• The Royal College of Physicians publishes its annual workforce census – Focus on Physicians 2017-18
• Census of 8,579 consultants and trainees finds that more than half of all consultants and two thirds of trainees reported frequent gaps in trainee rotas.
• One in three queried whether they would choose medicine as a career given the choice again, while one in four would choose a medical career outside the NHS.

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

“It is saddening that one in three trainee doctors are questioning why they took up a career in medicine.

“NHS staff are the lifeblood of the service, and trusts are working hard to make sure doctors feel valued, respected, and supported in their work.

NHS staff are the lifeblood of the service, and trusts are working hard to make sure doctors feel valued, respected, and supported in their work.

Saffron Cordery    

“But rota gaps and increasing demand and complexity of care are adding pressure to an already challenging role. They also mean there is less time to focus on training and professional development.

“This is demoralising for staff and impacts on the quality of patient care.

“It is vital that the long term NHS workforce strategy helps trusts to address these problems, so we have enough doctors with the right skills to deliver the care that will be needed in years to come."