A study conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC) revealed that nearly a third of practicing doctors in the UK are considering emigrating within the next 12 months. Specifically, 13 percent of doctors expressed that they were “very likely” to move abroad, while an additional 17 percent stated they were “fairly likely” to do so.
Despite these intentions, the GMC noted that previous research indicates a gap between intention and action, with the actual number of doctors leaving the country to practice abroad being lower. GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey emphasized that while the number of doctors leaving in 2023 was relatively low, these findings serve as a warning signal for potential issues in the healthcare system.
The survey, conducted by IFF Research and published in April, included responses from over 3,000 doctors currently working in the UK, those who have practiced abroad, and those who have returned. Reasons cited for considering emigration included feeling undervalued professionally, seeking a better quality of life, work demands affecting well-being, and a desire for more personal time.
The research categorized respondents into six groups based on their attitudes and experiences, with “Deep Discontent” being the most dissatisfied and most likely to leave. Recommendations were made to target these groups for interventions to improve workforce conditions.
Australia emerged as the top destination for doctors considering emigration, with other popular destinations including New Zealand, India, and Canada. The Department of Health and Social Care emphasized efforts to support NHS doctors, including increasing support, improving management, and enhancing flexible working options.
The findings from the GMC’s study align with previous research from the University of Bath, which indicated high levels of interest among NHS staff in seeking employment outside the health service. Factors contributing to this interest included stress, pay concerns, heavy workloads, and staffing shortages.
Navina Evans, NHS England’s chief workforce officer, stated that the latest NHS staff survey indicated that the workforce is feeling happier than since the beginning of the pandemic. However, she acknowledged that there is still more work to be done to retain hardworking NHS staff and support them in staying in the health service for longer. To address this, NHS England is now offering more flexible working options than ever before, taking steps to reduce duplicative inductions and payroll errors. Additionally, new rules have been implemented to allow staff to earn a salary while still receiving their NHS pension.
Dr. Evans emphasized that the retire and return arrangements are also playing a crucial role in helping the NHS retain highly experienced staff for longer periods. As part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, efforts are being made to expand domestic education, training, and recruitment. Significant progress has already been made, with a 25 percent increase in medical places.
PA Media contributed to this report.
