To support better working environments and morale, NHS Providers has worked with junior doctors, the Faculty of Medical leadership and Management and NHS Improvement to develop a set of actions that trusts can undertake, along with examples of solutions recommended by doctors.

Low morale, high attrition and burnout in the medical workforce have a clear impact on operational performance and patient outcomes.  

Meaningful improvements will require engagement locally between trusts and junior doctors, with support from senior clinicians, and, in some instances, investment of resources. However, the benefits to staff engagement, performance, cost savings and most importantly, patient care and reduction of harm will provide a worthwhile return. 

It is important that junior doctors, like all healthcare professionals, have a constructive and safe working environment that gives them the time and facilities they need to deliver care to their patients.

The proposals in this report echo the British Medical Association’s and Royal College of Physicians’ recommendations in this area:

It is particularly encouraging to see an emphasis on the wellbeing of junior doctors throughout this report, as this is a critical issue affecting both workforce recruitment and retention. This issue remains a remains a high priority for the BMA and we will continue to work with a range of organisations on this across the NHS. Dr. Jeeves Wijesuriya, Chair of the Junior Doctors Committee, British Medical Association

Building upon our own recommendations from Being a junior doctor and Keeping medicine brilliant, these straightforward and simple actions are incredibly useful for trainees and senior colleagues alike. They provide an effective addition to the conversation around improving working conditions for junior doctors, as well providing a framework for trusts to work towards. Such work is valuable and truly needed. Written in partnership with our own trainees committee and the RCP’s clinical fellows, I hope it aids many trainees currently working in our NHS. Professor Jane Dacre, President of the Royal College of Physicians