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September 2020 - Health

69% of doctors surveyed in DAUK poll are 'more likely' to leave the NHS due to the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic: A survey of doctors has revealed disillusionment amongst medics who have been working in the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as well as frustrations over pay. 

The research by the Doctor's Association UK (DAUK) polled 1,758 doctors, asking them about their experiences since the outbreak began and how they feel they have been treated.

When asked the question: “Has the pandemic and the government’s treatment of frontline doctors during the pandemic impacted your decision to stay or leave the NHS?,” 69% of the doctors polled said it has made them 'more likely’ to leave. This equates to 1,214 doctors. Just over a quarter (26%) said that it had not impacted their decision.

The survey also asked respondents where they see themselves working in the next one to three years - with 1,143 doctors saying they are planning to leave the NHS - this equates to 65%. 

The research found that the top reason for thinking about leaving the NHS was the lack of a sufficient pay rise, with around three-quarters of respondents citing this as a reason (74%). The pay rise of 2.8% for doctors and consultants announced in July does not extend to the majority of GPs and trainee doctors. 

Other reasons given for leaving the NHS included a lack of PPE available to doctors and nurses on the frontline - with almost two-thirds saying this had shaped their decision (65%). More than half the respondents polled (54%) said that not being able to speak publicly about their experiences had left them more likely to leave, while the government reneging on promises made to NHS staff during the pandemic such as free parking, was selected by 46% of respondents. The importance of looking after their own mental health was cited 45%, who said the pandemic had taken its toll. 

The doctors polled for the research revealed that if they left the NHS, they would seek alternative work overseas, move to the private sector, switch to working as a locum or take a career break. 

Dr Smanatha Batt-Rawden, president of the Doctors’ Association UK, told The Guardian:

"These are dedicated professionals who have put their lives on the line time and time again to keep patients in the NHS safe, and we could be about to lose them."

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