The NHS, it is claimed, is facing an exodus of doctors. It is one of the reasons put forward to support their claims for more pay as strike action continues.
But an analysis of data by the BBC suggests this is not the case – yet.
The proportion of the medical workforce leaving the NHS has hardly changed for a decade, while figures on those seeking a move overseas do not, overall, show a clear upwards trend.
There are, however, some worrying signs – with increasing numbers of junior doctors taking a break in their training, and some evidence that aggressive marketing by authorities in Australia on social media and billboards is turning the heads of more UK medics.
Doctors not leaving NHS in greater numbers
Every year thousands of doctors leave the NHS. Some retire, others move into private practice and some head abroad.
But figures from NHS Digital in England show over the past decade the proportion leaving overall has remained pretty constant at about 14-15%. Meanwhile, the number of new joiners has increased, leading to a rise in the number of doctors in the NHS. But what about if we just look at junior doctors? This is the group that receives the lowest rates of pay in the profession and is often said to be the most disenchanted.
They make up almost half the hospital doctors in England and include anyone who has finished medical school but has not yet completed their postgraduate training to become a GP, speciality doctor or consultant. Firstly, most junior doctors do stay. Of those in 2016 who had completed their first two years of foundation training, only 7% had left the profession five years later, according to the General Medical Council (GMC).
But junior medics are taking a break
However, other data from the regulator does show a big jump in the numbers taking a break from their training.
In 2012, two-thirds moved straight on to the third year of their junior doctor training pathway after completing year two. But by 2020 that figure had fallen to under a third.
Where these doctors are going is unclear. They could be spending time working as a locum – taking well-paid but ad-hoc freelance shifts to cover gaps in rotas – going travelling or seeking opportunities abroad. Most seem to come back after a pause of a year or two, but the fact there is a clear upwards trend is causing some concern.
Working abroad remains an option
The best data on how many move abroad each year comes from the GMC database on applications for a Certificate of Good Standing, which doctors use to apply for work abroad.
Before the pandemic, there were consistently more than 6,000 certificates a year sent to other medical authorities around the world. After a drop during the pandemic the number rose to about 7,000 in 2022.
More recent figures for 2023 so far suggest the number will be higher again – although it is unclear if this reflects a long-term rise, as the trend seen over the last 18 months may just be a natural catch-up following the dip during the pandemic.
Where these doctors are going is unclear. They could be spending time working as a locum – taking well-paid but ad-hoc freelance shifts to cover gaps in rotas – going travelling or seeking opportunities abroad. Most seem to come back after a pause of a year or two, but the fact there is a clear upwards trend is causing some concern.
Working abroad remains an option
The best data on how many move abroad each year comes from the GMC database on applications for a Certificate of Good Standing, which doctors use to apply for work abroad. Before the pandemic, there were consistently more than 6,000 certificates a year sent to other medical authorities around the world. After a drop during the pandemic the number rose to about 7,000 in 2022.
More recent figures for 2023 so far suggest the number will be higher again – although it is unclear if this reflects a long-term rise, as the trend seen over the last 18 months may just be a natural catch-up following the dip during the pandemic.
— CutC by bbc.com
