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Half of UK doctors say their mental health has been affected by current staff shortages and this is making them consider their future career in medicine, according to a new survey by the Medical Protection Society.
It also found that 95% of doctors believed the current staff shortages present ‘a significant threat’ to patient safety, and two in five (38%) say they fear being sued or investigated due to incidents arising from the shortages.
The Medical Protection says the full NHS Workforce Plan must include mental health support to help retain the passionate, committed doctors currently in the workforce but on the verge of quitting.
It is also calling on the General Medical Council (GMC) to reassure doctors that severe resource constraints will be considered if they are referred to the regulator following an adverse incident.
Staff shortages leaving doctors exhausted and fearful
Medical Protection President, Professor Dame Jane Dacre, said: “The fact that most doctors feel the under resourced environments they work in present a significant threat to patient safety, is a sad reflection of the times and is distressing for patients and doctors alike.
“The effect of not being able to provide excellent, or even adequate care, on a doctor’s mental wellbeing cannot be overstated, and nearly half of the doctors we surveyed say they are considering their career in medicine because of this.
“Many doctors are also worried about becoming embroiled in medicolegal disputes following adverse incidents arising due to staff shortages.
“The workforce is exhausted, fearful and many need support with mental health issues. When doctors’ mental wellbeing is poor it is not only damaging for them but also jeopardises patient care.”