Commenting on the publication today (Thursday, 07 August, 2025) of the General Medical Council’s (GMC) workplace experiences report, Dr Iona Collins, chair of the BMA’s Welsh Council said:

“The GMC’s findings highlight the concerns that BMA Cymru Wales repeatedly raise. It is disappointing, yet unsurprising that the report found doctors in Wales more likely than the UK average to identify a range of barriers to providing good patient care.

“Countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA offer doctors higher salaries, lighter workloads, and more favourable working conditions than the NHS, which encourages the "Drexit" of our NHS Wales doctors. The NHS will retain its doctors by improving pay and conditions, as well as providing training opportunities.

“It seems inconceivable that while waiting lists remain at record highs and patients are desperate for care, highly skilled doctors feel compelled to leave NHS employment. 

 “A BMA Cymru Wales survey released last week showed that 40% of resident doctors are concerned that they will be unemployed from August this year due to a lack of training opportunities; again, an incomprehensible fact, when the NHS faces widespread staff shortages. 

“The report has noted that GPs remain the most pressurised group in the medical workforce. General Practice is being failed by insufficient funding and we need Welsh Government to commit to a rescue package for General Practice; this will help to provide GPs with the support and resources they need to provide the care that patients need.”