Doctors leaving the NHS early could cost taxpayers £5bn a year if more is not done to keep them here, according to the British Medical Association.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"There are many factors behind this 'brain drain' and the many other staff, who we can ill afford to lose, leaving the NHS.

"Today more than 110,000 jobs across the NHS in England are unfilled. Relentless demand continues to outstrip available staff and resources as overstretched teams and services work flat out to treat patients, many with more complex conditions, as quickly as possible.

"For the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan for the NHS to succeed we need the government to tackle longstanding challenges throughout the health and care system, including more action to recruit and retain staff backed by appropriate training and support.

"Patient care will suffer if we keep losing NHS staff due to burnout, stress and excessive workloads."