Responding to the GMC’s workplace experiences report¹, which found that almost one in five doctors are considering leaving the UK to work abroad, BMA council chair Dr Tom Dolphin said:

“This report shows the very real impact of what happens when a service does not value and support its staff: they will continue to choose to leave.

“We face a bizarre contradiction: we still have near record-high waiting lists and patients are desperate to be seen by doctors, but at the same time able and enthusiastic doctors are forced to consider moving abroad because they see no future in the UK.

“Just last week, we revealed that thousands of doctors are facing employment limbo due to a shortage of training places. This is absurd given workforce shortages across the NHS and the growing needs of patients. We need to be training more specialists in the UK to provide the care NHS patients need and deserve, not fewer.

“The GMC’s findings echo these concerns about career progression and show the effect this has on doctors’ wellbeing and the NHS’s ability to keep doctors working here.

“The solutions to this problem are clear: ensure there are enough roles to keep doctors who have put such time and effort into their training here, while ensuring these jobs are supportive and paid well enough to stop the haemorrhaging of UK doctors overseas when patients and the NHS need them most.”

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.

1. Please contact the GMC for a copy of the report.