The General Medical Council (GMC) released its annual State of medical education and practice in the UK report on 23 June. The report found that more doctors than ever are thinking of leaving the workforce and have taken hard steps to do so.
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: “This report is profoundly depressing. Doctors are being asked to help rebuild the health service after Covid-19, but it seems what’s needed first is a clear plan on how to help burned-out, dissatisfied doctors rebuild their confidence in the NHS.
“If this does not happen, the ongoing breakdown in doctors’ physical and emotional wellbeing will escalate the retention crisis and place further strain on health services, risking patient safety.
“The report shows that amongst some groups of doctors, one-in-four are taking active steps to leave their profession.
“Worryingly 75% of non-UK graduate doctors, who make up a substantial and important part of the NHS, said they did not feel supported by their immediate colleagues.
“We recognise that the NHS across the UK has many challenges caused by many varied issues.
“However, this report from the GMC must be a clarion call to NHS leaders to make workforce planning their top priority. A good starting point for this would be to see the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, publish the UK government’s much-delayed NHS workforce plan.”
ENDS
Notes:
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 56,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information, please contact Alison Hardie, head of strategic communications and public affairs, on ahardie@mddus.com or on 07501 421398
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