Responding to warnings from the General Medical Council that doctors who are training on maternity wards are experiencing high rates of burnout, BMA resident doctor committee co-leads for training, Dr Jonathan Gibb and Dr Aoife Nechowska said:

"It is damning that nearly a third of doctors training in maternity services feel hesitant to escalate patient safety concerns. We have been warning about a punitive culture of blame, hierarchy, and intimidation for years - yet here we are again. No resident doctor should ever fear career detriment for raising a concern when a mother or baby is at risk.

"Compounding this pressure is a completely unsustainable workload. The fact that we're staring down yet another report on staggering levels of burnout only shows the warning signs continue to fall on deaf ears. Expectant parents and their babies deserve the very best care from doctors who are well-rested, supported, and focused - not exhausted and pushed to their limits.

“What is also made clear here is how important it is that the workforce plan, now delayed until the new year, sets out a clear path to relieve these pressures.

"Trusts must also urgently bring in the basic protections we've long been calling for, including safe rota patterns, rostered breaks, and decent rest facilities. It won’t be the magic bullet to fix a system at breaking point, but these doctors clearly need some reprieve in the conditions they're working in. Otherwise, we risk driving them away from the NHS entirely."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.