Urgent action needed to address burnout in GP trainers and trainees, says RCGP

Responding to the GMC’s National Training Survey, Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said the following.

“GPs have been working incredibly hard during the pandemic under intense workload and workforce pressures, and this is understandably taking its toll on GP trainees and their trainers, as this survey shows.

"Over the last year, general practice has continued to deliver vital care and services to patients, as well as delivering around two thirds of the Covid vaccination programme. The latest figures from the College's Research and Surveillance Centre shows consultation rates exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. As a result, more GPs - both trainees and trainers - are reporting feeling burnt out and emotionally exhausted than they did before the pandemic. Our trainees are the future of the profession and the care we are able to deliver to patients in general practice, so we must address these issues.

“A lot of great work has gone into increasing trainee numbers in general practice and we don’t want to see this progress regress. This is why we urgently need to see government address the workload pressures facing the profession by delivering on their manifesto pledge of an additional 6000 GPs to enter the workforce by 2024, as well as initiatives in place to prevent experienced GPs from burning out due to heavy workloads. This will help to ensure GP trainers have the time that they need to spend with trainees, and that trainees feel supported."

Further information

(For media only)

RCGP Press office – 020 3188 7633/7494/7574
Out of hours: 020 3188 7659 
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.