‘Improving Workplace Conditions is Key to the Future of Surgery’

Leading medical experts to focus on ‘Making it Better’ at RCSEd Triennial Conference

Published: 12 February 2020

A host of prominent medical professionals from across the globe are set to gather in Scotland’s capital to discuss improving the workplace for healthcare professionals.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s (RCSEd) Triennial Conference will take place in Edinburgh on 4-5 June, and as the title of the event - ‘Making It Better’ - suggests, speakers will focus on improving conditions for those involved in surgery and dentistry, to in turn protect patient safety. 

Keynote speakers include Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Dr Catherine Calderwood, Dame Clare Marx, Chairman of the GMC and former President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Professor Carrie McEwen, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and former President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.  

Talks will focus on the challenges impacting the workforce in medical environments, as well as mental health and wellbeing, and the crucial issue of supporting trainees. 

The conference follows the launch of RCSEd’s ‘Let’s Remove It’ campaign in 2017, which was devised in a bid to help eradicate bullying in the workplace for surgical practitioners after data* showed almost a quarter of NHS staff had experienced harassment, bullying or abuse from colleagues in the last 12 months. 

Professor Michael Griffin OBE, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, said: “I believe improving workplace conditions is key to the future of surgery, and by creating a more inclusive working environment, we will entice and encourage more young people into this extremely rewarding specialty.  The focus of the conference will really drive that message home. 

“We’ve got some of the biggest names in medicine and surgery coming along and the talks and workshops we have lined up are sure to inspire those who attend. 

“If we can successfully improve the workplace, it’s not only healthcare professionals who will benefit, but patients as well, which is always our ultimate goal.”

Consultants, trainees, allied professionals, dentists, and medical and dental students are all encouraged to attend the gathering, which will include a range of interactive sessions and workshops as well as plenaries.

Find more information, including a full list of conference speakers, and book your place here.