Updated October 2006
Infectious Diseases and Microbiology are undergoing significant changes within the NHS. At the moment, the two specialities are dealt with separately by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Pathology respectively, making data on current and future posts more difficult to ascertain. As of now, we only have data on ID but we will also collate microbiology data.
Consultant numbers within UK
|
2004 |
2005 |
England |
108 |
117 |
Scotland |
21 |
22 |
Wales |
|
3 |
NI |
1 |
1 |
Total: |
133 |
143 |
For 2006, there were 3-6 additional posts and for the first time there have been adverts for Consultants in Infectious Diseases/Microbiology.
This is an encouraging sign but far from ideal and the big bulk of trainees will qualify in the latter stages of 2007 or even 2008.
SpR numbers
In ID there are currently the following SpRs registered with JCHMT:
• 9 SpRs in ID
• 57 SpRs in ID/General (Internal) Med
• 2 SpRs in ID/Trop Med
• 13 SpRs in ID/Trop Med/General (Internal) Med
• 27 SpRs in ID/Microbiology
The Department of Health would like more discussion between microbiology and infectious diseases about ‘how infection management is going to happen in 5-10 years’ time’.
It is likely that more Infectious Diseases trainees will need to consider a career in ID & acute medicine or ID & microbiology, as it is unlikely that there will be many additional pure ID posts. However it is also likely that ID will continue to attract academic career options for trainees.
MMC (Modernising Medical Careers) is likely to produce a higher output number in a shorter period of time and with the pressures of trusts there will be more pressure on trainees to remain flexible.
Please send any comments about workforce issues or planning to Dr M Schmid, the BIS council member responsible for workforce planning and training.
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