NHS trainee doctor drop-out rate an accident waiting to happen, says leading surgeon

A leading surgeon says a major drop-out rate amongst trainee doctors is “an accident waiting to happen” for the NHS.

Nigel Mercer was tasked with prioritising surgery across the health service during the pandemic when provisions were under intense pressure.

His biggest fear with what he sees as an up to 40 per cent drop-out rate is whether there will be enough medics to replace his generation of doctors, adding that concerns over pay and conditions are leading to many trainees to consider moving to other countries.

He went on to say “You can get much more pay over in Australia and New Zealand and we reckon it’s now 40 per cent of medical graduates who are going to leave after their training and that’s criminal.

“That’s an accident waiting to happen, but if we don’t produce high-quality paramedical staff there won’t be the ability to train anybody.

“We can’t just go and rip health professionals out of other healthcare systems, that’s not appropriate.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said the “vast majority” of doctors trained in the UK go on to work in the NHS.

They added “We are focussed on boosting staff numbers and ensuring the NHS remains a great place to work and there are record numbers of staff including over 5,100 more doctors compared to last year.

“The NHS will publish a long term strategy this year to help ensure the NHS has the workforce it needs for the future, backed by record funding to cut waiting lists and improve patient care.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382