusses how staffing shortages and growing waiting lists led to a new approach in how his team provides lung cancer clinics across a large rural area.

19/12/22

RCP responds to government confirmation of Environment Act targets

The RCP has responded to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ response to its public consultation on setting environmental targets required under the Environment Act 20.

28/11/25

Spotlight on local innovation: on-call ward allocations in Blackpool

Our new Spotlight on local innovation series of articles highlights the great stories we hear during our hospital visits. In this think piece, resident doctor Dr Bijan Yazdanian describes quality improvement work to improve on-call ward allocations at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He presented this work to the RCP president and senior officers at a college visit in October 2024.

08/01/21

Why we need a chief registrar

The Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust's Dr Susan Hayward highlights the key reasons for having a chief registrar.

13/01/21

Recognising research: how research improves patient care

Research active institutions help develop physicians and improve patient care, argues Dr William van’t Hoff and Dr Edwin Selvaratnam.

08/01/21

Finding power without authority: a chief registrar's guide

Dr Ruwani Rupesinghe, respiratory medicine trainee at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, shares her tips on leading change as a new chief registrar in a new trust.

04/02/21

Medicine Jobs: the RCP's new recruitment service for doctors

The RCP has launched Medicine Jobs, a new recruitment website advertising NHS vacancies for consultant, specialty and associate specialist (SAS), physician associate and trust grade posts.

14/07/21

Do you really believe in ME?

With many in the medical profession misunderstanding ME, Dr Nina Muirhead recounts her own experience with the illness and how it reshaped her understanding of it.

13/01/21

Delivering research for all: Professor Sahota's top tips

As part of the RCP's Delivering research for all series, Professor Opinder Sahota discusses how he got started in medical research, and shares his 'top tips' for those interested in getting involved.

13/01/21

Delivering research for all: Dr Tina Dutt's top tips

In the latest blog in our Delivering research for all series, Dr Tina Dutt discusses why she became involved with medical research and her top tips for those who want to do the same.

13/01/21

RCP Cymru Wales launches campaign to protect clinicians' time for research

Research is crucial to excellent patient care. Research-active hospitals have improved outcomes for patients and many doctors regard research as an important part of their job and a very positive experience.

13/01/21

"How things have changed!": A patient perspective on clinical research

As part of our week-long series on the crucial role that clinical research plays in the NHS, Keith Wilson, patient research ambassador at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, writes about his personal experience of research.

08/11/21

All RCP members and fellows gain new benefit from The BMJ

The RCP and the The BMJ have joined together to provide all RCP members and fellows with a 25% discount.

13/01/21

Research adrenaline junkie: how clinical research energised my career

As part of our week-long series on the crucial role that clinical research plays in the NHS, Dr Matthew Brookes, consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust talks about the transformational effect that clinical research has had on his career.

13/01/21

How Alder Hey hospital enabled research time for healthcare professionals

As part of our week-long series on the crucial role that clinical research plays in the NHS, Louise Shepherd CBE, chief executive, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital talks about how her hospital created a culture of research.

13/01/21

How district general hospitals can become more research-active: a trust CEO perspective

As part of our week-long series on the crucial role that clinical research plays in the NHS Simon Constable FRCP, chief executive, Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust talks about the benefits of clinical research on district general hospitals.

08/01/21

This Doctor Can: making positive changes to junior doctors’ lives

Dr Billy Cheung, former chief registrar at Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, talks about the changes he made during his time as chief registrar, and the learnings that got him there.

04/08/21

MRCP(UK) and other exams during the pandemic and advice on 2020 trainee progression

As a consequence of the ongoing global COVID-19 situation, the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK took the extremely difficult but necessary decision to cancel all MRCP(UK) examinations in the UK and internationally from Monday 16 March until September 2020. It has also issued new advice on trainee progression in 2020.

13/01/21

Clinical academics and COVID-19

As COVID-19 puts significant pressure on the NHS, many clinical academics are being asked, or requesting, to return to clinical duties to support patient care.On behalf of the major research funders and wider research community across the four nations (see full list below), we hope the following information and guidance is useful and provides reassurance. At the bottom of the page are separate links to further guidance from specific organisations.

03/12/21

CPR, personal protective equipment and COVID-19

We are aware that, as in the first wave, healthcare workers could be facing difficulties accessing the right PPE for caring for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

01/04/20

Ethical guidance published for frontline staff dealing with pandemic

The Royal College of Physicians has published ethical guidance for frontline staff dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by more than a dozen other royal colleges and health organisations.

02/07/21

What are we learning from the workforce about the impacts of COVID-19?

To date, the RCP has conducted three surveys of its members and fellows during COVID-19. The first on 1–2 April, the second on 22–23 April and the most recent one on 13–14 May.

02/07/21

COVID-19 and the workforce – what we’ve learned

The fourth survey of RCP fellows and members shows just how flexible the NHS workforce has been.

15/03/21

Wales inquiry into COVID-19 and BAME people reveals a number of key socio-economic and environmental risk factors

A report by the black and minority ethnic (BAME) COVID-19 expert advisory group has made more than 30 recommendations to the Welsh government to address the socio-economic and environmental risks to the BAME community.

13/01/21

Research in rural hospitals: the perks and pitfalls

Professor Kausik Chatterjee, consultant geriatrician and stroke physician at the Countess of Chester Hospital, tells us about the opportunities and challenges of being research-active in a rural hospital.

13/01/21

Clinical research in the time of COVID-19: Lessons from Dudley

In this article, Jeff Neilson, research director at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, and Gail Parsons, nurse research lead and deputy director of research, discuss the challenges of ensuring a strong research presence outside of a large teaching hospital setting and how they reacted to COVID-19 to improve their research output.

13/01/21

My flexible path into clinical research

Dr Elena Nikiphorou is a consultant rheumatologist at King’s College Hospital and an honorary/adjunct senior lecturer at King’s College London. Elena tells us how she got started in research without following a traditional academic path, the important role of mentoring and shares her advice for would-be researchers at any stage in their career.

13/01/21

The challenges and rewards of being a clinician researcher

Dr Pensée Wu is a senior lecturer at Keele University and honorary consultant obstetrician at University Hospital of North Midlands. Pensée tells us about the challenges of remaining research active after returning from maternity leave.

13/01/21

Work with us, not for us: improving patient access to research

How can research be made accessible and meaningful to patients, carers and lay people? The RCP’s Patient and Carer Network (PCN) outlines what exactly research participation means and why it’s so important, and the common pitfalls that make access and participation in clinical research difficult for patients and carers.

26/07/21

Welcome to our virtual new members ceremony

The RCP is pleased to introduce a series of virtual new members ceremonies. We know how important these ceremonies are to our diplomates, and appreciate how hard they have worked to get to this position today.

10/03/21

Our Turner-Warwick trainee showcase: a look back at past winners

With the 2021 Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme having just launched in all UK regions and nations, we thought this would be a good opportunity to look back at some of the previous winning projects and the trainee members who presented them.

13/01/21

Getting your work published

As a practising clinician, there are scores of questions that arise in a working week that we would like to know the answer to. Equally, there are as many things in our practice that we have learned and applied, which would be advantageous to share with our peers. This resource is intended to simplify the apparently complex process of manuscript writing.

13/01/21

Integrating research and clinical care: a winning formula

Professor Shaji Sebastian is a consultant gastroenterologist and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service lead clinician at Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust, and the gastroenterology specialty co-lead for the NIHR local clinical research network for Yorkshire and Humber. Here he outlines how the IBD service has successfully integrated research into clinical care.

30/09/21

RCP responds to the Spending Review

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard comments on the Chancellor’s announcement of government spending plans for the coming year.

15/03/21

College Day 2021 - including presidential election; 3-7pm, Monday 29 March 2021

Due to continued restrictions in England, this year’s College Day will take place virtually

25/02/21

The impact of halting trainee rotation during the first wave of COVID-19

Reflections and recommendations from #RCPjournalclub, 5 November 2020.

22/12/21

Christmas closure dates

The RCP is closed, apart from essential activity, from close of business on 23 December until 4 January 2022.

08/01/21

Death of RCP registrar Donal O'Donoghue

It is with enormous sadness that the Royal College of Physicians announces the death from COVID-19 of its Registrar, Professor Donal O’Donoghue.

07/01/21

RCP COVID-19 study provides early insight into pandemic hospital care

Preliminary findings from what is expected to be one of the largest reviews of hospital care delivered during the pandemic, currently being conducted by the RCP, have been presented at the organisation's Medicine 20121 conference.

07/01/21

Press release: RCP COVID-19 study provides early insight into pandemic hospital care

Preliminary findings from what is expected to be one of the largest reviews of hospital care delivered during the pandemic, currently being conducted by the RCP, were presented at the organisation’s Medicine 2021 conference today (7 January).

06/01/21

Update on potential sale of non-medical assets by the Royal College of Physicians

On 15 December 2020 the Board of Trustees (BoT) had further discussions about the RCP’s financial position, which like so many charities, has been impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/01/21

RCP publishes blueprint for reducing pressure on NHS workforce

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a blueprint for the doubling of medical school places that it considers essential to get the NHS workforce back on a sustainable footing over the next decade.

07/01/21

Remembering Donal | COVID-19 variants | vaccines | Brexit

It has also been a remarkably busy 3 weeks since my last bulletin: the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine has been authorised, a trade deal signed with the EU, most of the NHS in the UK is experiencing the busiest time in its history, Christmas and New Year’s Day passed as never before, and we have now gone into our third full lockdown in England.

27/11/25

Med+ highlights | workforce pressures | national advocacy

Med+2025 It was a pleasure to meet so many of you at our Med+ 2025 conference earlier this month. We heard inspiring keynote talks from Dr Birju Bartoli, CEO of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who shared her trust’s journey to become the top large acute trust in the NHS league tables, and Professor Kevin Fong, University College London, who explored the impact of AI on medicine.

07/01/21

Government removes red tape for doctors wanting to help with vaccination

The secretary of state for health and social care, Matt Hancock MP, has removed red tape that is stopping doctors returning to practice to help with COVID-19 vaccinations.

07/01/21

Medicine 2021: Good morning physicians

Medicine 2021 kicked off with a plenary session hosted by RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard, with guests Matt Hancock MP, Prerana Issar and Professor Eleanor Riley.

07/01/21

Medicine 2021: What have we learnt from COVID-19 research?

Day 1 of the RCP annual conference included a plenary session focusing on what we have learnt from COVID-19 research. The presentations were by Martin Landray, professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford, on lessons learnt from the RECOVERY trial, and Anthony Gordon, professor of anaesthesia and critical care, Imperial College London, on REMAP-CAP.

08/01/21

Medicine 2021: NHS Test and Trace – the next phase

On day 1 of the Medicine 2021 conference, Baroness Dido Harding, interim chair of the new National Institute for Health Protection, spoke about the next phase for the NHS Test and Trace service.

08/01/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians welcomes introduction of new COVID-19 treatments

RCP has responded to DHSC's announcement that two new drugs have been introduced to treat COVID-19 patients.

05/12/25

‘Our priority is to support resident doctors through an exceptionally challenging time’: RCP hosts webinar with free CPD exclusively for college tutors and associate college tutors

RCP college tutors (CTs) and associate college tutors (ACTs) joined a recent RCP webinar to hear updates on internal medicine training (IMT), higher specialty training and the wider reforms shaping postgraduate medical education, before taking part in an RCP education workshop on coaching skills.

08/01/21

Royal College of Physicians welcomes introduction of new COVID-19 treatments

RCP has responded to DHSC's announcement that two new drugs have been introduced to treat COVID-19 patients.

08/01/21

Medicine 2021 day 2: Good morning physicians

Opening day 2 of Medicine 2021, RCP academic vice president Cheng-Hock Toh chaired a discussion with guests Sir Michael Marmot, Dame Donna Kinnair, Dame Jane Dacre, William van’t Hoff and Stephen Holgate.

08/01/21

RCP responds to cancellation of IMT interviews 2021

The RCP is very sorry to hear the news that due to the pressures on the NHS from the current COVID pandemic, IMT interviews are cancelled.

08/01/21

Medicine 2021 plenary: COVID-19 vaccines – myths, mysteries, misinformation, myopia and miracles

Day 2 of the RCP annual conference concluded with a plenary session on COVID-19 vaccines by Dr Greg Poland, Mary Lowell Leary emeritus professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA, and editor-in-chief of the journal Vaccine.

11/01/21

Medicine 2021: Aligning prevention and care – challenges and opportunities for the health of the public

On day 2 of the RCP’s Medicine 2021 conference, Dame Anne Johnson, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London, gave a presentation covering the alignment of prevention and care.

11/01/21

Royal College of Physicians - Sunway - Cambridge Medical Seminars

Join us in a series of virtual seminars where our renowned international and Malaysian speakers will share their insights on a variety of topics across the geriatrics, vasculitis and oncology themes.

13/01/21

RECOVERY trial – research recruitment is more important than ever

Dr Ben Prudon, respiratory consultant at University Hospital of North Tees, reflects on the experience and impact of early involvement in the RECOVERY trial for patients with COVID-19.

18/01/21

Introducing the regional spotlight series

Our new spotlight series focuses on different regions and aims to share issues and examples of good practice raised among college tutors and associate college tutors (CTs and ACTs). A problem shared helps everyone to improve training and support all of our tutor community. This spotlight focuses on Wales.

16/01/21

Overall winner named for 2020 RCP Turner-Warwick lectures

The overall winner of the 2020 Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme has been announced.

04/12/25

RCP responds to chief medical officer’s annual report 2025 on infections

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the chief medical officer's annual report on infections.

18/01/21

Medicine 2021: Recognising obesity as a disease

On day 2 of the RCP’s annual conference Medicine 2021, Professor Rachel Batterham, professor of obesity, diabetes and endocrinology at University College London, gave a talk outlining our current scientific understanding of obesity and calling for its wider recognition as a serious and complex disease.

19/01/21

Relentless workload | training | psychological impact | vaccines

Since my last bulletin Medicine 2021 has been and gone and despite the logistical difficulties was the most highly attended RCP conference ever with over 1,400 delegates. I had mixed emotions throughout given Donal's death but (as always) he had the last word which seemed appropriate.There is no way to dress it up – it is pretty awful at the moment in the world of medicine. Hospital admissions are at the highest ever, staff are tired (knackered, actually) and although there is light at the end of the tunnel, that light seems a long way away (and there is a rather large train on the track blocking it). Our latest survey, which many of you completed over the weekend has just closed, but a provisional look at the data confirms this picture. One person described the situation as ‘relentless’ to me last week and that one word sums it up well. ‘Very relentless’ is even better.In many meetings I’ve had recently much of the conversation has focused on vaccines. I’ve found this frustrating given the current situation in hospitals so am keen to start the bulletin by focusing on the acute pressures.

20/01/21

Press release: Now is the time to tackle health inequalities, says major new alliance

The RCP launches a new coalition of nearly 80 organisations to press for urgent action to address health inequalities

22/01/21

Press release: Urgent action needed to tackle health inequalities, says new coalition

The Inequalities in Health Alliance has written to local MPs in the North of England to call for action to urgently address health inequalities.

25/01/21

Memorial service for Professor Donal O’Donoghue OBE

A memorial service for Professor Donal O’Donoghue OBE, former RCP registrar, will take place on Tuesday 26 January 11.30-2.00 and will be streamed live on YouTube. The webcast will remain available for view following the service.

22/01/21

Press release: More than 1 in 4 doctors have sought mental health support during the pandemic

The eighth survey of RCP fellows and members shows that that despite the positive news about vaccinations, the pressures placed on doctors by the pandemic are taking a significant toll.

22/01/21

More than 1 in 4 doctors have sought mental health support during the pandemic

The eighth survey of RCP fellows and members shows that that despite the positive news about vaccinations, the pressures placed on doctors by the pandemic are taking a significant toll.

28/01/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Above the dark clouds, there is a blue sky

There have certainly been dark clouds hanging low over the RCP family as we enter 2021. The untimely passing of our registrar Professor Donal O’Donoghue has reminded us all how cruel this virus is and how vulnerable we all are. Donal was a true gentleman, committed to equality and inclusivity, a champion of doctors in training, with a lifelong commitment to improving patient care. He was a true friend and supporter of RCP Cymru Wales. I will miss our monthly chats, our shared jokes and our mutual passion for the college.In this month’s bulletin, I invite you to send us your stories about your experiences during the pandemic; I urge you also to fill in the next workforce survey from the college which will be sent out on 10 February. I also talk about our work on health inequalities, trainee leadership opportunities, and the importance of college involvement in consultant appointments.

28/01/21

Daw eto haul ar fryn

Mae’r awyr wedi bod yn ddu uwchben teulu Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon (RCP) ar drothwy 2021. Mae marwolaeth annhymig ein cofrestrydd, Yr Athro Donal O’Donoghue, wedi’n hatgoffa ni o greulondeb y feirws a pha mor agored i niwed yw pob un ohonom. Roedd Donal yn ŵr bonheddig a oedd wedi ymroi i gydraddoldeb a chynhwysiant, i hyrwyddo meddygon dan hyfforddiant ac i wella gofal i gleifion gydol ei oes. Roedd yn gefnogwr ac yn gyfaill triw i RCP Cymru Wales. Byddaf yn gweld colli ein sgyrsiau misol, ein jôcs a’r brwdfrydedd dros y coleg roedd y ddau ohonom yn ei rannu.Ym mwletin mis yma, rwy’n eich gwahodd i anfon straeon atom ni am eich profiadau yn ystod y pandemig. Hefyd, rwy’n eich annog i lenwi arolwg y gweithlu nesaf y coleg a fydd yn cael ei anfon atoch chi ar 10 o Chwefror. Byddaf hefyd yn siarad am ein gwaith o ran anghydraddoldebau iechyd, cyfleoedd arwain dan hyfforddiant, a pha mor bwysig yw hi i’r coleg gymryd rhan yn y broses o benodi ymghynghorwyr.

27/01/21

This Doctor Can: Academic medicine and having a family

Dr Catherine Hyams, a respiratory doctor in Bristol, shares her experience of juggling parenting and medicine while living through a global pandemic.

27/01/21

Royal College of Physicians responds to evidence given by Sir Simon Stevens to the joint inquiry into Coronavirus

RCP responds to the NHS chief executive’s evidence session which covered lessons learned from the pandemic, including a section on health inequalities.

01/02/21

This Doctor Can: My journey into palliative medicine

Dr Sarah Cox, a consultant in palliative medicine, and chair of the RCP’s Joint Specialty Committee for Palliative Medicine, talks about her journey into palliative medicine and how she came to be one of the lead authors of our new end-of-life acute care resource.

01/02/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians publishes new end-of-life care resource for hospital doctors

The RCP has published an acute care resource on end-of-life care.

01/02/21

RCP publishes end-of-life care resource for hospital doctors

The RCP has produced a resource in collaboration with the Society of Acute Medicine to support hospital doctors in improving the care and choices provided to people at the end of their life.

02/02/21

Pandemic pressures | new variants | vaccines | valuing physicians

It took a chilly presidential inauguration to knock the pandemic off the headlines last week but after the razzamatazz of welcoming in a new era of US politics had passed, the colder hard facts of the pandemic brought us all back to earth.In a week where we have had to take notice of what is happening elsewhere in the world, ‘beyond the neighbourhood’ if you like, understanding how physicians here in the UK are doing is important. We published the results of our eighth survey last Thursday and as in previous bulletins I will try to weave them into this week’s athletic sprint through what is happening.

02/02/21

Death toll | vaccines | trainee rotation | ambulance care

This week has seen the official death toll from COVID-19 in the UK pass 100,000, more promising vaccine trial results published, worrying news from Myanmar, escalation of border conflicts over what vaccine we do have and much talk about ‘influencers’. Meanwhile hospitals and the NHS continue to wilt under the unrelenting pressure.

05/12/25

Royal College of Physicians responds to National Audit Office report on healthcare for people living with frailty

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the National Audit Office’s (NAO’s) report Primary and community healthcare support for people living with frailty which looks at how the NHS identifies and supports people living with or at risk of frailty before they reach the point of medical crisis or hospital admission.

04/02/21

‘The fear of the unknown was very real when this began’

On Time to Talk Day 2021, Dr Helen Lane, a consultant physician at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in south Wales has published a new poem, ‘It’s good to talk’.She turned to poetry writing as a way to unwind during the pandemic when hospital admissions threatened to overwhelm the district general hospital where she works. Here, she discusses her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/02/21

Proposed NHS legislation on integrated care: the RCP view

Dr Sarah Clarke, RCP clinical vice president, sets out the RCP’s view on initial proposals for NHS legislation to deliver more integrated care.

05/02/21

Putting policy into practice: developing locally owned models of care

Ahead of proposed legislative changes, Dr Jonathan Steel, RCP lead fellow for social care, discusses the importance of locally owned models of care in enabling integration.

09/02/21

RCP issues guidance for staff assessing patients in ambulances

The RCP has produced ethical guidance for medical staff who need to assess patients in waiting ambulances because of pressures on hospitals during the pandemic.

09/02/21

Vaccine safety | anticoagulation in COVID-19 | spread of COVID-19 | IMT

The number of COVID-19 cases in our hospitals is definitely declining although it still feels extraordinarily busy (winter is hitting us hard). Safari ward rounds remain common for many of us and the ‘pleasure’ of learning about patients in far-flung places in the hospital on a Friday evening hasn’t lost its ability to fill me with dread.This week has seen a number of interesting developments and publications which I will try and summarise, although I’ve been on call this weekend and up during the night so the usual apology stands if the bulletin feels less refined than usual.

11/02/21

‘Time in research really does fly very quickly and is very precious’

Combining research with clinical commitments, Dr Justyna Witczak took up a new consultant post at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales in 2019. Within a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic had put much of her research work on hold.Here she discusses her career so far, the barriers to research in smaller hospitals, and the importance of protected time for clinical research.

11/02/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health and Care White Paper

The RCP has welcomed publication of government plans for new NHS legislation in England, which would begin to be implemented in 2022 if passed into law.

05/12/25

Play your part in the RCP’s future – nominations now open for key college roles

Nominations are now open for the 2026 elections to two vice president positions and four seats on RCP Council. For the first time, collegiate members will have the opportunity to vote when the ballot window opens in the new year.

11/02/21

RCP welcomes further detail on NHS legislation for more integrated care

The RCP has welcomed publication of government plans for new NHS legislation in England, which would begin to be implemented in 2022 if passed into law.

15/02/21

New guidance for discussing decision making on levels of care

The RCP has published a framework to support staff in discussing and documenting decision making on levels of care in clinical practice.

16/02/21

Press release: RCP responds to launch of QCovid risk assessment tool

The RCP has responded to the launch of a new predictive risk model to help clinicians identify adults with multiple risk factors that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

16/02/21

RCP responds to launch of QCovid risk assessment

The RCP has responded to the launch of a new predictive risk model to help clinicians identify patients who may have a high risk of becoming seriously unwell if they develop COVID-19.

17/02/21

Treatment success | COVID-19 variants | NHS reform | ethical decision making

I would describe this week as a very mixed bag. The government white paper on the future of the NHS was released, and the positive news from the RECOVERY trial about tocilizumab was balanced with the tragic news this week of the death of two trainees in the Midlands.

18/02/21

We want to start a discussion that examines what it really means to ‘take care’

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Sam Rice, a consultant physician in Llanelli, and Kimberley Littlemore, creative director at eHealth Digital Media Ltd, worked together to develop a series of educational films about diabetes. During the past year, they have begun developing a new set of resources to support staff wellbeing.

18/02/21

RCP appoints new senior examiner (physician associates)

The RCP is pleased to announce the appointment of Jade Moore to the role of Senior Examiner (Physician Associates)

19/02/21

Doctors ‘running on empty’ says Royal College of Physicians

The ninth survey of RCP fellows and members during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that while morale appears to have slightly improved, physicians who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic are now in urgent need of rest and recuperation.

19/02/21

Press release: Doctors ‘running on empty’ says Royal College of Physicians

Half of the UK’s doctors (49%) are not getting enough sleep according to a survey of members of the Royal College of Physicians.

22/02/21

More than 30 organisations from across health, housing and social care in Wales come together to call for action on health inequalities

Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Cymru Wales has written today (22 February 2021) on behalf of the Welsh NHS Confederation health and social care policy forum to the first minister to call for a cross-government strategy for tackling wider health inequalities in Wales.

22/02/21

Mwy na 30 o sefydliadau ar draws y sectorau iechyd, tai a gofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru yn dod at ei gilydd i alw am weithredu ar anghydraddoldebau iechyd

Mae Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon Cymru wedi ysgrifennu heddiw (22 Chwefror 2021) ar ran fforwm polisi iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol Conffederasiwn GIG Cymru at Brif Weinidog Cymru i alw am strategaeth draws-lywodraethol i fynd i’r afael ag anghydraddoldebau iechyd ehangach yng Nghymru.

23/02/21

COVID-19: 1 year on | PPE | vaccines | shielding

By the time you read this the UK ‘roadmap’ to the steps out of lockdown will be known. As I write this bulletin, we still have more ITU admissions than in the peak of the first wave and only slightly fewer hospital admissions. Let’s also not forget that it is still winter. Whatever the roadmap, we need to drive very carefully as it will be easy to lose control.We published the results of our ninth survey of physicians on Friday morning. I’ll cover the highlights throughout this bulletin but the full results are available on the RCP website.I’m thinking about reducing the frequency of bulletins down to fortnightly after this week. But that’s for next week and we need to be here now.

23/02/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians calls for urgent measures to protect and safeguard medical workforce

More system-wide acknowledgement and support is now urgently needed to protect clinicians from harm write Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Dr Mumtaz Patel, Vice President RCP Global in The Lancet.

24/02/21

RCP calls for urgent measures to protect and safeguard medical workforce

In an article published in The Lancet, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard and RCP Global vice president Dr Mumtaz Patel call for system-wide support to protect clinicians from harm.

25/02/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Longer, warmer days are coming

The phrase ‘resetting the NHS’ is resonating with many of us, but what does it mean?

24/02/21

Is-lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Medddygon i Gymru: Mae diwrnodau cynhesach a hirach ar y gorwel

Mae’r ymadrodd ‘ailosod y GIG’ yn taro tant â llawer ohonom, ond beth mae’n ei olygu?

25/02/21

RCP backs report calling for more staff time for research

The RCP has endorsed a Cancer Research UK report that calls for action to increase the capacity of healthcare staff to conduct research.

25/02/21

Press: RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee evidence session on workforce burnout and resilience

The RCP has responded to a Health and Social Care Committee oral evidence session into workforce and resilience in the NHS and social care.

25/02/21

RCP responds to Health and Social Care Committee evidence session on workforce burnout and resilience

The RCP has responded to a Health and Social Care Committee oral evidence session into workforce and resilience in the NHS and social care.

03/03/21

Royal College of Physicians responds to World Obesity Federation report showing link between COVID-19 deaths and obesity

The RCP's lead adviser on obesity, Professor Rachel Batterham, responds to the World Obesity Federation's latest report.

04/03/21

RCP responds to World Obesity Federation report showing link between COVID-19 deaths and obesity

The RCP's lead adviser on obesity, Professor Rachel Batterham, responds to the World Obesity Federation's latest report showing obesity has been linked to a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and death from the disease.

10/12/25

Becoming the medical registrar: what I learned – and what needs fixing

‘Our medical SHOs have become a forgotten tribe – when it comes to their training, we need to do better,’ says Dr Zack Ferguson, a new consultant at Frimley Park Hospital, in our latest next generation blog. Zack will deliver the opening session at our 2026 Call the medical registrar conference – register your interest now.

09/03/21

#ChooseToChallenge: International Women’s Day and the changing RCP landscape

This International Women’s Day, we’ve taken a look back at the progress we’ve made towards equality for women at the RCP, and we’ve asked some of our female officers and leaders to share their experiences of equality in the workplace.

05/03/21

Government responds to Inequalities in Health Alliance

The government has responded to a letter sent by the Inequalities in Health Alliance, a coalition of over 170 organisations calling for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities.

05/03/21

The government’s Budget avoids the big decisions

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard reflects on what was – and wasn’t – announced in this week’s Budget.

10/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians publishes new guidance for supporting people who have eating and drinking difficulties

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published updated guidance on how to support people who have eating and drinking difficulties, particularly towards the end of life.

09/12/25

RCP president and resident doctors write to The Times with call for urgent action on training bottlenecks

A letter from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been published today in The Times, warning that the NHS will continue to lose talented early-career doctors unless urgent action is taken to fix the training bottlenecks holding them back.

23/05/25

Appetite for change?

In a project at University Hospital Southampton, staff took action to reduce ward-level food waste and increase vegetarian and plant-based meals.

19/12/24

“Bright” ideas from medical students on clinical placements

Medical students in Wales deliver a quality improvement project to make carbon and financial savings.

09/12/25

Green champions supporting trust-wide sustainability efforts

Empowering staff-led action through a champions network to drive greener care and embed sustainability across a large NHS trust.

10/03/21

A new health and care bill: what you need to know

Dr Sarah Clarke, RCP clinical vice president, sets out the RCP’s priorities in the government’s proposals for a new health and care bill.

11/03/21

Integrating clinical research into care: a community healthcare perspective

Dr Rachel Hall, head of research at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, describes how her trust built up research infrastructure and the impact this has had on patients and staff.

16/03/21

NHS staff will need mental health support to move forward from a devastating year

In March 2020, Dr Kate Edwards, a former RCP chief registrar, found herself in the eye of the COVID-19 storm. As the RCP publishes its updated manifesto calls ahead of the 2021 Senedd election in Wales, she reflects on how she and colleagues rose to the challenge during the pandemic.

16/03/21

RCP Cymru Wales launches new report looking at the effect of the pandemic on the medical workforce

As we approach the first anniversary of lockdown, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched Recover, rebuild, renew, which looks at the effect of the pandemic on the medical workforce in Wales.

16/03/21

This Doctor Can: ‘It’s a Sin made me both angry and sad’

The Channel 4 series, It’s a Sin, aired on British television for the first time in January 2021. It depicted the lives of a group of gay men and their friends who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Here, Dr Olwen Williams, RCP vice president for Wales and a consultant in sexual health and HIV medicine, discusses medical advances over the last 40 years and the stigma that remains.

10/12/25

Show me your meds, please?

A simple screening question to tackle medicines waste, improve adherence, and cut carbon emissions across care settings.

10/12/25

Managing heat-related health risks in acute care

Practical guidance to protect patients and staff during extreme heat events, embedding resilience into routine care.

18/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to CQC report on decisions about living and dying well during COVID-19

The RCP has responded to the CQC's report 'Protect, respect, connect' report.

18/03/21

RCP responds to CQC report on decisions about living and dying well during COVID-19

The RCP has responded to the Care Quality Commission's (CQC's) report ‘Protect, respect, connect’.

18/03/21

Press release: Praise for COVID-19 response and calls for change - The Prince of Wales writes for Future Healthcare Journal

HRH The Prince of Wales writes in praise of the healthcare profession’s response to COVID-19 in an article published in Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) and calls for the same integrated approach which has been applied to the crisis, combining science, public policy and personal behaviour, to be applied to tackling more chronic health issues.

10/12/25

Reducing unnecessary blood tests in elderly care

Targeted interventions to reduce over-testing, improve clinical justification, and reduce harm in geriatric medicine.

23/03/21

Praise for COVID-19 response and calls for change – The Prince of Wales writes for Future Healthcare Journal

HRH The Prince of Wales writes in praise of the healthcare profession’s response to COVID-19 in an article published in Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) and calls for the same integrated approach which has been applied to the crisis, combining science, public policy and personal behaviour, to be applied to tackling more chronic health issues.

22/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians provides online virtual museum tours for the first time

The Royal College of Physicians has opened its doors virtually, offering the public an opportunity to explore 500 years of medical history via their museum’s new online tours.

11/12/25

Royal College of Physicians publishes updated Green physician toolkit amid rising climate and health risks

The revised Green physician toolkit will support physicians to play their part in tackling the climate crisis with an updated range of actions to deliver more sustainable care and advice on managing climate-related health risks, such as heatwaves and air pollution.

22/03/21

Royal College of Physicians provides online virtual museum tours for the first time

The Royal College of Physicians has opened its doors virtually, offering the public an opportunity to explore 500 years of medical history via their museum’s new online tours.

26/03/21

COVID-19: one year on from lockdown

President of the Royal College of Physicians Professor Andrew Goddard reflects on the year since the UK went into lockdown, and what vital lessons we must learn from COVID-19.

23/03/21

RCP welcomes government’s vision for clinical research

The RCP welcomes the ambitions set out in the government’s vision for clinical research published today, especially its commitment that clinical research is embedded in everyday care and is ‘everyone’s business across the NHS’.

16/12/25

Spotlight on local innovation – redesigning the acute care hot clinic referral pathway

In this Spotlight on local innovation blog, RCP member Dr Glen Davies, a doctor in internal medicine training (IMT) and RCP associate college tutor for the Royal Liverpool Hospital, reflects on his time working on the acute care unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

23/03/21

Vaccine efficacy | treatments | health inequalities | elections

After a brief fling a week ago, spring has put itself on hold in the UK but there are green shoots appearing from the ground and the occasional flower to promise better months ahead. The world of medicine is much the same, although not everything pushing itself into view is particularly pretty or welcome.COVID-19 still features in most people’s lives but it seems that its partnership with winter has come to an end. Unlike some other recent ends of partnerships, no one is too sad about this.

23/03/21

CVT and vaccines | variants | new registrar | day of reflection

In the 2 weeks since my last bulletin we have had the first major hiccup with the vaccine programme since the anaphylactoid reactions seen on the first day. I will cover this in some depth. The third surge of the pandemic in the EU also needs some thought and I will focus on variants. As always, much else has happened (with some good news among it) and I will try and ensure my aim is true as I run through it all.

23/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians welcomes government’s new vision for clinical research

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed the publication of the government’s new vision for clinical research - 'Saving and improving lives: the future of UK clinical research delivery'.

25/03/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Enjoy the small things in life when lockdown lifts

As the Senedd election draws near, Dr Olwen Williams reflects on RCP campaign priorities.

25/03/21

Mwynhewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd pan ddaw’r cyfnod clo i ben

Wrth inni agosáu at etholiad Senedd Cymru, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn trafod blaenoriaethau ymgyrchu yr RCP.

24/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS Confederation report warning of risk of NHS staff leaving

The RCP has responded to NHS Confederation's report warning that there is a risk that thousands of NHS staff will leave unless they are given the time and space to recover from the pandemic.

24/03/21

RCP responds to NHS Confederation report warning of risk of NHS staff leaving

The RCP has responded to NHS Confederation's report warning that there is a risk that thousands of NHS staff will leave unless they are given the time and space to recover from the pandemic.

25/03/21

Government launches consultation on the regulation of healthcare professionals

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking views on proposals to reform the regulation of healthcare professionals, including the statutory regulation of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).

29/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to announcement of Office for Health Promotion

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed the announcement today of an Office for Health Promotion.

29/03/21

RCP responds to announcement of Office for Health Promotion

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed the announcement today of an Office for Health Promotion.

30/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to IPPR report on potential workforce 'exodus'

The RCP has responded to the IPPR's report ‘Recover, Reward, Renew’, warning that one in four healthcare staff may leave the NHS in England due to the pressures of the pandemic.

31/03/21

RCP responds to IPPR report on potential workforce 'exodus'

The RCP has responded to the IPPR's report ‘Recover, Reward, Renew’, warning that one in four healthcare staff may leave the NHS in England due to the pressures of the pandemic.

31/03/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report

The RCP has responded to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report.

01/04/21

RCP responds to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report

The RCP’s response on the day of publication of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report follows.The president will cover this in his next bulletin to fellows and members (Monday 12 April).

01/04/21

Vaccination issues | reset | NHS bill | public health bodies

This bulletin is a week early and bit shorter to allow the Easter weekend to be bulletin-free. This may not improve your Easter much but it will make the Goddard household a much less conflicted space.Musing on the past week, it has been one of developments and politics rather than too much major breaking news. I will start by building on the issues covered in last week’s bulletin.

08/04/21

COVID-19 and the north–south health divide

Professor Clare Bambra of Newcastle University, Hannah Davies of the Northern Health Science Alliance and Dr Luke Munford of Manchester University shine a light on regional variations in health inequalities between the north and south of England, the impact of COVID-19, and what needs to be done to tackle regional health inequalities.

28/04/21

Third wave | HIT-like events | CRED report | remembering

It has been a rather eventful couple of weeks since my last bulletin in matters both COVID and non-COVID. Some of the issues have created heated debate and I will try and address these. Regarding COVID-19 in the UK, the general direction of travel is that the clouds are lifting, allowing a ray of light through. I’m not sure how long this will last and will start with the potential for a third wave.

16/04/21

Press release: Doctors fear NHS will take years to recover from pandemic

The tenth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that although life is returning to some semblance of normality for physicians, long backlogs are expected.

20/04/21

RCP survey shows doctors fear NHS will take years to recover from pandemic

As the country edges its way back towards normality, many doctors fear the NHS will take years to recover. According to our 10th survey of members, the majority of doctors (59%) say it will take at least 18 months to get the NHS back on an even keel, including almost a third (30%) who say the huge backlogs in care resulting from the pandemic will take more than 2 years to clear.

26/05/21

RCP leads new initiative to give clinicians research skills

The Royal College of Physicians will lead a new initiative to give clinicians research skills, on behalf of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) and in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

29/04/21

The 2021 Excellence in Patient Care Awards shortlist is announced!

The 2021 Excellence in Patient Care Awards shortlist is announced!

22/04/21

RCP welcomes parliamentary report recommending “hybrid” system of digital healthcare

The RCP welcomes the report by the House of Lords COVID-19 committee that calls for a ‘genuinely hybrid healthcare service’ as part of moving to a post-COVID world, which combines digital with face-to-face services for patients.

22/04/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report following inquest into death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

RCP has responded to the report on the Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD), following the inquest into the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah.

17/12/25

Royal colleges unite in call for ‘better patient care’ and an end to fragmented services that leave people facing delays, confusion and avoidable risk

The Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners have today published a joint briefing setting out practical steps to improve integration between primary and secondary care and deliver better outcomes for patients across Wales.

27/04/21

RCP ends all fossil fuel investments two years early

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has ended all its investments in fossil fuels, two years ahead of the deadline set in the new Climate Policy it adopted in January 2020.

27/04/21

'NHS staff are exhausted and need a break, but there aren’t enough of us'

RCP publishes new workforce data showing doctors in Wales are frustrated.

22/04/21

RCP responds to Prevention of Future Deaths report following inquest into death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

The RCP has responded to a report by H.M. Assistant Coroner for Inner South London, Philip Barlow, on the Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD), following the inquest into the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah.

23/04/21

Looking ahead to the 2021 Senedd election: reflections from the Wales vice president

With less than 2 weeks before the next Senedd parliamentary election, Dr Olwen Williams, RCP vice president for Wales, takes a look at the manifesto proposals from the major political parties and reflects on what the next 5 years might have in store for doctors working in the Welsh NHS.

04/05/21

RCP publishes policy position statement on workforce planning

‘NHS workforce planning: the case for transparency and accountability’ sets out the RCP’s view on expanding medical school places and establishing transparent processes to ensure the NHS has sufficient workforce.

29/04/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Spring is in the air

Dr Olwen Williams looks ahead to the upcoming Senedd elections, two virtual RCP president’s visits, the Wales Update in Medicine in December, and much more.

29/04/21

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Mae'r gwanwyn yn yr aer

Mae Dr Olwen Williams yn edrych ymlaen at etholiadau’r Senedd sydd ar y gorwel, dau ymweliad rhithwir gan lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon, Diweddariad ym Maes Meddygaeth Cymru ym mis Rhagfyr, a llawer iawn mwy.

28/04/21

VITT | variant watch | recruitment | sustainability

The pandemic is proving very good at challenging different countries in different ways. As life in the UK moves from managing acute COVID-19 to service recovery and the vaccination programme, it is wreaking renewed carnage as infections surge once more in other countries. I will try and cover all these aspects.For the first time in many years Mrs G and I have been invited to a wedding, so I have been thinking about matrimony and the like. The bulletin will therefore include something old (VITT), something new (B.1.617), something borrowed (training numbers) and something blue (dismay). I would hate to limit the content to just four topics so will have other ‘somethings’ as well.

28/04/21

Royal College of Physicians message of support for health care staff in India

The Royal College of Physicians sends its support to health care staff in India caring for overwhelming numbers of patients with COVID-19, often with inadequate resources.

18/12/25

Respiratory bootcamp: closing the confidence gap

In this RCP next generation campaign blog, Dr Claire Froneman and Dr Emma Moore share how they developed a respiratory bootcamp at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, offering structured medical training that builds confidence and improves patient safety. The project was highly commended in the RCP’s virtual poster competition 2025.

29/04/21

Health and social care innovation, research and collaboration in response to COVID-19

In this article the RCP’s experts give their thoughts and reactions on some of the recommendations of the recent report by NHS England’s Accelerated Access Collaborative and Beneficial Changes Network.

29/04/21

‘For some, the consequences of COVID-19 have been absolutely devastating’

36 organisations endorse new joint paper calling on the next Welsh Government to show national leadership on ending inequalities.

10/05/21

Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme: Celebrating junior doctors, one of the biggest groups of unsung heroes

In this blog Dr Punith Kempegowda, 2020 Turner-Warwick lecturer for the West Midlands, speaks about his experiences with the RCP lecturer scheme and how he’s learned trainee doctors can do anything when they put their minds to it.

11/05/21

Palliation in a pandemic

Professor Mark Taubert is a consultant in palliative medicine at Velindre University NHS Trust and Cardiff University School of Medicine. Here, he answers questions about what has changed in palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

11/05/21

India | variants | vaccines | VITT | workforce

My RCP diary is now full of non-COVID related meetings and we have dipped below 1,000 hospitalised COVID-19 patients in England. The public is also moving on and border conflicts have been the headline news of the past week. My inbox, though, still bulges with pandemic post and the news continues to change thick and fast so I will major on this.

11/05/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Queen's Speech

The Royal College of Physicians' president, and their special adviser on obesity have responded to the Queen's Speech.

11/05/21

RCP responds to Queen's Speech

The Queen's Speech, delivered earlier today, provided the UK government with an opportunity to highlight its priorities for the months ahead. Here, RCP president Andrew Goddard and RCP special adviser on obesity Professor Rachel Batterham offer their responses to it.

17/05/21

RCP reaches 40,000 members

The RCP is celebrating reaching the milestone of 40,000 members, strengthening its mandate and boosting its ability to influence and improve care for patients.

12/05/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to announcement of COVID-19 public inquiry

The RCP has responded to the Prime Minister's announcement of an independent public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

12/05/21

RCP responds to announcement of COVID-19 public inquiry

The Prime Minister has today announced that there will be an independent public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

13/05/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians publishes updated guidance for clinicians on talking about dying

The Royal College of Physicians has published updated guidance for doctors holding conversations with patients who are coming to the end of their life.

13/05/21

RCP publishes updated guidance for clinicians on talking about dying

The RCP has published updated guidance for doctors holding conversations with patients who are coming to the end of their life.

14/05/21

Health and social care committee welcomes workforce planning proposals

The Parliamentary health and social care committee has published the first report of its inquiry into the government’s proposals for the reform of health and social care. Its recommendations to government include that Health Education England (HEE) should produce regular reports on NHS staffing requirements.

14/05/21

What does the Queen’s Speech mean for health and care?

RCP president Andrew Goddard explains what the government’s legislative agenda means for the NHS workforce, integrated care, clinical research and efforts to tackle health inequalities.

21/05/21

Liverpool mayors join RCP president to open RCP at The Spine – one of the world’s healthiest buildings

Liverpool’s new Mayor Joanne Anderson and the City Region’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram will join RCP president Andrew Goddard at the opening today of one of the world’s healthiest buildings – The Spine.

20/05/21

Breaking down barriers to research in the NHS

This International Clinical Trials Day, the RCP has published a consensus statement outlining how NHS trusts and industry can better work together to overcome barriers to conducting clinical research.

10/06/21

New Royal College of Physicians report recommends opt-out for NHS smoking cessation services

A new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) recommends that all smokers be provided, routinely and on an opt-out basis, with smoking cessation treatment by the NHS. At present many smokers are offered help with quitting by the NHS, but introducing an opt-out system can double the uptake of the service, so should be provided as a default.

21/05/21

Press release: RCP moves into new Northern home – one of healthiest in UK

The Royal College of Physicians is moving into its new northern home RCP at The Spine in Liverpool.

26/05/21

More flexible routes to studying medicine and becoming a doctor: the RCP principles

The RCP has set out principles against which it will assess any proposals to create more flexible routes to studying medicine and becoming a doctor.

21/05/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to launch of world’s first COVID-19 vaccine booster study

The RCP has responded to the news that thousands of volunteers will receive a booster COVID-19 vaccine in a new clinical trial launching this week, announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

25/05/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Grasp the moment

Occasionally, I still receive diary reminders that events planned pre-pandemic have been cancelled (some for the second time)! Meeting in person – or as some people have described it, ‘seeing you in 3D rather than 2D’ – is so important, and as Wales moves cautiously out of lockdown, we’re looking forward to the ‘new’ normal, despite the fact that RCP meetings will continue to be virtual for the foreseeable future.

25/05/21

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Dal ar y cyfle

Ambell dro, rwy’n dal i gael negeseuon i’m hatgoffa bod digwyddiadau a drefnwyd cyn y pandemig wedi’u canslo (rhai am yr ail waith)! Mae cyfarfod yn bersonol – neu fel mae rhai pobl yn ei ddisgrifio, ‘eich gweld mewn 3D ddim 2D’ – mor bwysig, ac wrth i Gymru gamu’n ofalus allan o’r cyfyngiadau symud, rydyn ni’n edrych ymlaen i’r normal ‘newydd’, er gwaetha’r ffaith y bydd cyfarfodydd RCP yn dal i fod yn rhithiol hyd y gallwn ragweld.

26/05/21

COVID-19 | Smoking and health 2021 | primary vs secondary care | The Spine

Last week was quite an eventful one for the RCP with an appearance on Panorama, release of a major report on smoking and health, and the opening of The Spine by Liverpool City Council. As usual it hasn’t been a quiet week for COVID-19 and other news stories either. I tried to get all the COVID-related news into one section this week but failed – I’m hoping that it won’t be too long before that will be possible.

27/05/21

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2021 – the winners have been announced!

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to hold a dedicated awards ceremony for the second year. Instead, we announced the winners during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday 26 May 2021.

26/05/21

RCP responds to NHS England’s review of urgent and emergency care standards

The RCP has published a joint statement with Society for Acute Medicine in response to NHS England’s review of urgent and emergency care standards.

27/05/21

RCP welcomes CQC focus on research

The RCP has today welcomed the Care Quality Commission’s new strategy, which includes a focus on encouraging clinical research and tackling health inequalities.

04/06/21

This Doctor Can: The importance of the patient-doctor team

To celebrate National Patient Participation Week, Alice Joy, member of the Patient and Carer Network at the Royal College of Physicians, writes about the importance of doctors and patients working together as a team.

07/06/21

RCP urges prime minister to reinstate overseas aid

Ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall, we have written to the prime minister about the temporary reduction of the UK’s overseas development budget.

14/09/21

Annual general meeting (AGM)/Comitia – Monday 6 September 2021 – meeting arrangements and papers

The RCP was delighted to welcome fellows to the hybrid AGM. Fellows who were unable to attend and for interest of all members you can view the president’s address below.

08/06/21

RCP responds to the Health and Social Care Select Committee report on workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care

The Health and Social Care Select Committee has today published the report from its inquiry into workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care.

08/06/21

Variantwatch | Delta surge in the UK | difficult decisions | vaccines

A change in the weather in the UK means that miserable May has given way to joyous June so I’m afraid this bulletin may put a bit of dampener on things. Some difficult decisions will need to be made in the next week or so and the surge of the variant formerly known as the ‘Indian variant’ will play a big part in those decisions, so let’s start there.

10/06/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS figures showing fall in backlog of care

The RCP has responded to NHS figures showing that operations and other routine care are ahead of ambitions set out in April.

10/06/21

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS figures showing fall in backlog of care

The RCP has responded to NHS figures showing that operations and other routine care are ahead of ambitions set out in April.

14/06/21

‘It is the only research funding specifically available to physicians based in Wales, and as such, I felt honoured to be a recipient’

There is now less than one month left to apply for the only RCP fellowship that is specifically available for the promotion of medical research within Wales. Dr Olwen Williams talks to the current fellow, Dr Anna Scholz, and some of her predecessors.

16/06/21

Royal College of Physicians responds to Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' report

A survey of local councils, carried out by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), has found that adult social services have faced sharply rising numbers of people coming forward for help.

17/06/21

Communicating the adverse effects of air pollution on health

The RCP has responded to the Inner South London assistant coroner’s report to prevent future deaths following the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah.

16/06/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' report

A survey of local councils, carried out by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), has found that adult social services have faced sharply rising numbers of people coming forward for help.

17/06/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians to review doctor training following death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has committed to reviewing how doctors are trained to make sure they better understand the impacts of air pollution on health, following the death of 9-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah in February, 2013.

20/06/21

We have a golden opportunity to tackle health inequalities with the vaccine roll out – let’s not waste it

By Sidney, former Birmingham outreach lead, Doctors of the World UK (DOTW).

21/06/21

RCP event: What is the pandemic teaching us about health inequalities?

The RCP is hosting an online event looking at what the pandemic is teaching us about health inequalities.

24/06/21

Alpha, Beta, Delta: the rollercoaster of variants

As clinicians, we are accustomed in dealing with uncertainty, change and loss in our professional lives. However, the ongoing pandemic, with its new SARS-CoV-2 variants, is having a huge impact on our personal lives, too. The latest Health and Social Care Select Committee report describes increased incivility, burnout and resignations in England. The RCP has highlighted the need to expand the workforce, as staff shortages, which lead to chronic excessive workload, is a key factor in burnout.

24/06/21

Alpha, Beta, Delta: un amrywiolyn ar ôl y llall

Fel clinigwyr, rydym yn gyfarwydd â delio ag ansicrwydd, newid a cholled yn ein bywydau proffesiynol. Fodd bynnag, mae'r pandemig parhaus, gyda'i amrywiolion SARS-CoV-2 newydd, yn cael effaith enfawr ar ein bywydau personol hefyd. Mae adroddiad diweddaraf y Pwyllgor Dethol ar Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol yn disgrifio mwy o ddiffyg cwrteisi, gorweithio ac ymddiswyddiadau yn Lloegr. Mae Coleg Brenhinol y Nyrsys yn tynnu sylw at yr angen i ehangu'r gweithlu, gan fod prinder staff, sy'n arwain at lwyth gwaith gormodol cronig, yn ffactor allweddol o ran gorweithio.

23/06/21

RCP welcomes publication of vision for research implementation plan

RCP academic vice-president Professor Cheng-Hock Toh today welcomed the publication of the four-nation implementation plan for the Vision for Research.

25/06/21

Royal College of Physicians responds to draft NICE guideline recommendations out for consultation today

NICE worked with Public Health England (PHE) to develop a draft guideline on tackling the health burden of smoking, which is open for consultation today.

09/11/21

Press release: Vaccines – then and now: Royal College of Physicians to host international vaccine development event: from Smallpox to COVID

On 15 July, the Royal College of Physicians Museum will host a free online event exploring the historical and modern-day development of vaccination.

25/06/21

Vaccines – then and now: Royal College of Physicians to host international vaccine development event: from Smallpox to COVID

On 15 July, the Royal College of Physicians Museum will host a free online event exploring the historical and modern-day development of vaccination.

28/06/21

RCP responds to the appointment of Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The RCP has today responded to Sajid Javid’s appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

05/07/21

Press release: RCP calls for action to address worsening staff shortage as NHS celebrates 73rd birthday

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has warned of a worsening staff shortage as the NHS celebrates its 73rd birthday.

21/09/21

RCP elects new academic vice president and fills other governance roles

Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam has been elected as the RCP's new academic vice president following a vote by over 2,800 of the RCP’s fellows. He succeeds Professor Cheng-Hock Toh in the role.

06/07/21

More capacity – the best birthday present the NHS could get

The RCP has warned of a worsening staff shortage as the NHS celebrates its 73rd birthday. A new survey reveals that more than a quarter of senior consultant physicians expect to retire within 3 years, many within 18 months, while the majority of trainees entering the NHS (56%) are interested in working part-time.

05/07/21

Press release: RCP announces new vice president and fills other governance roles

Professor Ramesh Arasaradnam has been elected as the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) new Academic Vice President following a vote by over 2,800 of the RCP’s fellows. Other key roles have also been filled in a round of elections and appointments. All have a 3 year tenure and are effective from 1 August.

06/07/21

RCP responds to the Health Foundation’s Inquiry into the impact of COVID-19

The Health Foundation’s inquiry has found that working age adults in England’s poorest areas were almost four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those in the wealthiest areas.

09/07/21

Neurologist James Samuel Risien Russell receives English Heritage London blue plaque

One of Britain’s first black British consultants, pioneering neurologist James Samuel Risien Russell has today been commemorated with an English Heritage London blue plaque.

08/07/21

RCP reaction to the health and care bill

Yesterday the Health and Care Bill was introduced to Parliament. It follows the health and care white paper and an NHS England consultation.

12/07/21

Professor Donal O’Donoghue memorial

Livestream on Wednesday 6 October from 1pm.

12/07/21

SAS doctors as educators

By Dr Helen Yandell FRCP, associate specialist in acute medicine and college tutor at Yeovil Hospital.

13/07/21

SAS doctors as researchers

By Dr Sashidharan Parameswaran FRCP, associate specialist in Sexual Health Service at Homerton University Hospital, London and RCP SAS representative for Central and North East London region.

14/07/21

SAS doctors as leaders

By Dr Khalifa Boukadida FRCP, specialty doctor in orthogeriatric medicine at Southend University Hospital, RCP SAS Deputy Lead and RCP Membership Support and Global Engagement Board SAS representative.

15/07/21

SAS as viable careers

By Dr Helen Bonwick FRCP associate specialist in palliative medicine at Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and RCP SAS representative for Mersey region.

14/07/21

Summer plans | a big birthday | thank you NHS!

As the NHS celebrates 73 years of patient care, Dr Olwen Williams reflects on the hard work and dedication of doctors in training and associate college tutors in Wales.

14/07/21

Cynlluniau’r haf | pen-blwydd pwysig | diolch GIG!

'Wrth i'r GIG ddathlu 73 mlynedd o ofal cleifion, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn ysgrifennau am waith caled ac ymroddiad meddygon wrth hyfforddi a thiwtoriaid coleg cysylltiol yng Nghymru.

18/10/21

Sketch The Spine

This summer, we’re inviting children and young people to take part in our Sketch The Spine competition!

13/07/21

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges publishes statement on lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) has released a statement about the 19 July ‘unlocking’ following several meetings of the presidents of AoMRC members, including the RCP, over the past couple of weeks.

05/10/21

Relaxation of lockdown on 19 July

This week I will be sending out two bulletins, which may seem a bit excessive. However, there are important things to say today and then there will be an IT-determined 3-week break to bulletins from the end of this week so we will send another one out on Thursday/Friday.

14/07/21

Senior health leaders call for the Health and Care Bill to include independent assessments of future staffing needs

The RCP has signed a joint letter calling on the government to strengthen provisions on workforce planning in the Health and Care Bill ahead of its second reading on Wednesday 14 July.

14/07/21

RCP comments on priorities for Public Health England, the Office for Health Promotion and the UK Health Security Agency

Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care Jo Churchill MP has written to Michael Brodie, chief executive of Public Health England (PHE), to set out the strategic remit and priorities for PHE until the end of 2021. A key priority will be to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to define and set the direction of the Office for Health Promotion, which is expected to formally begin work later this year.

15/07/21

Doctors believe in ME

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).

16/07/21

HEE to review health and social care workforce

Health Education England (HEE) has been commissioned by the Minister of State for Care, Helen Whately, to look at the future of the health and social care workforce.

19/07/21

Lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in England

The RCP has responded to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in England, urging people to continue washing hands regularly, wearing a mask if they can indoors and keeping a safe distance from other people as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. This approach will be followed in RCP environments in London and Liverpool.

21/07/21

RCP responds to Chief Medical Officer’ annual report 2021: health in coastal communities

Professor Chris Whitty has published his second annual report. It highlights the health disparities in coastal communities compared to their inland neighbours.

22/07/21

This Doctor Can: Dr Arjun Ghosh FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, consultant cardiologist Dr Arjun Ghosh talks about his childhood spent between London and Kolkata.

29/07/21

RCP publishes report on how to plan new hospitals

With plans to build 40 hospitals in the UK by 2030 now moving forward, the RCP has published a report outlining how new hospitals should be designed and planned to improve patient pathways and staff wellbeing.

27/07/21

RCP responds to 2021 GMC National Training Survey

The General Medical Council (GMC) has published the summary findings of its 2021 national training survey. It found that the pandemic increased burnout among doctors.

29/07/21

This Doctor Can: Professor Pilane Ariyananda FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, Professor Pilane Ariyananda FRCP talks about his work empowering Sri Lankan medical students to educate the community.

02/08/21

RCP COVID-19 study provides insight into pandemic hospital care

The Royal College of Physicians has conducted the largest study to date of the quality of care given to patients in the UK with COVID-19 to identify learnings from the pandemic.

02/08/21

Press release: RCP COVID-19 study provides insight into pandemic hospital care

The Royal College of Physicians has conducted the largest study to date of the quality of care given to patients in the UK with COVID-19 to identify learnings from the pandemic.

03/08/21

This Doctor Can: Jamilla Hussain

For South Asian Heritage Month, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Palliative Medicine, Dr Jamilla Hussain, talks about how her upbringing in a Pakistani community in Yorkshire, shaped her life and career.

11/08/21

Delivering integrated care in practice: my experience in the London Respiratory Network

Dr Vincent Mak is a consultant physician in respiratory integrated care at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and was clinical director of the London Respiratory Network. With statutory integrated care systems (ICSs) set to cover England by April 2022, he shares how clinicians can successfully work together in clinical networks to deliver more integrated care at a system level.

11/08/21

An interview with an Emerging Women Leader: Dr Samantha Fitzsimmons

Applications are open for the RCP’s Emerging Women Leaders Programme – designed specifically to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles within the RCP and the wider medical profession.

12/08/21

System pressures | new NHS CEO | workforce | post COVID-19 demands

The RCP membership email system is back up and rebooted having had a 3-week holiday (we should all be so lucky) since my last bulletin.As seems to happen every year on the first weekend after August changeover I have been on call for the past few days so apologies for any mistakes. On the plus side it was one of those rare weekends when both my brother and I were on call together in Derby and team Goddard confused both patients and switchboard.

23/08/21

EPCA 2021 research award winner: DATA-CAN – the HDRUK data research hub for cancer and the UCL Institute of Health Informatics

Dr Charlie Davie describes the great work that DATA-CAN has produced over the last 12 months and it’s victory for cancer patients.

26/08/21

RCP welcomes clinical fellow in health inequality

The RCP has appointed Dr Ash Birtles, an ST3 in Respiratory Medicine at Leeds, to lead a project to develop practical advice and guidance to help doctors address health inequality in their practice.

07/12/21

College and associate college tutor network regional spotlight series – West Midlands

This month we are focusing on the work of the West Midlands region from the perspective of Paarul Prinja, one of our college tutors. Paarul reflects on her achievements following her appointment to the role mid-pandemic.

26/08/21

‘It’s time for the NHS to embrace flexible working’

As the Royal College of Physicians (RCP Cymru Wales) publishes the follow-up report to a virtual workshop with physicians across south-west Wales, doctors are calling on the Welsh NHS to focus on the positive changes that have come from the pandemic and avoid returning to old ways of working.

06/09/21

Read our review of a year like no other

The RCP has published an online annual review of 2020, looking back on a year like no other.

06/09/21

ClinMed joins over 200 health journals in call for climate action

Today, health journals across the world have simultaneously published an editorial calling for world leaders to take emergency action to limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health.

07/09/21

Welcoming the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

RCP responds to the creation of an Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

09/09/21

How COVID-19 has led to new and increased support for members

This article is one of a short series looking at how the RCP has worked with, for and on behalf of its fellows and members during the pandemic.

09/09/21

Influencing the pandemic response

This article is one of a short series looking at how the RCP has worked with, for and on behalf of its fellows and members during the pandemic.

07/09/21

RCP responds to announcement of new funding to deal with backlog and reform social care

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced major new investment to deal with the NHS backlog, and begin reform of the social care system in England.

08/09/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to announcement of new funding to deal with NHS backlog and reform social care

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced major new investment to deal with the NHS backlog, and begin reform of the social care system in England.

10/09/21

Educating virtually

This article is one of a short series looking at how the RCP has worked with, for and on behalf of its fellows and members during the pandemic.

15/09/21

Press release: Powerful stories make the case for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities

Real life stories of how people’s health is damaged by social factors such as poor housing are being highlighted by nearly 200 organisations calling for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities.

16/09/21

RCP issues guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for people who are severely immunosuppressed

On 1 September 2021 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine be offered to ‘severely immunosuppressed people’. This advice is based on preliminary evidence of poor vaccine effectiveness among these people.

15/09/21

RCP responds to JCVI’s updated advice on COVID-19 booster vaccinations

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its advice on COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

21/09/21

NICE publishes first ever guidelines on obstructive sleep apnoea

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its first ever clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with OSAHS (COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome) in people over 16.

29/09/21

This Doctor Can: Professor Cheng-Hock Toh

To mark the UK’s first-ever East and South East Asian Heritage Month, Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, the RCP’s immediate past academic vice president, shares his story. Cheng-Hock is professor of haematology at the University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

21/12/21

Nominations open for the office of president

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the presidential election in 2022.

01/03/19

Nominations open for clinical vice president and members of Council

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the 2019 RCP elections.

04/10/21

Recruitment for the Director of the Medical Workforce Unit

The RCP is looking to recruit a new post holder into this position.

30/09/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Falling leaves, new beginnings

As winter approaches, Dr Olwen Williams reflects on the start of a new academic year, compassionate leadership and her new video podcast series with political leaders in Wales.

29/12/25

Why we built an alternative IMT pathway

As phase 2 of the medical training review gets underway, RCP censor Dr Dan Furmedge FRCP, consultant physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and training programme director for internal medicine training in south London, reflects for the RCP next generation campaign on how a practical, high-quality, alternative IMT pathway is offering fairness, structure and career progression for doctors without a training number.

30/09/21

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Dail yn disgyn, dechrau newydd

Wrth i’r gaeaf agosáu, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn myfyrio ar ddechrau blwyddyn academaidd newydd, arweinyddiaeth dosturiol a’i chyfres podlediad fideo newydd gydag arweinwyr gwleidyddol yng Nghymru.

09/11/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s speech at Labour Party Conference

RCP responds to Jonathan Ashworth's speech at the Labour Party Conference 2021

29/09/21

Competition offers a win for clinical research

The RCP has welcomed a new initiative aimed at supporting more doctors and other healthcare professionals to get involved in clinical research.

01/10/21

Royal College of Physicians submission to the government's spending review

The review presents ‘a significant opportunity’ to invest in the medical workforce.

09/11/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Health Foundation report on future NHS and social care workforce

The RCP has responded to a report by the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre on the future NHS and social care workforce.

05/10/21

Professor Chris Whitty gives inaugural O'Donoghue lecture on health disparities

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, will give the inaugural O'Donoghue lecture, free online at 1.20 pm on Wednesday 6 October, on The role of the medical profession in tackling UK health disparities.

03/12/21

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians launches the 2021 census of UK consultants and SAS doctors #PhysicianCensus

The census provides the three Royal Colleges of Physicians with essential data that we use to lobby for changes, such as additional consultant and SAS posts and medical school places, improved facilities, and a greater focus on regions in need. We also share the findings at a provider level with medical directors to help them make informed decisions.

05/10/21

Health funding | backlog | vaccines | variants | IDA guidelines

What a difference a couple of weeks make here in the UK. An unexpected £36 billion to health and social care, the end of school holidays in England, and the worst COVID-19 case numbers ever seen in Scotland. Oh yes, and there is a new type of variant.

05/10/21

Vaccines | new treatments | obesity | JVT | COVID-19 workforce survey

The long queues of cars outside garage forecourts this weekend reminded me of the panic buying at the onset of the pandemic and running out of toilet paper in our household. Those early days feel like an age ago but we seem to be lurching from one crisis to the next.At least some aspects of ‘normal’ life are returning. Mrs G and I went to see Genesis in concert last Monday (not as good as Knebworth in ’92 but still great) and it was a relief to be seeing live music again. One lyric from the seated Phil kept coming back to me – ‘There is nothing you can do when you are next in line’. Thankfully I’ve seen and learned a few things this week that suggest this is not always the case.

14/10/21

Doctors want to work more flexibly – and we need to make it a reality

Authors: Dr Sarah Logan, deputy director, Medical Workforce Unit; Dr Rifca Le Dieu, deputy director, Medical Workforce Unit; Dr Harriet Gordon, chair, Flexibility and Wellbeing Group.

14/10/21

One in three doctors say their organisation is not prepared for winter

The twelfth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted as more of the population returns to normality and winter is on the horizon.

13/10/21

Press release: One in three doctors say their organisation is not prepared for winter

With just four weeks until the end of British Summer Time, over a third of doctors (36%) say their organisation is not at all prepared for winter.

14/10/21

Vaccines | retirement | EDI progress | remembering Donal

Welcome to this week’s bulletin, which requires neither gas nor petrol to deliver it and can be found without the need to trawl supermarket shelves. A week ago I was at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester (or ‘Conservative and Unionist Party’ to give them their full title, although this commitment to unions doesn’t extend to the European one). The only obvious shortage at the convention was of discussion about shortages. We live in unbalanced times.I’ve also been to Glasgow this week and the disparity in mask-wearing behaviour between the two cities was remarkable. Glasgow is home to a vibrant music scene (although this is less vibrant following the cancellation of the Genesis dates due to COVID-19 positivity). The wearing of masks was not apparent at the recent TRNSMT festival and the news that there have been at least 551 cases of COVID-19 among the crowd of 50,000 seems ironic given the nomenclature of said gathering. Low levels of vaccination in those under 18 may be part of the reason too. Talking of which …

22/10/21

EPCA 2021 excellence in a time of crisis winner: UCLH post-COVID service and a return to values-based healthcare

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service felt it was a huge honour to be recognised for the EPCA 2021 excellence in a time of crisis award, which greatly boosted the morale of the team.

22/10/21

EPCA 2021 person-centred care award winner: The Leicester Operational Delivery Network hepatitis C team

The Leicester Operational Delivery Network (ODN) hepatitis C team were delighted and thrilled to receive the EPCA 2021 patient-centred care award, reflecting and recognising the amazing work carried out by the team over the past five years.

22/10/21

EPCA 2021 digital award winner: Cardiology Pre-assessment Improvement team, Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

The team was delighted and honoured to win this award for their ‘Digital pathways for pre-operative consent’ approach, placing patients at the centre of the pathway and maximising every opportunity to inform and improve understanding throughout their journey.

21/10/21

Royal colleges call for national action to prepare for winter

As the Welsh NHS enters a second pandemic winter, 17 medical royal colleges and faculties have come together with a joint statement calling for national action on workforce shortages, health inequalities and the NHS backlog.

28/10/21

RCP vice president for Wales: The autumn series

In her October blog, Dr Olwen Williams looks forward to the autumn rugby internationals, announces the winners of the Wales poster competition and reflects on the media response to our recent visits to the Grange University and Wrexham Maelor hospitals.

23/11/21

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Cyfres yr hydref

Yn ei blog ym mis Hydref, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn edrych ymlaen at gemau rhyngwladol rygbi’r hydref, yn cyhoeddi enillwyr cystadleuaeth poster Cymru ac yn myfyrio ar ymateb y cyfryngau i’n hymweliadau diweddar ag ysbytai Prifysgol y Faenor a Wrecsam Maelor.

26/10/21

Boosters | modelling | NHS pressures | the Budget

It has been an odd couple of weeks, with a bittersweet combination of news and events – both national and personal. COVID-19 continues to dominate the news, but the realisation that the NHS is under extreme pressure is beginning to seep into the public consciousness. Everyone needs a bit of a boost in more ways than one.

27/10/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review announcements

The RCP has responded to the chancellor’s Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review.

27/10/21

RCP responds to Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review announcements

The RCP has responded to the chancellor’s Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review.

29/10/21

Medical leaders sign joint statement in response to NICE guidance on ME/CFS

Medical leaders have signed a joint statement in response to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the treatment and diagnosis of Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) / chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

09/11/21

Press release: RCP responds to news that COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for NHS frontline staff

The RCP has responded to news that the government has confirmed it will make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for frontline NHS staff from 1 April next year.

09/11/21

RCP responds to news that COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for NHS frontline staff

The RCP has responded to news that the government has confirmed it will make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for frontline NHS staff from 1 April next year.

12/11/21

‘We need a cross-government approach to tackling health inequalities’

Royal College of Physicians launches latest video podcast interview with Sophie Howe, future generations commissioner.

16/11/21

RCP census finds physician vacancies at highest level in almost a decade

The 2020 physician census conducted by the RCP, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has found that the proportion of unfilled medical consultant posts across the UK is at its highest level in almost a decade.

17/11/21

Antivirals | auto-injectors | GPs | COP26

Today is a special day, not least as it is National Cappuccino Day in the USA (it is also World Town Planning Day). A certain bulletin writer is a year older and thus has been reflecting on the past year and the future, as we all do on such days. It is fair to say that more has happened in the world of medicine and medical science over the past 12 months than for many decades and those developments continue to pour forth in single or double shots.This week also traditionally sees an uptick in UK flu cases and serves as a reminder that we should all get flu vaccinations before they become mandatory. I wonder how we will feel about our ‘flu fighters’ sticker when that happens?

22/11/21

RCP joins with more than 20 organisations to call for an independent NHS Wales Executive

22 organisations come together to call for a single national body with strategic oversight of NHS Wales to drive improvements in patient care and hold health boards to account.

19/11/21

Press release: Physician vacancies at highest level in almost a decade

The proportion of unfilled medical consultant posts across the UK is at its highest level in almost a decade, according to a census conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

19/11/21

Hip fracture mortality falling during past decade in contrast to ICCONIC study

The ICCONIC study published recently suggested that mortality following hip fracture was higher than in any of the ten other countries they examined. However, this study was based on a sample of just 7% of patients in England and does not accurately reflect the national situation. In contrast, the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), based at the RCP, uses data collected by the clinical staff looking after over 92% of all people with hip fracture; about over 60,000 people every year.

29/11/21

Watch The Royal College of Physicians’ joint panel discussion with the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians

Watch The Royal College of Physicians’ joint panel discussion with the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians below. The event ran from 7-8pm on Tuesday 23 November.

15/12/21

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians launch the 2021 census of higher specialty trainees #TraineeCensus

The HST census provides the three Royal Colleges of Physicians with essential data that we use to lobby for changes, such as training posts and medical school places, improved facilities, and a greater focus on regions in need. We also share the findings at a provider level with medical directors to help them make informed decisions.

25/11/21

RCP vice president for Wales: Update in medicine | living through pandemics

This month, Dr Olwen Williams looks ahead to the 2021 RCP update in medicine, curated by the team in Wales for broadcast on RCP Player on 8 December.

25/11/21

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Y ddiweddaraf mewn meddygaeth | byw drwy bandemig

Y mis yma, mae Dr Olwen Williams yn edrych ymlaen at ddiweddariad RCP mewn meddygaeth 2021, sy’n cael ei guradu gan y tîm yng Nghymru i'w ddarlledu ar RCP Player ar 8 Rhagfyr.

23/11/21

RCP responds to report stage debate on amendment to strengthen workforce planning in the Health and Care Bill

The RCP has responded to MPs voting against an amendment to require published assessments of current and future workforce numbers.

24/11/21

Fourth wave | variants | vaccination in pregnancy | workforce

As we move into the meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the days feel short and dark, the world of medicine also feels long and dark. This is not just because the lightbulb in my trust office has been broken for many weeks and I’m not sure we can afford a new one, but because the clouds seem to be gathering both politically and health-wise. I will start with the clouds to the East and take a trip down the autobahn.

09/12/21

Arrangements for the 2022 presidential election – invitation for questions

Submit your question for the presidential candidates.

09/12/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to hospital discharge figures

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to NHS England's publication of Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports which include hospital discharge figures.

09/12/21

RCP responds to hospital discharge figures

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to NHS England's publication of Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports which include hospital discharge figures.

21/12/21

Seasonal reflections | RCP Cymru Wales annual review

As I come to the end of my second year as RCP vice president for Wales, and my last blog of the year, I am delighted to present an overview of the work carried out by your RCP Cymru Wales team during 2021

15/12/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to GMC 'state of medical education and practice' report

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council (GMC)’s annual report looking at the state of medical education and practice in the UK.

15/12/21

RCP responds to GMC 'state of medical education and practice' report

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council (GMC)’s annual report looking at the state of medical education and practice in the UK.

15/12/21

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to appointment of Baroness Hallett as chair of COVID-19 inquiry

The RCP has responded to the news that the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE will chair the forthcoming public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.

15/12/21

RCP responds to appointment of Baroness Hallett as chair of COVID-19 inquiry

The RCP has responded to the news that the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE will chair the forthcoming public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.

16/12/21

RCP responds to Migration Advisory Committee recommendation

The RCP has responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC’s) annual report in which it recommends making care workers immediately eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa and placing the occupation on the Shortage Occupation List.

22/12/21

Press release: One in ten doctors off work

The Royal College of Physicians' 13th survey of members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence due to illness is rising, particularly in London.

22/12/21

RCP survey finds one in ten doctors off work

RCP’s thirteenth survey of members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence due to illness is rising, particularly in London.

23/12/21

Update on booster vaccinations for severely immunosuppressed people

Existing national digital systems will not automatically recall patients requiring a fourth booster dose after their third primary vaccination dose. To help you support your patients, the RCP has published an update on the situation. The information is accurate as of 22 December 2021.

07/12/20

Support announced for new applicants in 2021 round of national clinical excellence awards

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been informed that the ACCEA (Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards) will be opening the 2021 application round for new awards and the renewal of existing ones on Monday 7 December in England and Wales.

13/02/20

RCP response to 'Improving air quality' joint report

Professor Stephen Holgate, RCP special adviser on air quality, has commented on the publication of Improving air quality, the joint report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Environmental Audit, Health and Social Care, and Transport Committees.

02/06/20

This Doctor Can: Flying in the face of discrimination

In spite of the racial discrimination her mother faced while working in the NHS, Dr Akon Esara was determined to follow in her footsteps.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: The paraplegic oncologist

After a skiing accident left him paralysed from the chest down, Dr Tom Wells FRCP still found the strength to become a doctor.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: The road from Damascus

Professor Abdallah Al-Mohammad talks about his journey from school boy in Syria to professor of cardiology in England.

26/06/20

Royal College of Physicians elects new vice president for Wales

Dr Olwen Williams OBE has been elected RCP vice president for Wales from January 2020.

26/06/20

Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon yn ethol is lywydd newydd ar gyfer Cymru

Mae Dr Olwen Williams OBE wedi cael ei hethol yn is lywydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon ar gyfer Cymru o fis Ionawr 2020 ymlaen.

26/06/20

RCP Cymru Wales launches manifesto calls for the next Welsh election

Ahead of the 2021 Senedd election, RCP Cymru Wales has launched its manifesto calls for the next Welsh government.

26/06/20

RCP Cymru’n lansio galwad maniffesto i Senedd 2021

Cyn etholiad y Senedd yn 2021, mae Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon (RCP) Cymru wedi lansio ei faniffesto o alwadau ar gyfer llywodraeth nesaf Cymru.

26/06/20

‘We welcome the commitment to placing NHS staff health and wellbeing at the heart of the new Welsh workforce strategy’

RCP Cymru Wales has responded this week to the joint draft health and social care workforce strategy from Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and Social Care Wales.

26/06/20

RCP Cymru Wales shares tips for developing self-confidence and leadership skills

The Royal College of Physicians Cymru Wales has published tips and advice for developing self-confidence as a clinical leader in the NHS.

26/06/20

RCP Cymru yn rhannu awgrymiadau i ddatblygu sgiliau hunanhyder ac arweinyddiaeth

Mae Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon (RCP) Cymru wedi cyhoeddi awgrymiadau a chyngor i ddatblygu hunanhyder fel arweinydd clinigol yn y GIG.

17/11/20

The three Royal Colleges of Physicians launches 2020 consultant census campaign #PhysicianCensus

The #PhysicianCensus provides the three Royal Colleges of Physicians with essential data that we use to lobby for changes, such as additional consultant posts and medical student places.

20/02/20

Healthy building brings wider benefits for Liverpool

One of the healthiest buildings in the world will open in Liverpool in 2021. The Spine, a new home for the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in partnership with Liverpool City Council, is designed to the internationally renowned WELL standard* to increase the health and wellbeing of people who work and visit there.

14/10/20

Nominations open for RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2020

Entries are now being accepted for the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP's) member-exclusive Excellence in Patient Care Awards (EPCA) 2020, which will recognise, celebrate and reward the hard work done by physicians and healthcare teams in the UK and globally.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: When depression strikes

Following his own experience of mental illness, Dr Rob Wright FRCP speaks directly to those who might be going through the same thing.

28/01/20

RCP launches new journal website

The Royal College of Physicians has introduced a new website to improve the reading experience for its two academic journals.

30/03/20

Update on legal proceedings related to assisted dying survey

We are satisfied that our decision-making process in connection with the assisted dying survey was robust and appropriate.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: Working in the NHS and the military

Professor Mike Almond FRCP, Forces in Mind trust professor of veterans and family studies at Anglia Ruskin University, and Clin Med board member talks about his experience of combining his two interests of medicine and aviation into one fulfilling career.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: Championing flexible working

Dr Sarah Logan FRCP, deputy director of the Medical Workforce Unit at the RCP, talks about how her personal experience led her to champion flexible working for everyone.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: Fighting HIV

Inspired by her wish to help people living with HIV, Professor Chloe Orkin has dedicated her career to studying this area of medicine. In this piece she talks about her journey into medicine, and the treatment she experienced as a gay, senior woman in her field.

07/01/20

Looking ahead to the first MRCP(UK) diploma presentations of 2020

As we celebrate the beginning of the new decade, here at the RCP we are getting ready to present our members with their MRCP(UK) diplomas.

03/01/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Queen's Speech

The Queen's Speech, delivered earlier today, provided the UK government with an opportunity to highlight its priorities for the months ahead.

17/02/20

Royal College of Physicians adopts new Climate Policy

The Royal College of Physicians will seek to encourage companies to align their businesses with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and immediately end its investment in companies which aren’t taking such action, following the adoption of a new Climate Policy.

09/01/20

Successful beginning to the new year for MRCP(UK) diplomates

Around 120 diplomates received their MRCP(UK) diploma during a prestigious ceremony on 7 January 2020 at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in our London base near Regent’s Park.

07/01/20

General Medical Council announced as regulator for physician associates

The Department for Health and Social Care on behalf of the UK Governments, has today announced the General Medical Council (GMC) as the statutory regulator for physician associates (PAs).

08/01/20

RCP welcomes report to bridge the NHS-academia gap

The RCP has today welcomed a report from the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) — Transforming health through innovation: Integrating the NHS and academia.

23/01/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to GMC survey of specialty and associate specialist, and locally employed doctors

Following the results of the General Medical Council's survey of specialty and associate specialist (SAS) and locally employed (LE) doctors in the UK, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds.

26/06/20

A new decade, a new Vice President

New RCP Vice President for Wales Dr Olwen Williams OBE sets out her vision for 2020 and beyond.

10/01/20

This Doctor Can: Juggling medicine and showbiz

Dr Chris van Tulleken is an infectious diseases doctor, and one of the BBC’s leading science presenters, known for his work in Operation Ouch, 'Trust Me, I’m a Doctor', and 'The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs'. In this piece, he talks about the unusual conundrum of juggling a career both in medicine and in broadcast, and the struggles he faced along the way.

10/01/20

Degawd newydd, Is-lywydd newydd

Dr Olwen Williams OBE, Is-lywydd newydd Coleg Brenhinol y Meddygon, yn pennu ei gweledigaeth ar gyfer 2020 a thu hwnt

14/01/20

Help us develop our strategy for 2021-24

The RCP is developing its strategy for 2021-24 and wants everyone who has a stake in its future to help by responding to a survey.

10/01/20

Medicine 2020: The meeting of medical minds

Our new animated video features RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard and RCP academic vice-president Professor Cheng-Hock Toh talking about the benefits of attending our annual conference Medicine 2020.

16/01/20

RCP and Clinical Research Network research award 2019

On 7 January 2020 at the first new members ceremony of the year, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) presented the RCP and Clinical Research Network awards trainee prize to Dr Emily Heiden from the respiratory department at the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

26/06/20

Pensions tax impacts on the NHS – a solution for 2019/20

New NHS Wales commitment means clinicians exceeding their NHS annual pension allowance will no longer be out of pocket.

16/01/20

RCP comments on NHS Long Term Plan Funding Bill

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, today introduced the NHS Long Term Plan Funding Bill to Parliament. The bill will commit in law an extra £33.9 billion every year by 2024 for the NHS to transform care.

20/01/20

New findings published by National Lung Cancer and Falls & Fragility Fractures audit programmes

The RCP’s commitment to care quality improvement is highlighted this month with the publication of four key reports from two of the three national audit programmes we lead.

20/01/20

This Doctor Can: The importance of doctors’ wellbeing

Amandip Sidhu’s brother was a consultant cardiologist until November 2018. He was overworked, stressed and eventually burnt out. In this piece, Amandip talks about the important lessons he learned from his brother’s experience, and how he’s putting those into practice through his charity Doctors in Distress.

20/01/20

Participants in Dry January avoid equivalent of 60 cigarettes as far as cancer risk is concerned

An average drinker completing Dry January will have avoided the equivalent of 60 cigarettes (three packets) as far as cancer risk is concerned, according to estimates of the cancer risks of alcohol compared to cigarettes.

02/03/20

Support announced for new applicants in 2020 round of national clinical excellence awards

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been informed that the ACCEA (Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards) will be opening the 2020 application round for new awards and the renewal of existing ones on Thursday 13 March in England and Wales.

22/01/20

RCP at The Spine topping out ceremony marks another milestone in the progress of our new northern home

RCP at The Spine reached another milestone on Tuesday 21 January when Morgan Sindall Construction held a traditional topping out ceremony to mark reaching the top of the building. RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard spoke at the event with Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Morgan Sindall managing director Barry Roberts.

23/01/20

Royal College of Physicians urges MPs in Kent, Surrey and Sussex to address the NHS workforce crisis

Over 50% of senior doctor jobs in Kent, Surrey and Sussex are unfilled, according to data from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

23/01/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Office for Statistics Regulation's review of adult social care

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

27/01/20

Nominations for senior censor and vice president for education and training and members of Council

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to nominate candidates for the 2020 RCP elections.

20/02/20

RCP responds to Greener NHS campaign

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds to the Greener NHS campaign launched today to help tackle the climate ‘health emergency’.

28/01/20

RCP calls for ‘proportional and flexible’ immigration system to benefit healthcare in the UK following Migration Advisory Committee report

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds to the Migration Advisory Committee’s report into a salary threshold and points-based immigration system which was published today.

28/01/20

Growing evidence linking indoor air pollution and respiratory problems in children, according to new report by royal colleges

There is growing evidence that respiratory problems among children may be exacerbated by indoor air pollution in homes, schools and nurseries, according to a joint report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the RCP.

06/02/20

Looking after myself

Ajay Verma, consultant gastroenterologist at Kettering General Hospital, shares his experience of looking after his mental health and offers tips for new consultants.

17/12/25

Future care planning in Wales: building a system that listens and responds

Talking about the future – particularly when progressive illness is involved – is never easy. Professor Mark Taubert, consultant physician in palliative medicine at Velindre University NHS Trust and NHS Wales clinical lead for future care planning, outlines how Wales has reshaped its national approach, placing person-centred care, equity and shared decision making at its core.

06/02/20

The mental health of junior doctors

Dr Matthew Roycroft, a specialty registrar in geriatric medicine working in Yorkshire and the Humber, discusses the potential mental health trigger points for trainee physicians.

30/06/20

The benefits of physical activity

Dr Natasha Jones, consultant in sport and exercise medicine at Oxford University Hospitals, considers the benefits of exercise.

19/12/25

New clinical editor appointed for RCP membership magazine

Ollie Minton has been appointed as the clinical editor for Commentary, the RCP’s membership magazine.

06/02/20

Sleep better – learn better

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything (Irish proverb). Dr Emma Plunkett, a consultant anaesthetist in Birmingham, explores the importance of sleep and how it supports learning.

28/01/20

RCP comments on Wellcome’s ‘A post-Brexit agreement for research and innovation’

RCP academic vice president, Professor Cheng-Hock Toh, responds to Wellcome’s report on research post-Brexit.

18/12/25

RCP publishes final sustainability report card of 2025

The RCP has published an updated scorecard on its progress to improve its environmental sustainability as an organisation.

18/12/25

The most wonderful time of the year: reflections on winter pressures, prevention and helping others

In a special end-of-year blog to celebrate the festive season, Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, RCP clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards, reflects on the little things that we can all do to support each other and the NHS this winter.

11/02/20

Trainees win more than a prize with the Turner-Warwick lectures

Now in its second year, the 2020 RCP Turner-Warwick lectures are in full swing with many regions’ submission coming to a close over the next 6 months.

30/01/20

Outpatients: the future — webinar on 10 March

Don't miss your opportunity to take part in the Outpatients: the future — webinar on 10 March from 1-2pm.

18/12/25

Ultra-processed food under the microscope at RCP young people’s Christmas Lecture

Last week was RCP Christmas Lecture time, and we were thrilled to welcome Dr Chris van Tulleken of Operation Ouch fame for a lively evening tackling the serious topic of ultra-processed food and its impact on health.

01/12/90

Test for fonts

In a special end-of-year blog to celebrate the festive season, Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, RCP clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards, reflects on the little things that we can all do to support each other and the NHS this winter.

30/01/20

‘Air pollution is a health issue’ says RCP in response to Environment Bill

RCP special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate responds to government Environment Bill published today.

03/02/20

RCP supports the campaign for a smokefree 2030

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is supporting a campaign launched today to make tobacco manufacturers pay for measures needed to end smoking.

06/02/20

RCP launches new mental health and wellbeing resource

The RCP has today launched a mental health and wellbeing resource, helping everyone to spot the signs of deteriorating mental health, and know where to look when they need to seek help.

22/12/25

A year of transformation

A new report sums up a year of tangible change and progress at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). A year of transformation outlines how we responded to an independent learning review conducted by The King’s Fund.

07/02/20

Pioneers, innovators and advocates recognised with RCP honorary fellowships

2019 saw honorary fellowships awarded to six eminent figures who have made a significant contribution to medical science.

20/02/20

RCP recycles coffee grounds into eco-friendly fire logs for use in its pizza ovens

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and its caterer CH&Co have partnered with bio-bean, the world's largest recycler of spent coffee grounds, to transform its 3,500 kg of waste coffee grounds a year into sustainable bio-products.

06/02/20

Meet the 2019 honorary fellows

2019 saw honorary fellowships awarded to six eminent figures who have made a significant contribution to medical science.

17/02/20

The Turner-Warwick lectures: the trainees’ platform

The Turner-Warwick lectures are probably best known for celebrating the life and achievements of its namesake – Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick, but for trainees, the scheme is a platform for showcasing research at the national level.

16/03/20

COVID-19: An expert update for doctors

The RCP hosted a COVID-19 expert update on 12 February, which looked at the origin and biology of the virus; recognition, diagnosis and management of cases and UK preparedness and guidance.

19/02/20

Royal College of Physicians signs UK-wide consensus statement on working together to help patients with mental health needs in acute hospitals

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has signed a consensus statement alongside the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, aimed at helping patients with mental health needs in acute hospitals.

20/02/20

Menopause – breaking the taboo

Suzanne Banks, former chief nurse at Sherwood Forest NHS Foundation Trust, describes how she worked to raise awareness and understanding of the menopause.

28/02/20

RCP urges Chancellor to provide a long-term solution to the pensions crisis

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined the BMA and other medical bodies in signing a letter to the Chancellor, urging him to use the budget to provide a long-term solution to the pension taxation crisis.

25/02/20

The Marmot review 2020 – the government must go further

The RCP and 20 other leading health organisations have written to the Prime Minister today, following the publication of the Health Equity in England: the Marmot review 10 years on report.

27/02/20

Royal College of Physicians urges MPs in the West Midlands to address the NHS workforce crisis

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has written to local MPs to highlight the shortage of consultants and higher specialty trainees (HSTs) in their area and call for them to put pressure on the government to urgently address the NHS workforce crisis.

28/02/20

First ever MRCP(UK) PACES examinations to take place in Pakistan

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom is delighted to confirm that it will open its first MRCP(UK) PACES examination centre in Pakistan later in 2020.

02/03/20

Minimum unit pricing for alcohol comes into effect in Wales

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol comes into force today across Wales. It is designed to reduce the availability of very cheap, strong alcohol. Those in most need of help for alcohol problems are more likely to buy this very cheap alcohol and MUP aims to reduce the harm to this group.

02/03/20

Daw isafswm prisiau uned ar gyfer alcohol i rym yng Nghymru

Daw isafswm prisio unedau (MUP) ar gyfer alcohol i rym heddiw ledled Cymru. Fe'i cynlluniwyd i leihau argaeledd alcohol cryf, rhad iawn. Mae'r rhai sydd fwyaf angen cymorth ar gyfer problemau alcohol yn fwy tebygol o brynu'r alcohol rhad iawn hwn ac mae MUP yn anelu at leihau'r niwed i'r grŵp hwn.

03/03/20

Kevin Fox appointed as editor of Future Healthcare Journal

After acting as interim editor for a year, Dr Kevin Fox has been appointed substantively as the editor of the Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ).

04/03/20

Royal College of Physicians signs global pledge to end obesity stigma

To mark the first ever World Obesity Day, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has joined over 100 medical and scientific organisations across the world to sign a consensus statement on putting an end to the stigma surrounding obesity.

09/03/20

March 2020: COVID-19 – an emerging situation

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs… let’s start with what we’re all talking about.

05/03/20

This Doctor Can: Fighting obesity stigma

Dr Stephanie de Giorgio is passionate about ending obesity stigma. In this piece, published on World Obesity Day, she talks about experiencing such stigma first-hand, and what needs to be done to end it all together.

06/03/20

Prolonged disorders of consciousness: new guidelines to help doctors and families

New guidelines from the Royal College of Physicians and endorsed or supported by a further 15 health bodies offer updated guidance on the diagnosis, assessment, care and management of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness.

09/03/20

IWD 2020: Overcoming cultural barriers as a woman in medicine

As part of a series of blogs celebrating International Women's Day 2020, Dr Anu Trehan discusses the challenges she has overcome during her medical career.

09/03/20

IWD 2020: From Karachi to London – and all the obstacles in the way

As part of a series of blogs celebrating International Women's Day 2020, Dr Humaira Jamal discusses her journey from her childhood in Karachi, Pakistan to practising palliative medicine.

10/03/20

IWD 2020: Lessons from the generations

As part of a series of blogs celebrating International Women's Day 2020, Dr Farrah Jawad writes about her family, the impact they have had on her choosing medicine and the lessons she has learnt from them.

11/03/20

IWD 2020: My passion for global oncology - a journey around the world

As part of a series of blogs celebrating International Women's Day 2020, Dr Susannah Stanway discusses her journey to medicine, her passion for global oncology and what she wants for the future.

12/03/20

IWD 2020: Mentorship and support for the next generation of doctors

In the last post in a series of stories for International Women's Day 2020, aspiring doctor, school student Daphne Mutsakanyi sits down with East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACoP) Program Manager Dr Stella Anne Oloo to discuss role models, mentorship and choosing the path of medicine.

09/03/20

The RCP calls for investment in public health and social care in letter to Chancellor

Today the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and 29 medical specialist societies and faculties have written to the Chancellor ahead of this week’s budget. In the letter we highlight the scale of the challenges facing our NHS and social care services and the need for the Government to act now.

06/10/20

RCP postpones annual conference Medicine 2020 until January

The Royal College of Physicians has decided to postpone its annual Medicine conference until 7-8 January 2021 – to take place at the same venue, the ICC in Birmingham – to support efforts to contain and mitigate against threats posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

18/03/20

£1.8m award supports new leadership training for north west doctors

Trainee doctors in the north west will soon be receiving training in medical education and leadership, thanks to a new £1.8 million contract awarded to Edge Hill University Medical School and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

16/06/20

Trainees and COVID-19

In May 2020, as the UK passed the initial COVID-19 peak, Dr Michael Fitzpatick, Dr Matthew Roycroft and Dr Gareth Hynes (RCP Trainees Committee) published the following blog outlining how trainee working practices, study and progression would need to shift to a “new normal” given the rapid changes the NHS experienced tackling COVID-19.

05/01/26

Spotlight on local innovation – rethinking discharge planning through criteria-led discharge in Southend

In our latest Spotlight on local innovation blog, Dr John Day, consultant in general medicine, infectious and tropical diseases at Southend University Hospital, explores how criteria-led discharge (CLD) improves patient flow, enhances resident doctor training and empowers teams to make safe, timely discharge decisions.

11/03/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Budget 2020

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the budgetary changes announced by the new Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

19/03/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Coronavirus bill

RCP responds to the governement’s new Coronavirus Bill which outlines details of new emergency powers to contain the spread of COVID19.

28/04/20

Supermarket measures for NHS and social care staff

Last week, the RCP wrote to a number of supermarket CEO's calling for additional measures and access for NHS and social care staff in light of COVID-19. The letter received acknowledgement from the British Trade Consortium (the trade body for supermarkets) as well as Sainsbury's and Aldi.

09/04/20

Joint response to NICE guidance on critical care in the context of COVID-19

The Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, British Medical Association, Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine and Intensive Care Society have welcomed guidance published by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) on critical care in the context of COVID-19.

21/03/20

Shortages of protective equipment must not continue, RCP tells Health Secretary

The Royal College of Physicians has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care raising significant concerns over shortages of PPE (personal protective equipment) putting at risk the health for staff caring for COVID-19 patients, and over a lack of priority testing for NHS workers leading to healthy staff having to stay home while their colleagues struggle.

20/04/20

Identifying and helping to protect patients most at risk from COVID-19

The Royal College of Physicians has been working with the Chief Medical Officer for England and several specialist societies to identify and help protect those patients most at risk from COVID-19.

23/03/20

RCP briefs MPs ahead of coronavirus emergency bill debate

The RCP has sent a briefing to all MPs in the House of Commons ahead of today’s debate on the emergency coronavirus bill.

23/03/20

Statement from the RCP’s Patient and Carer Network in support of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic

The Patient & Carer Network (PCN) would like to express its wholehearted support to all clinicians and healthcare professionals who are doing everything they can and giving so much of themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

26/06/20

RCP vice president for Wales: My first 100 days

Dr Olwen Williams shares her thoughts on her first term as RCP vice president for Wales.

26/03/20

NHS Steroid Emergency Card launch

The Royal College of Physicians has worked with the Society for Endocrinology and in conjunction with NHSE to develop the approved NHS Steroid Emergency Card.

26/03/20

Updated RCP advice on Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

The evidence behind the use of hydroxychloroquine remains patchy and at the moment the RCP does not support its routine use in patients with COVID-19.

30/03/20

The RCP clarifies its position on assisted dying

In early 2019 the RCP carried out an online survey of its members’ and fellows’ views on the subject of assisted dying.

02/04/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to new advice for the NHS about safe use of PPE

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to new guidance about personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS clinicians treating patients with coronavirus.

02/01/26

King Charles III 2026 New Year Honours for RCP fellows

The King’s New Year Honours saw a number of RCP fellows recognised for their contributions across a range of areas including healthcare in the UK and internationally.

03/04/20

This Doctor Can: The autistic doctor

Discovering she was autistic helped make sense of everything for Dr Mary Doherty (@autisticdoctor). She describes the joys of building a community of autistic doctors.

06/05/20

COVID-19 and RCP education, accreditation and events

Following the government’s announcement in March that the risk to the UK from coronavirus was high and the rules on social distancing, the Royal College of Physicians postponed or cancelled all key events and ceremonies.

07/04/20

COVID-19 and mitigating impact on health inequalities

To produce this webpage highlighting examples of how NHS providers have mitigated the impact of COVID-19 on health inequalities, RCP has worked with NHS Providers and Provider Public Health Network, a community of practice supported by Public Health England.

09/04/20

COVID-19 and its impact on NHS workforce

A survey of RCP fellows and members conducted this week has clearly demonstrated the impact that COVID-19 has had on the NHS workforce.

03/04/20

Specialty-specific guidance on aspects of clinical care and treatment for COVID-19

The links here contain advice from specialty societies solely on aspects of clinical care and treatment during the COVID-19 epidemic.

07/04/20

So you’ve calculated the NEWS2 score – what happens next?

The RCP has produced a new resource to help clinicians implement treatment following the calculation of a patient’s NEWS2 score.

09/04/20

Patients and the public must continue to seek medical help for serious conditions during this COVID-19 pandemic

The Academy of Royal Medical Colleges has published a statement encouraging the public to continue seeking medical help during the coronavirus outbreak, even if it isn’t COVID-19-related.

15/04/20

The 2020 Excellence in Patient Care Awards shortlist is announced

The 2020 Excellence in Patient Care Awards shortlist is announced!

10/04/20

Statement from RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard on Guardian article about PPE

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard was interviewed by The Guardian on Monday 6 April and talked about the PHE guidance, testing and other COVID-19 related issues:

01/07/20

NEWS2 and deterioration in COVID-19

This guidance emphasises the place of NEWS2 in managing patients with COVID-19.

15/04/20

Statement regarding redeployment of dual trainees in ICM / EM / medical specialties

The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the RCP have released a statement in support of plans to move dual trainees from EM or medical specialties to ICM to support ICM provision if the other specialty is not under increased demand. Where that occurs, there must be a clear plan for trainees to return to their other specialty.

16/04/20

Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule - a personal reflection

Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) passed away on 10 April 2020 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre after contracting COVID-19. It was confirmed that he did have an underlying condition.

20/04/20

Tell us your story about life during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) wants to hear from you. As a leading health organisation aimed at improving patient care and preventing disease worldwide, the RCP is committed to supporting the global response to COVID-19 and our members who are on the frontline of the NHS.

23/11/20

Statement on PHE advice on managing PPE shortages

On Friday 17 April, Public Health England provided updated advice on managing shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE).

27/04/20

Scaling up video consultation capabilities in the NHS

In this blog NHS England and Improvement’s Hugh McCaughey and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s David Probert provide an update on the national drive to roll out video consultation systems. Read more on the support now being made available for the NHS to rapidly scale-up remote consultations.

23/04/20

Managing tracheostomised patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness during COVID-19

New supplementary guidance from the RCP will help clinicians manage patients in prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC - which includes vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) but not short-term coma) who have had a tracheostomy.

24/04/20

Risk assessments for staff a priority to prevent further deaths and COVID specific research needed

The NHS Confederation BME Leadership Network has published a briefing on the impact of COVID-19 on BME communities and health and care staff. The briefing follows the publication of an early analysis of the deaths of 119 NHS staff, which was reported by the HSJ.

27/04/20

Joint letter to Lord Deighton on ongoing PPE supply challenges

Access to and supply of personal protective equipment remains a significant issue. Last week the Government appointed Lord Deighton to oversee efforts to improve the supply of PPE.Together with the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, we have written to Lord Deighton welcoming his appointment and asking for an urgent meeting.

27/04/20

Tracking the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce

The second survey of RCP fellows and members shows fewer are taking time off work but problems with PPE and testing persist.

24/04/20

Recovering and rebooting urgent services

The Royal College of Physicians has coordinated input from the specialist societies to inform a NHS England gap analysis exercise on the shortfall in time-dependent procedures for patients with acute and chronic conditions who still require urgent care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

27/04/20

A third of doctors working in high risk COVID19 settings unable to access full personal protective equipment

Healthcare staff working in some of the most high-risk COVID-19 settings are still struggling to access the protective personal equipment (PPE) they need to keep them safe.

22/12/25

Year in review | college reform | future priorities

As we come to the end of 2025, I want to begin by thanking every one of you for your professionalism, compassion and resilience. It has been yet another demanding year for physicians in the UK and across the world. Your commitment to patients and colleagues, often under intense pressure, has not gone unnoticed.

28/04/20

This Doctor Can: Stranded in Peru

Fredrika Collins is a junior doctor due to start internal medicine training at Brighton and Sussex NHS Trust in August 2020. In this piece she talks about her FY3 year out of training working in Peru and what happened when she became stranded abroad in a national lockdown as a result of COVID-19.

30/04/20

After the pandemic – the challenge that lies ahead

RCP registrar Professor Donal O’Donoghue looks at how the NHS has adapted in recent weeks to meet its greatest challenge, and at what lies ahead as plans to reboot and reshape the NHS take shape.

07/05/20

Supporting clinical academic trainees return to research

The RCP has today published a letter outlining how clinical academic trainees should be supported to return to research work, while ensuring the NHS remains adequately equipped to respond to the pandemic.

13/05/20

Gambling addiction and Parkinson’s disease – supporting better patient care

Dr Rob Skelly, consultant physician at Royal Derby Hospital, explains the links between Parkinson’s disease and gambling addiction and how physicians can best support patients.

14/10/20

RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2020 – the winners have been announced!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to hold a dedicated awards ceremony this year. Instead, we announced the winners during a virtual ceremony between 13–19 May 2020.

13/05/20

Royal College of Physicians urges government to create ‘new deal’ for international NHS and social care staff

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has called on the government to create a new deal for international NHS and social care staff that recognises their vital role in the frontline response to COVID-19 and the important part they will continue to play in the future.

18/05/20

Voting open for 2020 RCP senior censor and vice president for education and training (VPET) and councillor elections

We are pleased to invite RCP fellows to vote in the 2020 senior censor and VPET and councillor elections. Your vote will help to shape the future of the RCP.

18/05/20

Towards a ‘new normal’ for physician training following COVID-19

Dr Michael Fitzpatick, Dr Matthew Roycroft and Dr Gareth Hynes (RCP Trainees Committee) explore how to achieve a ‘new normal’ for physician training in the time of COVID-19.

14/05/20

An overview of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS) accomplishments since its launch 2 years ago

The PRSAS launched in April 2018 with the aim of improving the quality of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services throughout the UK.

15/05/20

Read my lips: the downside of PPE (and how you can improve communication)

Last week was Deaf Awareness Week and in this article neurology registrar Dr Helen Grote explains how healthcare professionals can help patients with deafness or hearing loss.

21/05/20

Enhanced care: new guidance on service development in the hospital setting

The Royal College of Physicians has been involved in producing new enhanced care guidance from the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FCIM).

21/05/20

RCP succeeds with call for NHS surcharge to be scrapped

The Royal College of Physicians has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the International Health Surcharge is to be scrapped for overseas NHS and social care workers.

02/10/20

Key research organisations call for ‘bespoke assessment’ to support returning clinical academics

The RCP welcomes the report published by the Clinical Academic Training Forum (CATF) outlining how clinical academics should be supported to progress with training in 2020.

24/06/20

Recruitment for Vice President, Global

The RCP is looking to recruit a new post holder into this position.

01/06/20

Giant leaps for digital progress, but have we missed the small steps along the way?

RCP clinical director for digital health, Dr Wajid Hussain, explains how COVID-19 has changed how we use digital technology but underlying challenges still remain to be tackled.

30/06/20

This Doctor Can: Finding the right path

Dr Fizzah Ali is a neurology registrar based in London, rotating through the Royal Free Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She is currently a National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow on a secondment working at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, combined with time at the Fellows Unit at NHS England during the pandemic. She is editor-in-chief of Medical Woman, a magazine produced by the Medical Women’s Federation.In this piece she talks about finding the right balance of clinical and creative in her career.

26/06/20

RCP vice president for Wales: Wellbeing – our patients, our families, ourselves

Dr Olwen Williams shares her thoughts on the wellbeing of our patients, our families and ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

24/09/20

RCP is-lywydd Cymru: Llesiant – ein cleifion, ein teuluoedd, ein hunain

Mae Dr Olwen Williams yn rhannu ei meddyliau am les ein cleifion, ein teuluoedd a ninnau yn ystod pandemig COVID-19.

03/06/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to PHE review of disparities in risks and outcomes of COVID-19

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to Public Health England's (PHE) review of disparities in risks of COVID-19.

03/06/20

RCP welcomes 6,000 new supported homes for rough sleepers

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the Rough Sleeping COVID-19 Response Taskforce’s work, and the government’s commitment to provide 6,000 new supported homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic.

12/01/26

Frailty and deconditioning on the acute take: why the first hours after admission matter

Deconditioning in older patients can begin within hours of hospital admission. A new Clinical Medicine (ClinMed) journal article from Dr Bhagya Arun and Dr Siobhan Lewis in Cardiff explores why the first hours on the acute take matter – and how simple, practical actions can protect independence, safety and patient flow.

30/06/20

The RCP Garden in lockdown

To help mark World Environment Day 2020, the RCP’s head gardener Jane Knowles has a story to tell for all those who have missed our garden and those who haven’t had their own to enjoy during lockdown. Nature, it seems, has flourished when so much else we hold dear has been lost.

08/06/20

Fewer than half of doctors want their jobs to return to how they were before the pandemic

Fewer than half (45%) of doctors say they want their working pattern to return to what it was before the pandemic, according to a survey of over 25,000 UK members of the Royal College of Physicians. This comes as almost half of doctors (49%) report their jobs being informally altered to cope with the pandemic.

12/06/20

Racism, health and why we must do more

A joint statement by the president and CEO of the RCP and the president of the Faculty of Physician Associates.

15/06/20

Should we shield? Caring for the most vulnerable during the pandemic

RCP Deputy Registrar Dr Sonia Panchal shares her thoughts on shielding patients most at risk from COVID-19.

12/06/20

New advisory group to provide interim support on use of medicines for COVID-19

The COVID-19 Therapeutics Advice & Support Group (CTAG) has been established to act as a formal advisory group to the RCP.

17/06/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to PHE report on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities

Public Health England (PHE) have published the second part of their review into the disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19. This time the focus is on the impact of COVID-19 on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

23/06/20

Joint statement from the Federation

Federation is pleased to confirm that MRCP(UK) clinical and written examinations will recommence this Autumn.

26/06/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to the UK Government's changes to COVID-19 shielding advice

On the 22 June the UK Government announced changes to the COVID-19 shielding advice including a phased relaxing of the guidance for the shielded population. In response the RCP called for NHS staff to be equipped with the detailed scientific evidence base to support patients.

26/06/20

Ymchwiliad Cymru i COVID19 a phobl dduon a lleiafrifoedd ethnig yn datgelu nifer o ffactorau risg economaidd-gymdeithasol ac amgylcheddol

Mae adroddiad gan grŵp cynghori arbenigol COVID-19 pobl dduon a lleiafrifoedd ethnig wedi gwneud dros 30 o argymhellion i Lywodraeth Cymru er mwyn mynd i’r afael â’r risgiau economaidd-gymdeithasol ac amgylcheddol i gymunedau pobl dduon a lleiafrifoedd ethnig.

02/07/20

This doctor can: Becoming a doctor

Dr Patrice Baptiste wanted to be a doctor from as far back as she can remember. A supportive family and a drive to succeed enabled her to achieve her dream, but not without some struggles along the way.

30/06/20

Services will take over a year to return to full capacity say physicians

Almost half of physician specialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology and rheumatology, expect to be working at less than previous pre-COVID activity levels for at least 12 months or more.

30/06/20

Powerpoint testing

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12/01/26

Corridor care: a last resort, or the new normal?

Following the publication of a Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) investigation report, RCP clinical director for patient safety and clinical standards, Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, reflects on the growing impact of corridor care.

30/06/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to Prime Minister's “New Deal” for jobs, skills and infrastructure

Professor Donal O’Donoghue responds to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a “New Deal”, aimed at putting jobs and infrastructure at the centre of the government’s economic growth strategy.

02/07/20

This Doctor Can: The shielding doctor

Consultant community geriatrician Dr Cindy Chu has been shielding since the end of March 2020. In this piece, she talks about what it was like working remotely from her patients, and how her team came together at lightning speed to put in place new ways of treating patients from afar.

30/07/20

Royal College of Physicians warns pressure on NHS staff may get worse

The RCP issues a warning that pressure on NHS staff may get worse before it gets better as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt.

06/07/20

Annual general meeting (AGM)/Comitia – 24 September 2020 Meeting arrangements and proposal to revise the RCP bye-laws

Dear fellow,You will have received a notice in the June issue of Commentary regarding the decision to move the AGM/Comitia from Wednesday 15 July 2020 to Thursday 24 September 2020 at 14.30–16.30hrs. Since then, the decision has been made to hold the meeting entirely virtually to ensure the safety of participants during the pandemic and allow maximum engagement. This has not been an easy decision but I hope you will understand the reasons for it. Below you will find details, as known at this time, regarding communication routes for additional and updated information; the chance to raise issues or questions in advance; and importantly details on the consultation to revise the bye-laws, which will form a major item at the AGM in September. The forced change to virtual is far from ideal and so we are learning as we go but we hope it will lead to a successful meeting of fellows and provide learning for future AGMs which could follow a physical/virtual hybrid model.

07/07/20

Royal College of Physicians lit up blue in Liverpool and London to mark NHS72

On Saturday 4 July, the day before the NHS’s 72nd birthday, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) saw both of its two main buildings in London and Liverpool light up in blue in a moment of remembrance and reflection for all those we have lost to the coronavirus.

21/07/20

RCP announces new vice president and fills other key governance roles

Professor Áine Burns has been elected as the Royal College of Physicians’ senior censor and vice president for education and training following an online vote by 2,650 of the RCP’s fellows. Several other key roles have also been filled in a round of elections and appointments.

10/07/20

COVID-19 recovery – an opportunity for a different future

RCP clinical director for quality improvement and patient safety, Dr John Dean, discusses how recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to improve future healthcare.

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: Professor Shernaz Walton FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog focuses on the life and career of Professor Shernaz Walton FRCP.

25/08/20

Social distancing | COVID-19 around the world | preparations for next winter

Much has happened since my last bulletin and the world is slowly trying to get back up on its feet. Nations and countries are moving at different rates and each have their own challenges.The NHS too is shifting gear and while we cannot say we are ‘post-COVID’ as the virus is very much still around, we are now in a new phase in the UK.

21/07/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to government launch of Health and Care Visa

On 14 July 2020, the Home Secretary Priti Patel and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock announced that a new Health and Care Visa will be launched this Summer, creating a new fast-track visa route for eligible health and care professionals and delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

21/07/20

Royal College of Physicians to Light Up Blue in Liverpool and London to mark NHS72

On Saturday 4 July, the day before the NHS’s 72nd birthday, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will see both of its two main buildings in London and Liverpool light up in blue in a moment of remembrance and reflection for all those we have lost to the coronavirus.

27/07/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to government's new obesity strategy

Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:

29/07/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Wajid Hussain FRCP

The RCP’s lead for digital health, Dr Wajid Hussain FRCP, battled against low expectations throughout his childhood to eventually go on to become a consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. In this piece for South Asian Heritage Month, he talks about growing up as a first-generation immigrant from a working-class Pakistani family and the importance of ensuring anyone can become a doctor, no matter their background.

14/10/20

EPCA2020 digital award winner: Flash Glucose Collaboration

Dr Emma Wilmot describes an innovative project to improve the uptake of flash glucose monitoring.

14/10/20

EPCA2020 innovation award winner – Ambulatory Pneumothorax Service

Dr Raja Reddy from Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust outlines an innovative project for the ambulatory management of spontaneous pneumothorax.

20/01/26

Spotlight on local innovation – same day emergency care in Southend

In the latest of our Spotlight on local innovation series, Dr Shahid Nasim, RCP collegiate member, reflects on a decade of changes in ambulatory and same day emergency care in Southend on Sea, Essex.

07/08/20

EPCA 2020 medical education and training award winner – The Prescribing Safety Assessment partnership

Professor Simon Maxwell outlines the Prescribing Safety Assessment, designed to ensure that new graduates have the knowledge and skills to safely prescribe and supervise medicines in modern healthcare.

14/10/20

EPCA2020 person centred-care award winner – Moving Medicine

An initiative to promote physical activity to support patients.

27/07/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to NHS England's new Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the launch of the new programme.

29/07/20

RCP welcomes new diversity and inclusion report and promises action plan

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed the findings of an independent report it commissioned last year into diversity and inclusion at the RCP and will publish an action plan in September to address the recommendations.

28/07/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Amitava Banerjee

In this video, Dr Banarjee takes us on a journey through history, exploring how South Asian doctors came to be training and working in the UK.

29/07/20

RCP vice president for Wales: The plea for education, education, education

RCP Cymru vice president Dr Olwen Williams OBE shares tips and advice.

29/07/20

Wellbeing strategies during COVID-19

Dr Kate Edwards outlines wellbeing strategies in the age of COVID-19.

30/07/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to the NHS People Plan

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the next part of the next part of the action plan.

30/07/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to the NHS People Plan for 2020/21

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to the next part of the action plan.

30/07/20

Press release: RCP responds to Health Secretary's speech on the future of healthcare

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds to the speech delivered this morning at the RCP by Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who shared his vision for the future of healthcare.

31/07/20

RCP responds to Health Secretary's speech on the future of healthcare

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds to the speech delivered this morning at the RCP by Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who shared his vision for the future of healthcare.

05/08/20

Almost two thirds of doctors worry that COVID-19 has indirectly harmed their patients

Survey finds RCP members worried that patients have suffered harm or complications following diagnosis or treatment delays during the pandemic.

05/08/20

Press release: Almost two thirds of doctors worry that COVID-19 has indirectly harmed their patients

Survey finds RCP members worried that patients have suffered harm or complications following diagnosis or treatment delays during the pandemic.

06/11/20

Carers like me need support

Sue Doyle cared for her mother-in-law whilst she recovered from a hip fracture. Here, she tells us about the importance of carers and the newly published support available to help them in their role.

13/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Fizzah Ali

Dr Fizzah Ali is a neurology registrar based in London, rotating through the Royal Free hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She is currently a national medical director’s clinical fellow on a secondment working at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. She is editor-in-chief of Medical Woman, a magazine produced by the Medical Women’s Federation. In this piece she talks about her heritage, the special insight a diverse background provides, and challenging stereotype.

05/08/20

COVID-19 and the workforce: returning to normal with concerns about patients

The fifth survey of RCP fellows and members shows that doctors are concerned for patients as practice and rotas return to normal.

04/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Umesh Dashora

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Dr Umesh Dashora.

05/08/20

Dr Mumtaz Patel announced as incoming vice president, global

Dr Mumtaz Patel has been appointed as the incoming RCP global vice president, taking over from Professor Ali Jawad at the end of his successful term in August.

11/08/20

This Doctor Can: Professor Partha Kar FRCP

In this video, diabetes consultant Professor Partha Kar FRCP tells us about his home city of Kolkata, India, and the reasons why you should pay it a visit.

18/08/20

Recommendations for continued care and support of people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

We are extremely concerned about people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, unable to work from home and are losing income protection that was put in place at the beginning of the pandemic.

12/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Ravi Madhotra FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Dr Ravi Madhotra FRCP.

13/08/20

This Doctor Can: Professor Geeta Menon FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Professor Geeta Menon FRCP.

13/08/20

RCP responds to launch of NHS test and trace app

The RCP has responded to today’s launch by government of the NHS test and trace app.

14/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Umakant Dave FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Dr Umakant Dave FRCP.

13/08/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to launch of NHS Test and Trace app

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to today’s launch by government of the NHS test and trace app.

20/01/26

Entries open for the Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2026

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is delighted to announce that entries for the Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2026 are open. These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of RCP members and fellows worldwide, who are driving improvements in patient care through education, clinical practice, research and policy.

25/08/20

Public attitudes to COVID-19 | vaccines | obesity

I’ve been on call this weekend so this bulletin may be a little more rough and ready than normal. I do enjoy the opportunity to immerse myself in the weekend take, although the calls in the middle of the night are less of a pleasure as I get older. The early hours ’scoping of GI bleeds has lost almost all appeal due to lack of ‘golden slumbers’ but the delay in getting patients to the endoscopy room does have fringe benefits. I’ve been able to do some reading around public attitudes to COVID-19 related issues which I’ll try and thread through this bulletin.

25/08/20

NHS reset | flu vaccination | latest survey results

I’m on holiday in gorgeous, sunny Wales (apart from the occasional impressive thundershower) so have been in slightly more relaxed mood. The ‘policy people’ in UK governmental circles have been less relaxed since my last bulletin and the RCP too has been fairly prodigious in its output so there is a fair bit to update you on.

15/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram FRCP

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram FRCP.

17/08/20

This Doctor Can: Dr Onima Chowdhury

For South Asian Heritage Month, this This Doctor Can blog post focuses on the life and career of Dr Onima Chowdhury.

17/08/20

RCP responds to media reports that PHE is being replaced

RCP president, Professor Andrew Goddard responds to media reports that Public Health England is to be replaced by a new agency.

18/08/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians and other leading health organisations concerned for patients following pause of shielding programme

The Royal College of Physicians has published a joint statement with other health organisations expressing their extreme concern for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), unable to work from home and are losing income protection that was put in place at the beginning of the pandemic.

20/01/26

RCP Podcast Graphic 3000 X 3000Px AW Medicine

RCP Medicine podcast reaches 100 episodes

The RCP has reached a major milestone with the publication of the 100th episode of its RCP Medicine podcast.

18/08/20

Delivering research for all – an analysis of participation in clinical research

Synopsis to go here

18/08/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians (RCP) responds to creation of National Institute for Health Protection

RCP's response to the government’s announcement of a brand new National Institute for Health Protection.

18/08/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to creation of National Institute for Health Protection

RCP's response to the government’s announcement of a brand new National Institute for Health Protection.

20/08/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to news that government has lifted cap on medical school places

The Royal College of Physicians has added its voice to those calling on the government to allow universities to recruit extra medical students this year.

20/08/20

Royal College of Physicians responds to news that government has lifted cap on medical school places

The Royal College of Physicians has added its voice to those calling on the government to allow universities to recruit extra medical students this year.

20/08/20

Delivering more integrated care through better use of data – lessons from Manchester

Since the onset of the pandemic, our healthcare system has shown its capacity to adapt and innovate to deliver improved services. Greater Manchester is leading the way, having accelerated the development of its single care record system for almost 3 million people in the region.

21/08/20

Finding long-term solutions to the challenges facing social care

As part of RCP’s work on the Health for Care campaign, Dr Jonathan Steel, RCP lead fellow for social care reflects on why the UK Government must fix social care.

25/08/20

PHE reorganisation | flu patterns | medical student places

I’m writing this between cases on my weekend inpatient endoscopy list, waiting for the aerosol droplets to settle before moving on to the next patient. There is a loud hum in my ears from the air filter pump into my hood and hearing others in the room speak is a challenge, although at least I can see their lips move without masks on. Time moves frustratingly slowly in ‘the hood’ and my wonderful holiday in Wales last week seems a world away.Even then I couldn’t fully escape the world of medicine and politics – I am sure many reading this were or will be affected by the events and some left in dire straits because of them.

07/09/20

A first hand account of the Beirut explosion and its aftermath

On Tuesday 4 August, at 6:08pm the city of Beirut was ripped by an explosion the size of a mini atomic bomb or even a strong earthquake. Dr Imad Uthman, RCP international advisor for Lebanon and resident of Beirut gives his account of this dark day and the aftermath of this tragic event.

27/08/20

Press release: Women, BAME and rural physicians struggle to access research says RCP survey

A new survey from the Royal College of Physicians has found inequalities in access to research for women doctors, doctors from BAME backgrounds and those working in rural areas.

27/08/20

Women, BAME and rural physicians struggle to access research says Royal College of Physicians

A new survey from the Royal College of Physicians has found inequalities in access to research for women doctors, doctors from BAME backgrounds and those working in rural areas.

04/09/20

This Doctor Can: Exploring medicine through poetry

Junior doctor Dr Lopez Okhiai shares his journey into a medicine.

21/09/20

Steroids and trials in COVID-19 | medical school places update | Brexit

If I were a head teacher, I would be welcoming people back to a new term and talking about the promise of the next year and those starting school for the first time. We have a fair few more starters this year in our medical schools (see later) and I suspect there are some parents who are relieved that traditional educational establishments are open for business again. COVID-19 continues to feature highly in my meetings and the NHS generally but there is also a ‘back to school’ feeling which I will try and express in this week’s bulletin. Four top trials start us off.

14/09/20

Dr Peter Tun to receive posthumous RCP fellowship

Dr Peter Tun, associate specialist in neurological rehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust since 1998, will receive the accolade of RCP fellowship posthumously.

09/09/20

Press release: Royal College of Physicians responds to Clean Air Fund and CBI Economic's report - Breathing Life into the UK Economy

Our special adviser on air quality responds to a report by CBI Economic's report Breathing Life into the UK Economy, commissioned by the Clean Air Fund.

09/09/20

RCP responds to clean air fund and CBI Economic's report - Breathing life into the UK economy

Our special adviser on air quality responds to a report by CBI Economic's report Breathing Life into the UK Economy, commissioned by the Clean Air Fund.

23/12/25

Spotlight on local innovation: supporting locally employed doctors in Southend

In this Spotlight on local innovation blog, Dr Sidra Rahman, locally employed doctor lead and locum consultant at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, reflects on how the organisation is reshaping its support for locally employed doctors (LEDs) by building community, strengthening induction and supervision and addressing long-standing barriers around funding, portfolios and career progression.

08/01/26

Spotlight on local innovation – why local training pathways are no longer ‘alternative’

Dr Nanda Kishore Nalla FRCP, consultant in acute medicine, associate director of medical education for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and lead for CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) programme in acute internal medicine (AIM), talked to us about Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s training programme for LEDs and portfolio pathway (formerly CESR) doctors.

13/06/16

Royal College of Physicians JAG Accreditation scheme announces new standards for GI endoscopy Services

The Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy (JAG) has launched new accreditation standards for GI endoscopy services.

16/08/24

Clinical attachments: how one international medical graduate achieved her lifelong dream to work in the NHS

Last week, the RCP launched new educational and career support guidance for locally employed doctors (LEDs) and international medical graduates (IMGs). In this blog from our #NextGenPhysicians series, Dr Hafsa Shafique, an LED in west Wales and an IMG from Pakistan, writes about her long-held dream of working in the NHS and how she managed to achieve it earlier this year.

13/01/25

The power of mentorship: reflections on my journey

Dr Jhiamluka Solano, RCP Resident Doctor Committee member, is a cardiology and internal medicine registrar who joined the UK medical workforce in 2019 as an international medical graduate (IMG) from Honduras, having successfully completed the required exams to obtain his GMC license to practice. In this piece – part of our #NextGenPhysicians blog series – Jhiamluka shares his insights on the impact of mentoring in medical education.

21/02/24

RCP responds to expansion of 'Martha's Rule'

NHS England today announced that it will expand ‘Martha’s Rule’ in hospitals across England from April.

26/11/25

Mumtaz Patel At A Meet Your President Session

RCP hosts first global Meet your president session

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has hosted its first global Meet your president session, bringing together fellows, members and international advisers from across the world to share ideas, ask questions and shape the future direction of the college.

03/09/25

RCP hosts second ‘Meet the president’ forum for fellows and members

Last night, RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel hosted the second in a series of online ‘Meet the president’ forums, giving fellows and members the chance to ask questions, share their experiences and help shape the RCP’s new strategy.

30/07/24

Winner: RCP Teale essay prize for trainees 2024

This year’s Teale essay prize for trainees winner is rheumatology registrar and clinical PhD fellow Dr Mrinalini Dey. In this piece she talks about her winning contribution '"Consider the seasons": the climate crisis, its impact on healthcare, and the role of the physician.’

23/06/25

Dr Arash Fattahi wins 2025 RCP Teale essay prize

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced Dr Arash Fattahi as the winner of the 2025 Teale Essay Prize for his essay on whether we should end rotational training for physicians.

26/06/25

Royal College of Physicians governance review underway

The Royal College of Physicians’ Board of Trustees has appointed the Good Governance Institute (GGI) to undertake a governance review of the organisation.

04/02/26

RCP warns maternal obesity is an urgent and growing threat to women and babies

The RCP has warned that obesity in women and people of childbearing age is an urgent and growing public health concern in the UK, and that action must be taken to reduce preventable risks to women and babies.

05/02/26

RCP responds to the publication of the National Cancer Plan for England

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) welcomes the ambition set out in the National Cancer Plan and its clear focus on prevention, earlier diagnosis, improving survival and supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer. Physicians across the NHS will recognise the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action, particularly after years of missed cancer waiting time standards and widening inequalities in outcomes.

10/02/26

'Early senior clinical input is essential': RCP responds to NHSE standards for care of acutely unwell patients in their first 72 hours in hospital

The RCP has responded to new NHS England standards for care of acutely unwell patients in their first 72 hours in hospital. It was developed in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians, the Society for Acute Medicine and the British Geriatrics Society.

12/02/26

RCP responds to a Cochrane review on the substitution of nurses for physicians in hospitals

The RCP has responded to a Cochrane review on the substitution of nurses for physicians in the hospital setting.

15/01/26

‘The NHS is fundamentally unprepared for AI’: 7 in 10 doctors say the NHS is not digitally fit to deploy it

The new RCP view on digital and AI report exposes a disconnect between doctors’ demand for AI and institutional capability and raises serious questions about the NHS's readiness to adopt AI tools safely. It recommends that the government and NHS must optimise digital systems, ensure digital interoperability, and provide robust regulatory frameworks to protect patient safety, while ensuring doctors and patients can safely benefit from the potential of AI.

16/01/26

‘Waiting, waiting, waiting’ – latest issue of Future Healthcare Journal from the RCP explores symptom-based disorders, NHS waiting lists and training bottlenecks

The December 2025 issue of Future Healthcare Journal (FHJ) brings together new research, opinion and lived experience to examine some of the most pressing challenges facing patients and clinicians across the UK – from long waits for care and training bottlenecks, to how medicine must adapt to increasing complexity, multiple health conditions and persistent symptoms.

13/01/26

RCP welcomes announcement of Bill to prioritise UK medical graduates for training places

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the announcement of a bill which will see UK medical graduates prioritised for training places.

30/01/26

RCP responds to NHS England update on the 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives

In a letter dated 23 January, NHS England national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit has written to NHS trust chief executives and chief medical officers with a progress update on the NHS England 10 Point Plan for resident doctors.

08/01/26

'These conditions are unacceptable': RCP responds to HSSIB report on corridor care

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) report into patient care in temporary care environments.

05/01/26

RCP welcomes introduction of junk food advertising regulations

Today, the government has introduced Less Healthy Advertising Restrictions, placing restrictions on the advertising and marketing of junk food and drink on television and online.

15/01/26

RCP responds to GMC report on persistent inequalities in medical training and careers

The RCP has responded to the General Medical Council (GMC) updated annual report on data and work undertaken in 2024 to tackle discrimination and inequality in medicine.

05/06/24

Innovation, research and sustainability

Dr Ramesh Arasaradnam, RCP Academic Vice President, draws out key themes from the RCP manifesto for the future of the NHS.

16/11/25

Infection management AMR and sepsis

World Antibiotic Awareness week Nov 18 – 25 is a call to arms to mitigate the growth of antimicrobial resistance, which has risen by 9.3% in the last few years.

10/03/21

RCP publishes new guidance for supporting people who have eating and drinking difficulties

The RCP has published updated guidance on how to support people who have eating and drinking difficulties, particularly towards the end of life.

03/12/24

RCP launches new Modern outpatient care guide

Today, we have released a new Modern outpatient care guide which stresses the need to make planned, specialist care pathways more sustainable for the future.

20/07/23

A patient voice: Digital transformation must start with us

Engaging members of the public in digital transformation will help ensure that the changes that are made bring real benefits not just to the health service also but to patients, carers, family members and communities.

20/03/25

Reducing the use of disposable insulin pens in North East & Yorkshire

Integrated care boards (ICBs) in North East and Yorkshire are working to make diabetes care greener by supporting patients to switch to reusable insulin pens.

25/06/24

RCP publishes new educational and career guidance for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published new educational and career guidance for specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors.

05/12/22

This Doctor Can: Dr Helen Newton FRCP

Retired consultant, Dr Helen Newton, talks about her time as a locum consultant and her return to work post-retirement.

11/04/24

The impact of rising cost of living on maternity leave: guest blog from Maternity Action

By Annah Psarros, senior policy officer, Maternity Action.

Welcome to the RCP

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Latest news from the RCP

Dr Theresa Barnes: Reflections from outpatients summits 2 and 3

Varicella zoster virus: Occupational aspects of management 2010

Upper limb disorders: Occupational aspects of management 2009

Dermatitis: Occupational aspects of management 2009

Latex Allergy: Occupational aspects of management 2008

National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2

Hospital activity data guide for clinicians: Wales

Top ten tips for coding: a guide for clinical staff

Standards for the clinical structure and content of patient records

Standards for medication and medical device records – technical annex

Standards for admission, handover, discharge, outpatient and referral – technical annex

Example record templates

Editorial principles for the development of record standards

Record keeping audit tools

Professional guidance on the structure and content of ambulance records

Developing standards for health and social care records

Generic medical record keeping standards

Record standards safety case

Physical and Shift Work in Pregnancy: Occupational aspects of management 2009

Diagnosis, management and prevention of occupational contact dermatitis

Pregnancy: Occupational aspects of management

Client experience survey 2012 – round 1

Completion of the Statement of Fitness for Work

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace 2011 – round 1

Back pain management audit 2009 – round 1

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace: overcoming barriers and sharing success 2012

Back pain management audit 2012 – round 2

Long-term sickness absence and depression detection 2009 – round 1

Long-term sickness absence and depression detection 2010 – round 2

Record keeping audit 2012 – round 1

Implementing NICE public health guidance for the workplace 2013 – round 2

Workplace economic models: the costs and benefits to employers

Familial hypercholesterolaemia audit

Future Hospital Commission

Future Hospital Programme: Year 1

Future Hospital development site: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Future Hospital development site: Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Future Hospital development site: East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust

Future Hospital development site: Worthing Hospital

Future Hospital – Submit your story

Background to the young adults and adolescents transition project

Young adult and adolescent healthcare: resources

Shared decision making: information and resources

NLCA annual report 2014

Clinical assessment service

Vision for the NLCA

LTMD toolkits

LTMD overview

Learning to Make a Difference (LTMD) trainees

FLS-DB feasibility study

Applying to work with Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme data

Why asthma still kills

Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP)

Stroke guidelines 2016

Stroke Peer Review Scheme

Carotid Interventions Audit reports

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis

FallSafe working in practice: Portsmouth

Health Foundation FallSafe Report

National Care of the Dying Audit of Hospitals

End of Life Care Audit: objectives and scope

National Audit of Continence Care (NACC)

Cost-Effective Commissioning for Continence Care

Continence care - privacy and dignity

National audit of services for people with multiple sclerosis: 2011 reports

National audit of services for people with multiple sclerosis: archived 2008 reports

IBD workshops

IBD audit and transparency data

IBD audit round one 2006-08

IBD audit round two 2008-10

National clinical audit of adult IBD inpatient care - round three 2010-12

IBD audit round four 2012-14