• GMC publishes findings from annual survey of trainee doctors and trainers
• Over half of all doctors claim they work beyond rostered hours at least weekly
• We say encouraging signs of some easing of pressures but there remains much to do to show junior doctors that their contribution is valued

The GMC has published the initial findings from its annual UK-wide surveys of more than 53,000 doctors in training and over 24,000 senior doctors who act as trainers.

Over half of all doctors in training say they work beyond their rostered hours at least weekly, and more than a fifth claim working patterns regularly leave them short of sleep.

Responding to the GMC survey, the head of analysis at NHS Providers, Phillippa Hentsch, said:

“These findings are a reminder of the pressures frontline staff face. It is important that doctors are able to train in the right environment. It is clear that many routinely work beyond their rostered hours and that for some, their working patterns leave them short of sleep. The survey also highlights concerns over disruption to training because of gaps in rotas.

It is encouraging and may reflect steps taken nationally and at trust level to improve junior doctors’ working lives.

“However the findings also suggest some easing of workload pressures. This is encouraging and may reflect steps taken nationally and at trust level to improve junior doctors’ working lives.

“But there remains much to do to show junior doctors that the NHS is a great place to work and that their contribution is valued.”