Good Surgical Practice 2025

The RCS has launched the new edition of Good Surgical Practice. The document offers guidance to address the challenge of providing compassionate, high-quality and safe surgical care and exemplifies the standards for all doctors set by the General Medical Council (GMC) in Good Medical Practice in the context of surgery. It is for surgeons of any grade working within and/or outside the NHS practice and Health and Social Care sector across the United Kingdom.

The new edition is a shorter, more succinct document than the previous edition and the RCS will be expanding on its principles through a series of short supplementary guides and implementation tools, including advice and support for employers.

“Good practice in surgery rests upon collegiality: a culture of openness, supportive discussion and accountability to offer safe and effective care to patients. We emphasise the importance of teamwork and the responsibility of both staff and employers to promote a positive and fair working culture that is free from discrimination and intimidation— where everyone is respected and valued as an individual. We highlight the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion, and the need to tackle sexual harassment, undermining and bullying.” RCSEng