Supporting the O&G workforce to deliver the highest levels of care to women and girls is a key strategic priority for the RCOG.
Overview
The data provides insights into the current demographics of the O&G workforce, how O&G doctors feel about opportunities and support for career development, workplace conditions, job satisfaction and wellbeing, and their future career intentions. Thank you to all who took the time to respond.
The O&G workforce is highly motivated and the passion for our specialty is evident, but the workforce is under-resourced, with many doctors working beyond contracted hours and feeling undervalued. Obstetric care is becoming increasingly complex and gynaecology waiting lists are growing, the current workforce is under-resourced to meet evolving population demands and greater patient expectations.
Key messages
- Increased resources and investment in women’s healthcare are needed. Having a motivated, well-trained and adequately staffed and resourced workforce underpins all our members do to provide the best-quality care for women, patients and families.
- Doctors need protected time for education, training and leadership responsibilities. It is vital that senior clinicians are enabled to fulfil their responsibilities within contracted time, to support the development of the whole workforce.
- The medical workforce approaching retirement should be supported to work flexibly if they choose to. This is fundamental to their wellbeing and the retention of valued skills and expertise in the workforce. Opportunities for them to support mentorship and succession planning should be provided.
- All doctors need to be supported. The wellbeing of O&G professionals should be prioritised through improved working conditions, flexible working options, support after adverse events and role-modelling of positive workplace behaviours.
- All doctors, including doctors working outside of formal training pathways, should be recognised and valued, with access to career progression opportunities.
Additional resources
Explore RCOG tools and guidance that support a healthy, inclusive and well-supported O&G workforce:
Signposts to sources of support and advice if you are experiencing personal or professional difficulties
Guidance and templates to help create respectful, inclusive environments.
Practical support for IMGs working in UK O&G settings.
Practical tools to challenge bias and promote equity in the workplace.
Learn how to engage with the RCOG and find support for your professional development.