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Key data highlights that:
Registration statistics
- Between 2017 and 2021 the GMC saw a 16% increase in specialist paediatric doctors on the register, from 5,699 to 6,586
- In 2021, 380 paediatric specialists joined the register
- In 2021, 226 paediatricians left the specialist register
Women make up 58% of the paediatric register
- Paediatricians come second to obstetricians and gynaecologists, as a proportion of women in the specialty – (at 60%).
- The numbers of women on the GMC register is generally increasing year by year.
Route to the register largely from abroad
- Between 2017 and 2021 the register as a whole grew by 40,000. A large component of the increase is from International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
- According to GMC data from across the whole register: UK graduates joining the workforce rose by 2% from 2017, compared to a 121% rise in IMGs.
The numbers of paediatric trainees has slightly increased
- In 2021 we had 4,088 trainees compared to 3,749 in 2017 at a 9% growth rate
In response RCPCH President Dr Camilla Kingdon, said:
Today’s data focused report from the GMC is always a welcome look at the medical professional as a whole. This year’s paints a picture of an ever-changing workforce and further emphasises the importance of inclusive, compassionate and supportive work environments. At a time when the profession remains under deep pressure, there must be a continued plan of support for all our doctors – whether they trained in the UK or abroad - to progress and develop throughout their careers.
Not only do we need to protect the current workforce and to prioritise their wellbeing, but there also needs to be a joined-up approach between service provision and training planning to address the growing workload in paediatric services and the unmet need for children and young people.
The significant rise in International Medical Graduates is important to note. There are 2 key messages that this flags. Firstly, we have to redouble our efforts to support these doctors, think carefully about their induction into the NHS and consider how their training and professional needs can be best met. Secondly, this highlights the huge reliance on foreign doctors, many of whom come from countries who have major shortages in medical workforce. This is not a sustainable or ethical way to develop the NHS workforce.
We are calling for an evidence-based workforce plan, backed by investment, to understand staff shortages, patient need and patient outcomes, so that we can ensure paediatricians are properly supported and can offer the very best care for children and young people.
We note the GMC has divided the workforce data and information on workforce morale, and so we look forward to the upcoming iteration of the morale-focused report and will use these combined reports to further campaign for the rights and well-being of paediatricians.