‘Degrading’ corridor care is causing patient harm warns Dr Tim Cooksley, past president of the Society for Acute Medicine – The Independent  

In January, the number of A&E patients waiting over 12 hours reached a record high, nearly 180,000, amidst Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's unmet pledge to reduce NHS waiting lists. NHS England, prompted by The Independent's reports, began disclosing data on 12+ hour waits last year. January saw 178,000 enduring such waits, an increase from previous months. Although NHS trimmed the waiting list for three consecutive months, it still stands 400,000 higher than in January 2023. Over 13,000 patients waited over 18 months for routine treatment by December 2023. Dr. Tim Cooksley expressed concern over prolonged waits and stressed winter strains from flu and COVID-19 cases, urging immediate action to prevent further harm. 

One in five NHS jobs now filled by non-UK nationals – Sky News 

Analysis of NHS Digital data reveals a significant increase in non-UK nationals filling NHS roles, with one in five jobs held by non-UK nationals. The highest proportion since records began, with a third of doctors and three in 10 nurses from abroad. Indian nationals are most common, comprising 10.1% of nurses and 8% of doctors. The NHS is highly reliant on this international workforce, with 120,000 vacancies, but concerns arise about long-term sustainability. The NHS long-term workforce plan aims to decrease reliance on foreign staff, doubling medical school places and increasing nurse training to ensure future sustainability. 

Letter to Amanda Pritchard regarding anaesthetic recruitment – The Royal College of Anaesthetists 

President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, Dr Fiona Donald, has written to CEO of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard to request immediate action to address the inadequate resourcing of Anaesthetic National Recruitment Office (ANRO). 

It's like Groundhog Day – A year on the Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan has made little to no significant difference in our A&Es – The Royal College of Emergency Medicine  

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine criticises NHS England’s Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, finding little improvement in emergency care despite efforts. Published a year ago after a severe winter crisis, the plan’s measures have not significantly alleviated A&E challenges. While core hospital bed numbers increased as targeted, hospitals remain overcrowded, with occupancy rate dangerously high. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine stresses the need for a more comprehensive, long-term strategy and investment to address systemic issues, emphasising the ongoing struggle faced by patients and healthcare professionals. 

Royal College of Physicians announce candidate standing in the RCP elections 2024 – Royal College of Physicians  

The Royal College of Physicians has announced the names of fellows standing for election as academic vice president, and councillor in 20241. Voting will open on 23rd February 2024 and close at midday 25th March 2024.