A new report exploring views on how Scotland's medical
workforce might need to evolve over the next 15 to 20 years has
been published today.
The Future Medical Workforce report follows six months of
extensive engagement with the profession, and we have listened to
over 2,000 doctors through a national survey and 40 focus groups.
Those who took part shared the privilege and joy they feel in
caring for patients but also highlighted significant pressures in
balancing service delivery with training and managing increasing
workloads. The report emphasises that any plans for the future
should take into consideration the importance of ensuring doctors
feel valued and inspired by their profession and able to
sustain fulfilling careers.
Health Secretary said:
"Our doctors are the backbone of our NHS and it's vital that we
plan now to ensure we have the right workforce in place to meet
Scotland's healthcare needs in the decades ahead.
“I have been clear of the need to listen closely to doctors at
every career stage, and I am grateful for their honesty and
insight which is invaluable in shaping our next steps.
"Scotland's population is changing. People are living longer and
many of the cases we see in hospitals are now more complex. The
decisions we make today will shape our future medical workforce
and we are committed to empowering our doctors with positive
working environments, manageable workloads and the resources they
need to continue providing excellent care.
“We have invested a record £21.7 billion in our NHS this year and
reached a historic deal with GPs by investing £531 million over
the next three years.
"The next phase of this project will turn these insights into
action, working in partnership with the profession to deliver
meaningful change that supports the medical workforce and
improves care for patients across Scotland."
Professor Andrew Elder, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal
Colleges and Faculties in Scotland (Scottish Academy) said:
“The Scottish Academy welcomes the publication of the report and
commends all those involved for achieving a high level of
engagement with doctors at all stages of their careers.
“Whilst multi-professional working is key to delivering
high-quality care, we welcome the clear focus on the role of the
doctor, and the report accurately and honestly reflects both the
hopes and detailed concerns of doctors and underlines the central
contribution they must continue to make to patient care.
“We are committed to working together with the Scottish
Government to ensure that the key recommendations of this work
are taken forward in a fluent and effective manner.”
Professor Pushpinder Mangat, Medical Director and Director of
Education and Standards at the General Medical Council, said:
“This report reflects how the medical workforce is changing, and
how doctors' education, training and development will need to
change and adapt in the future.
“That aligns with our own ambitions, which include a
comprehensive review of medical education and training to ensure
we build education programmes that provide medical professionals
with flexible, fair and innovative learning, and that equip them
with the skills they need to provide the best patient care.”
Background
Future Medical Workforce Project report
In addition to doctors, input to the project was also sought from
professional and representative bodies through a series of themed
roundtable discussions, a Call for Evidence, and modelling work
carried out in collaboration with NHS Education for Scotland.
Phase two of the project begins in January 2026 and will focus on
supporting clinical teams, improving workforce planning,
redesigning training pathways and understanding the opportunities
associated with redesigned services.
