The RCP has welcomed new measures unveiled by NHS Medical Director, Sir Bruce Keogh, to implement a 7 day service across the NHS.
Commenting on the proposals, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the RCP, said:
Patients deserve the same high quality care in the evening and weekends as they receive during the week. We welcome the plans set out by NHS England.
In 2010 the RCP called for there to be a consultant presence on acute medical wards for at least 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. In many trusts this is happening, however the RCP insists time off is allowed in lieu, and this is not always happening. I am pleased that NHS England agrees with the RCP that priority must be given to introducing a 7 day service for acute and emergency care.
We look forward to working with NHS England to implement these changes and to solve the challenges ahead. We must develop a truly integrated 7 day service that goes beyond the hospital and incorporates primary, community and social care.
In September 2013 the RCP published the Future Hospital Commission report, which sets out a radical overhaul of acute medical services built around a 7 day service.
For further information, please contact Morgan Evans, RCP communications and new media adviser, on 020 3075 1468 / 0779 508 8253, or email Morgan.Evans@rcplondon.ac.uk