The term ‘SAS’ encompasses several different titles – specialty doctor, specialist, associate specialist – and represents a group of highly experienced doctors who perform a crucial role providing care across specialties, and across the UK. SAS doctors are our colleagues, part of the trifecta of secondary care doctors – alongside consultants and resident doctors – who work day in and day out, treating patients, teaching and delivering frontline medical care alongside us, day and night.
SAS doctors were with us in the trenches during the height of the COVID pandemic, and they are with us now as we try to tackle waiting lists. They supported resident doctors and consultants during the strikes, helping us provide the cover required for us to take safe industrial action.
They face the issues we face, including bullying, pay erosion and working in an over-pressured, under-resourced system. In addition to this, they face particular obstacles, such as blocks to career progression, and gradism.
It is fitting, then, that this week is not solely spent praising these doctors – though they most certainly deserve that – but also highlighting the problems they encounter and, crucially, considering how these problems can be addressed.
There are a number of events – both local celebrations at trusts and national webinars – planned for this week, as well as the publication of new or updated guidance, and the sharing of other resources such as blogs. SAS week will engage doctors, informing them of their rights and options, and raise awareness of the concerns facing this group.
It is also intended to give employers the tools and information they need to support SAS doctors: whether through the creation of specialist roles that will enable individuals to progress in their career, or by empowering SAS advocates who can help preserve their health and wellbeing.
SAS week sees organisations come together to focus on a group of professionals who rarely get a moment in the spotlight. But a week is only the beginning: we – employers, doctors, and the BMA alike – need to carry the lessons of SAS week with us all year round.
We, as co-chairs of the consultants committee, are proud to be highlighting the valuable place our SAS colleagues occupy at the heart of health services.
Please do take this opportunity to learn from our colleagues, and the role we can play in ensuring they get the recognition they deserve within the workplace.
Learn more about the week, including the different themes of each day.
Shanu Datta is co-chair of the BMA consultants committee and a consultant psychiatrist for older people
Helen Neary is co-chair of the BMA consultants committee and a consultant anaesthetist