As part of a research and workforce planning exercise, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) commissioned the RCOG to more accurately quantify the number of obstetricians required in maternity units in England. A tool describing obstetric and anaesthetic staffing has been developed to support this work.
The RCOG has now completed the first phase of the Workforce Planning Tool in Obstetrics and Anaesthesia project. The prototype Workforce Planning Tool has been provided to DHSC with a final report providing an estimate of the required number of obstetric staff in England.
The completion of this first phase of work has significantly advanced our understanding of, and our ability to quantify and analyse, obstetric staffing levels in England. We have also been able to begin work with Scotland and Wales to explore expansion of the tool.
The RCOG remains committed to this programme however continuation of this work is dependent on the DHSC confirming plans for the next phase of the project. Information is not available at this point on when this confirmation may be expected.
The RCOG would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for their invaluable contribution, including the substantial support provided by Clinical Directors from NHS Trusts and Health Boards in England, Scotland and Wales who have submitted data through the RCOG 2022 Workforce Census.