The census provides the three Royal Colleges of Physicians with essential data that we use to lobby for changes, such as additional consultant and SAS posts and medical school places, improved facilities, and a greater focus on regions in need. We also share the findings at a provider level with medical directors to help them make informed decisions.
If you want to know more about how we use the data, you can refer to Life in the time of COVID-19: the 2020 UK consultant census. You can also download a tool that allows you to interrogate the data yourself.
Every year the Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow conducts a census with the aim of providing robust data on the state of the physician workforce in the UK. These census data help us plan for the future and is more important than ever, considering the effects of COVID-19 on the NHS.
How to complete the census
Please look out for your email from the three Royal Colleges of Physicians on Wednesday 6 October 2021 which will allow you to access your personalised form. The URL we send is specific to you and should not be passed on to your colleagues.
As in previous years, on completing your census form you will be able to compare your data with the overall results.
If you haven’t received your email, or are having difficulties accessing your form, please contact mwucensus@rcp.ac.uk.
Follow @RCPhysicians on Twitter to stay informed about the #PhysicianCensus campaign and contribute to the debate.