Appropriate release of medical colleagues for the purposes of carrying out work for the wider health system

Letters have been sent recently to NHS organisations across England and the devolved administrations encouraging them to continue to look favourably on requests from doctors seeking their support to undertake national or regional work for the wider benefit of the public, and of health services.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists very much supports the release of doctors to undertake work for the benefit of the public, and of health services.  College education, training, examinations and professional standards are supported by the specialist knowledge and hard work of our medical colleagues, and without this vital input in these key areas, we are depriving future generations of skilled medical staff at a time when they are badly needed.

The letters are available on the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges website: England, Devolved Administrations

The RCOphth President and the Chairs of the Standing Committees urge members to read the letter and refer to it in discussions with their employers. If you wish to support from the RCOphth outlining the important roles you have with the RCOphth and the difference these make to future generations of eye doctors, please get in touch at [email protected]

Bernie Chang                         President

Rebecca Ford                        Chair of Education

Garry Shuttleworth             Chair of Examination

Bill Newman                         Chair of Professional Standards

Sobha Sivaprasad                Chair of Scientific

Sarah Maling                        Chair of Training