It has never been more important for healthcare professionals to look after their mental wellbeing. Anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses were the most reported reason for sickness in 2023. (NHS, Sickness Absence Rates, Published April 2024).
The 2024 GMC report ‘The state of medical education and practice in the UK’ found that workloads are high and professional satisfaction is low. A third of medical professionals surveyed said they were struggling and unable to cope.
NHSX statistics also show that NHS staff sickness absence is on the rise, with the most common reasons for sickness absence identified as anxiety, stress and depression.
Long working hours and intense workload pressures are often regarded as part and parcel of the medical and dental professions. However, in a climate of reduced budgets and increased demands on clinicians, new symptoms of long-term exhaustion are emerging.
A recent MDDUS survey found that seven in 10 GPs have experienced compassion fatigue – a form of emotional exhaustion that can undermine patient care. Worryingly, 44% are concerned that this could lead to unsafe care, while 64% of all doctors and 77% of GPs say it affects their ability to communicate with patients..
Working extended hours and cancelling holidays might provide short-term solutions, but such moves can negatively impact a healthcare professional’s work-life balance and personal wellbeing.
When wellbeing is neglected, it can leave medical and dental professionals vulnerable to fatigue and impaired concentration, both of which are factors that can jeopardise patient safety. Medico- and dento-legal concerns are especially stressful for healthcare professionals, so knowing when and where to turn for support is vital.
How to seek help
Clinicians must take a step back to consider whether they (or indeed a colleague) are experiencing symptoms related to burnout or exhaustion and ask for help, where appropriate. Not only is there no need to “just get on with it” but doing so when experiencing mental health difficulties can also impact the ability to practice safely.
If you are unwell, don’t rely on your own assessment of your health or even that of a colleague. Seek the independent advice and help of your own GP.
GMC and GDC guidance
The General Medical Council (GMC) and General Dental Council (GDC) make it clear in their guidance that doctors and dentists must ensure they are in a fit state of health to practise.
Actions to take if a colleague is struggling
Clinicians also have a duty to take prompt and appropriate action if patient safety is compromised. This includes the risks posed by a colleague who is struggling to cope with stress or ill-health. Those affected should be encouraged to seek help but, if they fail to do so, the regulators are clear that they expect colleagues to intervene.
The GMC's Good medical practice states: “If you have concerns that a colleague may not be fit to practise and may be putting patients at risk, you must ask for advice from a colleague, your defence body, or us. If you are still concerned, you must report this, in line with your workplace policy and our more detailed guidance on Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety.”
Actions to take if you are struggling
The GMC has similar advice if you know or suspect your judgement could be affected, in this case by mental health concerns. It says: “You should try to take care of your own health and wellbeing, recognising if you may not be fit for work. You should seek independent professional advice about your fitness for work, rather than relying on your own assessment.”
The GDC’s Standards for the dental team takes a similar line, stating: “If you believe that patients might be at risk because of your health, behaviour or professional performance or that of a colleague, or because of any aspect of the clinical environment, you must take prompt and appropriate action.”
GMC topics
When does the regulator get involved in a doctor's mental health?
Raising and acting on concerns
