The Royal College of Physicians, along with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, have released new data indicating that the NHS is at increasing risk of losing critical senior staff.

The latest UK consultant physician workforce census highlights overwhelming workloads, inadequate IT equipment, widespread staff vacancies, and declining job satisfaction.

Nearly two in five UK consultant physicians report having an excessive workload almost all or most of the time, while almost one in five almost never feel in control of their workload. Additionally, 47% of those surveyed stated that their job enjoyment has decreased over the past year due to clinical workload, poor IT equipment, and staff vacancies.

Retention as a Key Priority

The three royal colleges, representing over 60,000 doctors, stress that improving working conditions for staff must be a priority for the new government. Dr Mumtaz Patel, vice president of education and training at the Royal College of Physicians, emphasised the importance of retaining existing staff to stabilise the NHS and meet the government’s commitments.

“The medical workforce is the lifeblood of the NHS. While we must train more doctors to meet demand, retaining the staff we already have is critical to getting our health service back on firm footing,” said Dr Patel.

She further highlighted the need for urgent improvements in working conditions to prevent the loss of dedicated staff. The latest census findings call for prioritising retention through better NHS IT systems, affordable childcare, increased flexibility, and addressing the root causes of work-related stress.

Vacancies and Over-Commitment

The census also reveals significant staff shortages, with 59% of UK consultant physicians reporting at least one consultant vacancy in their department and 62% noting daily or weekly trainee rota gaps. These gaps are negatively impacting patient care, with 69% of consultants stating that rota gaps affect patient care.

Consultant physicians are reportedly over-committing to meet demand. Those working full-time are delivering one more programmed activity (PA) than contracted, while part-time workers are also exceeding their contracted hours.

Call for Government Action

Professor Andrew Elder, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, stressed the urgent need for government action on recruitment and retention. He pointed out that the UK continues to operate with too few doctors, leading to stress and burnout.

“A focus on the recruitment and retention of doctors is vital – but this means little without serious investment in public health. A strategy for health-promotion activity and the avoidance of ill-health and health inequalities is much-needed,” said Professor Elder.

He also called for the introduction of measures such as restricting advertising for unhealthy food products, extending the sugar tax, and introducing minimum unit pricing on alcohol.

Workforce Planning and Wellbeing

Mike McKirdy, president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, emphasised the importance of a strong NHS workforce. He noted the reliance on current and future doctors to address long waiting lists and backlogs.

“The NHS as we know it cannot survive without a strong workforce. It is important that our new government reflects their value and recognises their contributions through workforce planning that has wellbeing at its core,” said McKirdy.

He stressed the need to ensure the NHS is prepared to welcome new doctors from expanded medical school places by prioritising retention and supporting experienced consultant level doctors.

Addressing Health Inequalities

The census findings also underscore the importance of tackling health inequalities. Dr Patel pointed out that doctors are increasingly seeing patients with preventable illnesses exacerbated by social harms. The government is urged to take action to reverse the rising trajectory of obesity and improve overall public health.

“We strongly urge the new government to address the ongoing crisis in the NHS workforce, which any reform in our health system will depend upon. This government must take urgent action to tackle health inequalities to improve the health of our people and communities,” concluded McKirdy.

The Royal College of Physicians’ workforce census highlights the critical need for the new government to prioritise retention and address the challenging working conditions faced by NHS staff. By improving working conditions, investing in public health, and supporting a robust workforce, the government can help ensure the future sustainability of the NHS and the health of the nation.