NHS head’s call for UK to train more doctors - Is that the solution?

Sir, Amanda Pritchard says that we need to train more doctors (report, Jan 14). Why, so that they can go to look after sick people in Australia? Until the NHS is transformed into the exciting and rewarding workplace that it used to be, churning out more doctors is as pointless as pouring water into a sieve in the hope that it will not drain away. After yet another round of crisis meetings called by ministers whose only motivation is the next general election, we desperately need wise and experienced people who can take a genuinely long view. Setting up a royal commission would be a good start and is now an urgent imperative.
Gareth Williams, FRCP, Emeritus professor and former dean of medicine, Bristol University

Sir, Your report emphasises the growing need for the NHS to train more homegrown doctors because 50 per cent of new doctors come from overseas. The worry is that, once trained, many of these doctors will be tempted to work overseas, meaning that recipient countries get trained doctors free. One obvious solution is to offer training bursaries. The British Army offers medical bursaries of up to £75,000 for medical students who pass officer selection. The quid pro quo is that they are expected to serve as an army medic for at least four years. Problem solved.
Jonathan Beard, Professor of surgical education, Sheffield

Sir, The chief executive of NHS England must surely know that if we had paid more attention to retaining the doctors trained here during the past 20 years there would not be a staff shortage. If we show doctors that they are valued, reward them, forget mandatory modules and solve the social care crisis, very few would leave for places such as Australia.
Dr Gill Dean, GP appraiser, Abingdon, Oxon...Read more

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