Rheumatology workforce shortages

Early day motion 365, tabled 22 July 2021 by Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 6 members.

That this House acknowledges the findings from the British Society for Rheumatology’s latest report stating that the NHS rheumatology workforce is understaffed and in some areas up to a third of consultant posts are vacant; recognises that workforce shortages and vacancies lead to unacceptable caseloads, long waiting times and delays in care for the millions of people with conditions like arthritis; notes that rheumatology career pathways must address current shortages; further notes that enhancing and upskilling the current multi-disciplinary teams role in rheumatology would allow staff to extend their scope of practice within departments and meet increasing service demands; commends the contribution of rheumatology departments who are working hard to bring down diagnostic backlogs; and calls on the Government to invest in the current rheumatology workforce numbers and boost training places to meet forecast demand.

Signatures by party: Labour 2, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.