Thursday 8 August 2024
In response to the findings of the General Medical Council’s survey ‘The state of medical education and practice in the UK: Workplace experiences 2024’, Dr Adrian Boyle, President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine said: “This report detailing the extent of burnout among doctors is sobering reading, though sadly not surprising.
“The figures are particularly stark for those working in Emergency Medicine, reporting the second lowest satisfaction levels (46%) and one of the highest risks of burnout (26%.) This is not because of dealing with tragic cases, but the inability to deliver safe care in an increasingly frustrating system.
“Emergency Medicine clinicians come into the profession expecting to work hard and encounter challenges, but to face on a daily basis the harsh effects of over a decade of underfunding and insufficient social care options is, understandably, becoming too much to bear. The reality of treating distressed patients in corridors due to overcrowding – is not just unsatisfying, it is heart-breaking.
“The speciality also reports the highest number of doctors that have taken steps to leave UK practice (22%). What a tragic loss to the NHS this statistic represents.
“The government and health leaders must come together to turn the tide on this systemic waste of talent and to give both patients and doctors the health service they deserve.”
