01 October 2024 (Last updated 2 Oct 2024)

Having just returned from Leeds to speak at the Dukes’ Club educational weekend, I was so proud to see that the future of our great specialty is in such good hands. It seems like yesterday that I was attending this meeting as a trainee myself! Amongst many great lectures, arguably Professor John Lund’s was the most thought-provoking, seen as it was delivered from the perspective of a colorectal surgeon who is Chair of the JCST. We are all familiar with the saying “No training today, no surgeons tomorrow”, but perhaps never has this been more crucial. It remains incumbent on all of us who hold training with such importance to continue to deliver this to our trainees at all levels, and at any opportunity- theatre, outpatients, ward rounds, colonoscopy, modelling behaviours, etc. This should still be a significant priority for all of us, despite the operational pressures we currently face at work.

In relation to the challenges we face, I would urge all who have not yet seen it to read the Darzi investigation report of the NHS:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-investigation-of-the-nhs-in-england/summary-letter-from-lord-darzi-to-the-secretary-of-state-for-health-and-social-care

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-investigation-of-the-nhs-in-england

Although the report relates to the NHS in England, I am sure such issues remain pertinent to our members working across the wider UK and Ireland. It is good to see our recent Goligher Lecturer from the ACPGBI meeting in Wales and colorectal surgeon, Professor Ara Darzi, being tasked with delivering this report. There is much to do, but I hope we can resolve to work collaboratively in order to improve the experience of our NHS patients and workforce over the next decade.

Justin Davies

President, ACPGBI

 

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