The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland (the "Scottish Academy") has published its strategic priorities to 2023. The Scottish Academy promotes and co-ordinates the work of the Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties and gives the medical professions a collective voice on clinical and professional issues in Scotland.

The Scottish Academy’s strategy to 2023 recognises that the landscape of healthcare is changing considerably, and that healthcare professionals need support to maintain quality patient care. The Scottish Academy is also aware that workload increases and technological advances must be reconciled with finite resources and a changing workforce, set against a backdrop of political, societal and environmental external factors.

The Scottish Academy’s new strategy will:

 Promote a sufficient workforce for now and for the future

  • Focus on ensuring that medical professionals are valued for their hard work
  • Support collaborative working to improve quality of care for patients
  • Promote a healthy Scotland for everyone
  • Work to reduce healthcare’s impact on climate change

Commenting, Dr Miles Mack, Chair of the Scottish Academy, said:

“I commend the Scottish Academy’s new strategy, which will encourage a collaborative approach among the medical professions to benefit patients in Scotland.

“Given the challenges that our health services and our medical workforce are facing, it’s important, now more than ever, that the Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties work side-by-side to provide expert advice and support to the Scottish Government, policy makers, and clinicians working on the front line.

“I am, therefore, delighted that the Scottish Academy’s strategy to 2023 is supported by all of our Members. As Chair, I look forward to working with all the Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland as we work to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.

“I’m also keen that the Scottish Academy maintains our excellent relationship with the Scottish Government, and I look forward to continuing our work with them”.

 Notes

1. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland - known as the "Scottish Academy" - contributes to improvements in the health of the people of Scotland by the promotion and co-ordination of the work of the Medical Royal College and Faculties and giving the medical professions a collective voice on clinical and professional issues.

2. The main objectives of the Scottish Academy include:

  • To ensure quality of care and patient safety is maximised by maintaining and improving standards within the profession and by promoting collaborative working.
  • To provide a co-ordinated voice from the specialties in relation to education, training, clinical standards and effectiveness and research and quality which are supported and promoted by all constituent members.
  • To co-ordinate and exchange expertise across the Colleges and Faculties in all areas of training, medical education and revalidation
  • To support improved medical workforce planning in Scotland to recruit and retain the highest quality doctors

3. Dr Miles Mack is a GP in Dingwall Health Centre in the Highlands and was Chair of RCGP Scotland from 2014-2017. He took over as Chair of the Scottish Academy in December 2019. He is the first GP to have held this post.

ENDS