There have certainly been dark clouds hanging low over the RCP family as we enter 2021. The untimely passing of our registrar Professor Donal O’Donoghue has reminded us all how cruel this virus is and how vulnerable we all are. Donal was a true gentleman, committed to equality and inclusivity, a champion of doctors in training, with a lifelong commitment to improving patient care. He was a true friend and supporter of RCP Cymru Wales. I will miss our monthly chats, our shared jokes and our mutual passion for the college.In this month’s bulletin, I invite you to send us your stories about your experiences during the pandemic; I urge you also to fill in the next workforce survey from the college which will be sent out on 10 February. I also talk about our work on health inequalities, trainee leadership opportunities, and the importance of college involvement in consultant appointments.
Remembering our colleagues
In December, the RCP produced a tribute to members and fellows who have died from COVID-19. This document will be reviewed and updated – if you are aware of anyone who has not been included, please contact the RCP.
Winter blues
The combination of COVID-19 and the usual winter pressures has seen every health board under huge strain. While the Welsh government’s decision to enact lockdown before Christmas has helped to curb new infections in south and mid Wales, we are still seeing worrying numbers in north Wales.
Around 90% of all hospital in-patients with COVID-19 are cared for by physicians, and this disease is taking a physical and emotional toll on every single one of us. At every opportunity, the RCP continues to raise concerns about staff wellbeing in the media and with government officials. During regular meetings with the chief medical officer we have emphasised the need for a rapid roll out of the vaccine to all patient-facing doctors, and we have called for better communication with the medical profession about the vaccine schedule. Hopefully you will receive both doses very soon.
The four chief medical officers recently joined with the GMC and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to thank doctors across the UK in their latest joint letter to the profession. I want to add my voice to theirs. I am so proud of the way our membership is facing up to this awful, cruel disease, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your professionalism and passion.
Stories from the frontline
The team in Wales is also keen to gather stories from the frontline and highlight your experiences, feelings and opinions about the pandemic. We want to raise the profile of physicians during this turbulent time; with nine in ten COVID-19 patients being treated by our fellows and members, your voice deserves to be heard more widely, so if you’d like to tell us your story, please get in touch.
Media interest has been high. Dr Andrew Lansdown (University Hospital of Wales) was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live just after Christmas about the pressures facing the NHS workforce in south Wales. I have also had the opportunity to highlight some key issues on national TV and radio.
On that note, BBC News is carrying out research into the experiences of BAME doctors during the coronavirus pandemic. They have designed a short, anonymous questionnaire; findings will be used to inform the BBC’s coverage. If you would like to take part, the deadline is 31 January 2021.
The next RCP survey tracking the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce (our ninth!) will be sent to you on 10 February. This is another snapshot survey and will be open for 24 hours only. Please do fill it in. It should only take 5 minutes of your time, and it helps us to make a stronger case for action to the Welsh government, politicians and the NHS.
In the meantime, the RCP Cymru Wales team will continue to shout loudly and often about your hard work and determination. If you’d like to become an RCP media spokesperson – again, please get in touch with our team.
Tackling health inequalities
Many of your will be interested in the latest RCP Medicine podcast, in which Dr Seun Anyiam and Professor Carol Brayne explore how the unconscious biases of clinicians may be contributing to ongoing inequalities in the health outcomes of patients.
This will a big priority for the RCP in 2021. Three of the top ten areas in England and Wales with the highest COVID-19 death rates are in deprived areas of south Wales, highlighting the link between health inequalities and COVID-19 mortality.
The RCP in London is searching for a trainee doctor to join the policy and campaigns team as a part-time clinical fellow for health inequalities for two years. They can be based anywhere in the UK, so please circulate the opportunity to your junior doctor colleagues!
The next generation of medical leaders
I’m excited to tell you that recruitment has now opened for the 2021-22 RCP chief registrar programme. This flagship leadership programme is for trainee doctors who are committed to quality improvement; you can read more about one chief registrar’s experience here. If your health board or trust is interested in taking part, please contact chiefregistrar@rcplondon.ac.uk.
Appointing consultant colleagues
Finally, we have recently had written confirmation from the Welsh government that all Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC) panels must have an RCP representative present. So please do make yourself available if approached to sit on an interview panel.
Look after yourselves.
Stay safe.