HCSA – the hospital doctors’ union has formally endorsed the work of the SAS Collective, a group of specialist and specialty doctors working to improve the careers and retention of SAS and locally employed doctors across the UK.

The SAS Collective has presented the SAS Six, a roadmap for improving the careers of SAS doctors:

1. Every early career SAS doctor should have access to an educational supervisor.
2. All SAS doctors should have equity of access to professional development opportunities relevant to their stage of career.
3. All Speciality Doctors who meet the required capabilities should have the opportunity to become Specialists.
4. Senior SAS doctors should be offered the opportunity to be educators at every level on a par with consultants e.g. educational supervisors, clinical supervisors, directors of medical education.
5. All extended roles in leadership and management should be open to all substantive medical staff i.e. consultants AND appropriately experienced SAS doctors.
6. All locally employed doctors employed for more than two years within one trust should be offered the opportunity to transfer to the appropriate SAS contract.

Formally endorsing the SAS Collective, HCSA President Dr Naru Narayanan said:

“HCSA is proud to support this outstanding initiative. SAS doctors are an essential part of the medical workforce and have been overlooked for far too long.

“Our SAS members report that they are not afforded the status and respect in hospitals that their skills deserve. Many have been denied opportunities to progress in their careers. It’s time for that to change.

“HCSA supports the SAS Collective’s vital work campaigning for improved career development, progression and retention of SAS and locally employed doctors.”

The SAS Collective founder Dr Lily Read said:

"It’s fantastic to see the support from thousands of doctors of all grades and from healthcare organisations for The SAS Collective SAS Six asks.

"Our social movement asks that we make existing guidance, currently only implemented in some Boards and Trusts, a reality for more SAS doctors in more places - helping to retain, recruit and value this significant part of the medical workforce and supporting good quality continuity of medical care for patients."

HCSA is the trade union and professional association for hospital doctors of all grades. SAS and locally employed doctors who are not yet members can join today.