Responding to the news that hundreds of trainee anaesthetists will be told they do not have a place on the NHS training scheme from August, Dr Lucie Cocker, BMA junior doctor committee deputy chair, said: “It is devastating that hundreds of anaesthetists will be unable to progress within an NHS training programme this August.

“These doctors have particularly gone above and beyond during the pandemic and will understandably see this as an insult and feel their efforts and experience are not valued.

“The BMA is disappointed steps have not been taken to mitigate the impact of this long anticipated curriculum change by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and educational bodies, despite the BMA raising frequent concerns.

“With the NHS facing the largest backlog of care in its history, every effort must be made to ensure that junior doctors in whom time, public money and huge personal effort has already been invested are not lost from the NHS.

“The government must provide more funding to increase the number of places on the training scheme to truly reflect current and future patient and service requirements within the NHS.

“The BMA is also urging employers to properly and fairly recognise the expertise of these doctors, by guaranteeing that they will be paid according to nationally agreed contract for doctors in training.

“In addition, these doctors should be provided with educational supervision, study leave and budgets and training opportunities equivalent to those on the national training scheme, to ensure they can meet the criteria of the revised curricula and be eligible for subsequent recruitment.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a trade union and professional association representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.