Retaining our Doctors Medical Workforce Evidence, 2013-18. Challenges and Responses

The RCSI Health Workforce Research Group held a policy dialogue in November 2017 at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The event was attended by senior staff of the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, postgraduate medical training bodies, NCHD representatives and other national stakeholders with an interest in, or remit for, medical workforce strategy. Copies of the evidence pack, Retaining our Doctors, Medical Workforce Evidence, 2013-17, which forms the body of this report, were provided to attendees. The report, which we have updated with new 2018 research findings, incorporates a summary of research evidence on the intentions, migration patterns and reasons why many NCHDs leave Ireland to train and work abroad; and why they often do not return. A brief summary of the most recent findings, together with questions used to stimulate discussion, was presented at the November 2017 event. In order to assist and encourage free discussion, the meeting was held under the following interpretation of the Chatham House Rule: issues discussed in the meeting can be discussed outside of the meeting but ideas, views and any positions expressed in the meeting will not be attributed to either organisations or individuals attending the meeting. A summary of the Challenges and Responses that emerged during the stakeholder discussions was prepared and sent to those who participated, which engendered further feedback. It should be noted that nothing stated in the following summary can be attributed to any individual, agency or body that participated in the event.