The Anaesthetic Workforce 

A new RCoA report warns that more than eight million operations per year will be cancelled or delayed by 2040 unless anaesthetic workforce shortages are addressed.  

The Anaesthetic Workforce: UK State of the Nation report is the latest part of our Anaesthesia – Fit for the Future campaign and demonstrates to UK Government how many anaesthetists are needed and what is required to support and retain them. 

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Welcome to RCoA

Anaesthesia is the largest single hospital specialty in the NHS. The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK.

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Working with our members, we ensure the quality of patient care through the maintenance of standards in anaesthesia, critical care and pain medicine.

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Upcoming events

Final FRCA Revision Course tutorial session

Final FRCA Written revision course
4 July 2022
This online course is aimed at those studying for the Final FRCA Written examination and will cover key areas that have proved difficult for past examination candidates.
Anaesthetic Updates London Sep 2020

Anaesthetic updates
28 September 2022 | 09:00 - 17:00
By hearing from the experts in your field, our 3-day conference set in London will aid the progression of your own anaesthetic practice.
Anaesthesia 2023

Anaesthesia 2023
16 May 2023
Anaesthesia 2023 flagship conference will take place in Birmingham and online in May 2023 for three days of what promises, to be a bigger, better, must-attend event for the specialty.

Latest news

RCoA and NIHR CRN Research Awards 2022
The Royal College of Anaesthetists is pleased to resume three awards in conjunction with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN). The awards are designed to recognise NHS clinicians (consultants and anaesthetists in training) who are making outstanding contributions to clinical research, particularly in relation to NIHR CRN portfolio research studies. These awards will open for applications on 30th June 2022 and close at 23.59 on 26th September 2022.

RCoA Roe vs Wade public statement
The RCoA has released the following statement following the news that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned the Roe vs Wade decision.

Dr Derek Alderson appointed as Board Chair of CPOC
The College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Derek Alderson as the Board Chair of the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC).

Recruitment and Exams guidance

Training during the COVID-19 pandemic
As a Royal College and professional body, the RCoA has a number of national responsibilities, with the aim of ensuring we provide the highest quality of care to patients.

Exams & COVID-19
In accordance with national guidelines on COVID-19 the College has updated its guidance for candidates sitting our examinations.