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The British Geriatrics Society is calling for ‘prompt action’ to address the shortfall in the number of geriatricians caring for older people.
A new report, The state of the consultant geriatrician workforce, states that at least 1,786 additional geriatricians are needed by 2030 to ensure there is at least one consultant geriatrician per every 500 people aged 85 and over.
However, this shortfall is only expected to worsen, with just under 50% of consultant geriatricians expected to retire in the next 10 years.
Including intended retirement plans, the BGS estimates that we will need more than 2,500 geriatricians to ensure older people receive the specialist care they need.
Consultant geriatricians do not feel in control of their workload
The report analyses data from the most recent UK census of consultant physicians conducted by the Royal College of Physicians in 2022.
It concludes that, for the first time since 2016, geriatric medicine is the biggest medical specialty. There are a total of 2,328 consultant geriatricians in the UK, up from just under 2,000 in 2021.
However, for every 697 individuals aged 85 and over in the UK, there is only one consultant geriatrician. This does not meet the UK-wide target of one consultant geriatrician per every 500 people aged 85 and over that the BGS recommends.
The report also highlights that there is an uneven geographical distribution of geriatricians in the UK, with urban areas typically being better served despite rural areas being more likely to have ageing populations.
Furthermore, most consultant geriatricians do not feel in control of their workload and experience a substantial level of rota gaps and vacancies in their department. This appears to be a bigger problem than other specialties, which has impacted the level of care provided to patients.
‘Older people’s needs must be at the centre of workforce planning’
The BGS is now calling for prompt action to address the shortfall in the specialist workforce caring for older people in order to start to narrow the gap.
The body also says further analysis must be carried out for the wider workforce, such as specialist nurses, allied health professionals, physician associates, specialist pharmacists, and others.
BGS President Professor Adam Gordon and BGS Vice President for Workforce Dr Amit Arora said: “As the biggest users of the health and social care system, older people’s needs must be at the centre of workforce planning.
“The upcoming general election is a vital opportunity for political parties to consider the needs of an ageing population and the workforce supporting it.
“Health policies must address current staff shortages and put geriatricians where they are needed most. This is vital so that, across the country, older people can receive high-quality, personalised care, now and in the future.”