- The NHS Emeritus pilot project will initially run for a year across England
- Emeritus consultants will start carrying out assignments from next month
The NHS has launched a return-to-work program for retired doctors to try to reduce waiting lists.
Bosses hope to attract the consultants with the offer of flexible hours and remote working.
The NHS Emeritus pilot project will initially run for a year across England to help reduce waiting times for elective-only care. If successful, it will be expanded to other types of care, NHS England said.
Emeritus consultants – those who have retired but retain their titles – will start carrying out assignments from next month.
The NHS Emeritus pilot project will initially run for a year across England to help reduce waiting times for elective-only care. Pictured: General view of staff on an NHS hospital ward
Around 1,000 consultants retire from the NHS every year. A website has been set up to connect eligible doctors with hospitals
Around 1,000 consultants retire from the NHS every year. A website has been set up to connect eligible doctors with hospitals.
Trusts upload requirements such as outpatient appointments, specialist advice requests and education and training support, then select from interested consultants.
Appointments are scheduled and arranged with patients in person or remotely.
Trusts upload requirements such as outpatient appointments, specialist advice requests and education and training support, then select from interested consultants
Appointments are scheduled and arranged with patients in person or remotely
It has the potential to help hospitals in areas with staff shortages in a particular specialty. The NHS waiting list was 7.6 million in November, up from 7.7 million in October.
Stella Vig, national clinical director for elective care at NHS England, said: ‘It’s a simple concept, but we hope it will benefit all participants.’
Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: ‘Returning advisers will bring invaluable experience and knowledge.’