Junior doctor burnout putting maternity patients at risk, says regulator
Summary
The UK General Medical Council says obstetrics and gynaecology trainees report more burnout, sleep deprivation and reluctance to raise concerns than trainees across other medical specialties. The regulator warned that staff who feel unable to speak up could affect patient care in maternity units.Key Facts
- The GMC analysed responses to its 2026 national training survey, completed by 68% of trainee doctors and covering almost 52,000 people.
- About 70% of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees were at moderate to high risk of burnout, compared with 61% across all specialties.
- Almost one in three obstetrics and gynaecology trainees felt hesitant or apprehensive about approaching a senior colleague with a patient concern, compared with one in five across all specialties.
- One in three trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology said they regularly experienced sleep deprivation, compared with one in five trainees overall.
- GMC head Charlie Massey said doctors who feel unable to speak up could have a critical impact on patients.
- The Department of Health and Social Care said ensuring every maternity unit meets high standards was a priority.
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