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02/10/26
Mumtaz future of NHS blog

The future of the NHS depends on creating health, not just treating illness

RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel recently presented at the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) annual conference where she discussed the future of medicine. Here, reflecting on work that’s being led by BLSM chair Dr Frances Elliot, she makes the case for a whole-government approach that creates the conditions for people and communities to thrive.
News
02/10/26
Vaping And Smoking

RCP urges government to close loopholes in tobacco and vape marketing rules

Ministers should seize the opportunity to close loopholes in tobacco and vape regulation and resist attempts to weaken proposed reforms, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has said in its response to a major government consultation.
Blog
01/10/26
Vaping And Smoking

Beyond the Tobacco and Vapes Act: realising the smoke-free dividend

In a new article for Clinical Medicine (ClinMed), RCP special adviser on tobacco, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, explores why the next phase of tobacco control must focus not only on reducing overall smoking prevalence. Here he discusses why it’s so important to tackle the deep inequalities that continue to shape who smokes, who can quit and who experiences the greatest harm. Read Sanjay’s full article, Smoking, health and social justice, in Clinical Medicine.
News
01/10/26
Doctor And Patient Holding Hands

RCP survey reveals growing patient safety risks as care struggles to keep pace with rising numbers of patients with multiple long-term conditions

New data from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) reveals growing concern among physicians that NHS services are not keeping pace with the rising number of patients living with multiple long-term conditions, with two-thirds reporting they have seen poorer care or patient harm linked to fragmentation between specialties and services.
News
01/10/26
RCP London Sign

RCP publishes summary of September 2026 Council meeting

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a summary of the open section of its September 2026 Council meeting.
Blog
30/09/26
Person using tablet (1)

Going digital: our journey to JAG accreditation

Dr Rhodri Davies FRCP, clinical lead for endoscopy in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), explains how digital resources, lean methodology and a shared commitment to improvement have helped his endoscopy team to secure Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal endoscopy (JAG) accreditation and develop an approach that could be adopted by other services.
News
29/09/26
Houses Of Parliament

'Physicians see the consequences over an overstretched social care system': RCP responds to Prime Minister's Speech at the Labour Party conference 2026

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Prime Minister's Labour Party conference speech in which he committed to establish a National Care Service.
News
25/09/26
Northampton RCP Visit Image

'People spoke positively about teamwork and inclusion': RCP president visits Northampton General Hospital

RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel visited Northampton General Hospital last week to hear directly from consultants, resident doctors and senior leaders about the opportunities and challenges facing the medical workforce.
News
24/09/26
Hospital Corridor (1)

RCP Cymru Wales welcomes Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) report

The RCP has welcomed the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) Annual Report 2025–2026, published today. The report highlights the continued dedication of healthcare staff across Wales, while identifying persistent challenges including access to care, patient flow, workforce pressures, and the suitability of some healthcare environments that continue to affect the quality, safety and experience of care.