Reacting to the publication of a new GMC report into the Workplace experiences in the NHS, Professor Rowan Parks, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh said:
"We welcome this report as it provides valuable, additional insight into the challenges facing our members and fellows across the UK.
"Whilst the report shows that there has been a slight improvement in doctors’ experience in all four nations, surgeons are less satisfied with the level of support they receive and their career opportunities. Worringly, almost one in five have indicated that they have taken hard steps to leave UK practice.
"The size of NHS waiting lists means that more must be done to improve our members and fellows' work experience. We remain concerned at the number of trainers who have stepped down due to high workload and the decreasing amount of time available to deliver education and training.
"However, the greatest concern is the increase in the number of doctors witnessing patient safety issues. Addressing this must be an immediate priority for all those working in the NHS.
"We will continue to engage with policy makers across all four nations and advocate the benefits that training has on staff retention and patient safety. Training must be ringfenced and guaranteed if the NHS is to meet the many challenges it faces."