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August 2023 - Health

95% of UK doctors believe current staff shortages present 'a significant threat' to patient safety: A survey of doctors has found that the overwhelming majority believe that the reduced staffing levels seen across the NHS present a 'significant threat' to patient safety, also revealing that 91% do not see staffing levels getting better in the foreseeable future.

The survey was conducted in March and April 2023 by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) and included 861 doctors working in a hospital setting (457), general practice (271) and the remainder, at undisclosed settings. 

The research revealed that almost two-fifths of doctors (38%) have experienced a detrimental impact on their mental health due to the fear of being sued or investigated because of incidents relating to staff shortages. It also found that half the doctors surveyed were considering their career in the medical field because of the impact of staff shortages on the safety of patients. 

Professor Dame Jane Dacre, president of the MPS said that The NHS Workforce Plan must include mental health support to retain doctors who are contemplating leaving their current positions. 

“The workforce is exhausted, fearful and many need support with mental health issues. When doctors’ mental wellbeing is poor it is not only damaging for them but also jeopardises patient care,” she said. 

“One of the many problems with staff shortages is the knock-on effect on the exhaustion and mental health of remaining staff. If we don’t tackle this, they will leave, and this will negate any planned injection of new doctors."

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