The Trades Union Congress in Brighton today endorsed HCSA calls for the TUC General Council “to do all it can” to highlight the ongoing shortfall in NHS hospital doctors and other clinical staff.
Delegates unanimously supported a motion moved by HCSA Chief Executive Eddie Saville, who highlighted the “loss of the next generation of hospital consultants” through dropouts at the Foundation Year 2 stage in their training, and the cost pressures through staff shortages fuelled by poor workplace planning and low morale.
The HCSA warned in its motion: “This significant shortfall in hospital consultants, specialists, trainees and other healthcare professionals places the notion of a fully funded, fully staffed, safe seven-day service unattainable in the current climate.”
“The continuation of this decline will impact adversely of the care of patients.”