The policy team has been focusing particularly on the issues created by the elective backlog and workforce shortages in recent weeks. We have been working with the Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Evidence Centre advising them on research as part of the process behind the newly announced NHS Wales Planned Care Plan. We had a particular focus on the prehabilitation aspects of that plan as well as pushing for the surgical hubs announced in that plan.
We also spent a lot of time leading an effort by several Royal Colleges – including RCPSG, RCPE and RCEM – to be added to the AAC regulations in England. We worked with Parliamentarians in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to propose an amendment to that effect to the Health and Care Bill. Unfortunately despite receiving support from across the political parties, including the Conservatives, the government refused to accept our amendment. However, we did receive formal confirmation that the change could be made by ministerial action, without requiring legislation from Parliament. We are therefore going to continue to push to end this anomaly in the regulations in order to try and make this change happen.
We will continue to provide advocacy for our members and fellows and patients across Westminster and the devolved administrations. If you would like to know more about our work please contact us on birmingham@rcsed.ac.uk.