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.
In response to the Health and Care Bill receiving Royal Assent, meaning it has now become law, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Andrew Goddard, said:
“The RCP has always been strongly supportive of the direction of travel set out in the Health and Care Bill. Placing Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) on statutory footing will better enable integration at a local level to improve population health.
“We welcome that government listened to sector organisations including the RCP and introduced key amendments to give ICSs new duties on health inequalities, clinical research and climate change. These changes will provide a good basis for action when the Act comes into force.
“The RCP was one of over 100 health and care organisations calling for the bill to include a duty for regular assessments of how many staff are needed now and in future to meet demand. It is disappointing and frustrating that government did not accept this amendment and that no compromise was reached. This is a significant missed opportunity to begin to solve the workforce crisis which remains the limiting factor in the government’s plans for health and social care.
“As we move to implementation, the RCP will be supporting its members to play their role locally. Integration will not happen without teams working differently, and we encourage physicians to be a part of this."