Sponsored by Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, the 'welfare of doctors' debate called for the government and NHS leaders to take more steps to improve the health and wellbeing of doctors.
This crossed multiple areas: from making hot meals available to NHS staff working out of hours, to ensuring doctors are well rested and able to provide the best patient care, and committing long-term funding for mental health services, such as NHS Practitioner Health, which help doctors at risk of burnout.
Quoting MDU research during the debate, Dr Prinsley noted that:
"In a recent survey, 29% of hospital doctors said they were unable to take any breaks at all during the working day; for GPs, the figure rose to 40%. That is simply not safe, for either doctors or patients.
"Our GPs are under pressure as never before. Who is looking out for them? They face massive lists of patients and huge demands. We know that we must support them, for they are the front door of our NHS."
This is supported by a survey conducted by the MDU of more than 500 doctors, which found that:
- over a third said they felt sleep deprived on at least a weekly basis
- 21% of doctors surveyed didn’t have anywhere to go such as a staff room, or quiet area, to take a break
- one in four respondents said tiredness had affected their ability to safely care for patients, including 40 near-misses and seven cases where a patient actually sustained harm.
The MDU is committed to advocating for doctors and to promoting their interests in parliament. Indeed, the 'welfare for doctors' debate follows the publication of the MDU's Agenda for Change policy paper, which was launched last year and focused on highlighting the need for:
- reform of GMC healthcare regulation
- better catering and rest facilities for NHS staff
- long-term funding for mental health services that support NHS staff.
Responding on behalf of the government during the debate, Karin Symth MP, the Minister of State for Secondary Care, stated:
"It is vital that we look after the health and wellbeing of the whole NHS workforce. High-quality care and support for patients cannot be effectively provided without a compassionate and inclusive working environment.
"The mental health of doctors and all NHS staff is incredibly important. We saw the strain and trauma placed on staff during the pandemic. They do so much for patients, and we owe it to them to ensure that they are properly supported in return."
Thomas Reynolds, director of policy at the MDU, said:
"Doctors care for us – for our families, friends and loved ones. They do this day-in, day-out, under increasingly difficult circumstances in a healthcare system under growing pressure. Doctors need government, parliament, NHS leaders and regulators to support them – specifically when it comes to their health and welfare.
"Many are at risk of serious fatigue and burnout. In some parts of the country, this is not helped by the fact that our healthcare system can't deliver even elementary rest and catering facilities, particularly for staff working out of hours.
"The MDU has heard time and again from our members that small changes could make a big difference. Improving rest and catering facilities would help to boost morale and could help reduce the risk of burnout.
"The MDU is an unapologetic champion for our members. While we will always defend their medicolegal interests, we are also here to make sure the wellbeing of healthcare workers gets the attention it deserves."
This page was correct at publication on 22/01/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.