BMA guidance

Safe working for hospital doctors

When services are understaffed, patient safety and your own health and wellbeing could be compromised. This toolkit outlines practical actions you can take to mitigate risk and ensure safety in a system under pressure.
Location: UK
Audience: Consultants SAS doctors Resident doctors International doctors
Updated: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Topics: Advice and support, Your wellbeing, Complaints and concerns
Start viewing guidance
NHS pressures waiting list

What you'll get from this guide

  • Steps to take to protect yourself, your colleagues, and your patients
  • Documenting and raising concerns
  • Looking after yourself
  • What your employer should do
  • Resources and links

This toolkit applies across the UK. Where guidance relates to a specific nation, this is clearly stated.