Breaking point: the burnout crisis threatening the backbone of the NHS

The lifeblood of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is unquestionably its workforce. Yet, recent data have exposed troubling trends. In 2022, NHS England logged a record 27 million sick days, reflecting an absence rate of 5.6%, up from 4.3% in 2019.¹ These aren’t mere statistics; they signal a deeper malaise – burnout that has invaded the NHS like a chronic illness.

In this dismal panorama, General Practitioners (GPs) are feeling the crunch acutely. They are often the frontline troops of the NHS, meeting patients first and shouldering varied responsibilities. A 2022 survey alarmingly revealed that 71% of GPs, in the UK, reported symptoms synonymous with severe burnout.² Overloaded with patients, entangled in red tape, and forever oscillating between paperwork and patient care, GPs are nearing their breaking point.

Their long-term, personalised relationships with patients also exacerbate emotional tolls. When a patient’s health deteriorates or treatments go awry, the GP feels it deeply. The result? A volatile mix of physical and emotional exhaustion that manifests as burnout.

We can’t ignore the alarming exodus either. Some 170 000 NHS staff, including a significant number of GPs,^1,3 have either left or are considering leaving the service, attributing their decisions to overwhelming stress and workload. This is not just about numbers but about the weakening backbone of our healthcare system.

Burnout is more than fatigue. It’s a prolonged response to chronic workplace stress, causing emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and detachment.⁴ This isn’t a condition that GPs, or any healthcare staff, can shake off in a weekend.

So what’s the cure? Targeted interventions are key. Streamlining administrative duties, fostering team-based care, and leveraging digital health solutions can offer respite. Initiatives like mental health support for healthcare providers, including GPs, are crucial too.

The Society of Occupational Medicine’s report³ recommends multifaceted solutions, from empathetic leadership to resilience training. Importantly, it offers a blueprint for recovery for those already affected, marking a ray of hope in a bleak landscape.

The stark reality is this: burnout among GPs is a red flag for the health of the NHS at large.⁵ Strategic, sustainable interventions aren’t optional; they are imperative. Ignoring the well-being of our GPs is akin to weakening the very foundation of our healthcare system. Let’s remember, if the healthcare guardians are to take care of patient, they must first be able to take care of themselves. The survival of the NHS depends on it.

Conflicts of interest

The author declares that there is no conflicts of interest.