The anaesthetic workforce: UK State of the Nation reports
Background
Our State of the Nation reports provide a comprehensive overview of the UK anaesthetic workforce. They highlight the essential role of anaesthetists in delivering patient care; while examining the key challenges affecting the profession and the implications this has on the wider health system.
Each report presents detailed, evidence-based analysis, followed by a series of actionable recommendations designed to strengthen the anaesthetic workforce and ensure its future.
2026 report overview
- Anaesthetists are vital to addressing NHS waiting lists because most operations cannot take place without them.
- The number of consultant and SAS anaesthetists in UK the stands at around 12,050.
- However, these numbers are 16% lower than what is needed, with a shortfall of around 2,250 anaesthetists.
- Given the average caseload of an anaesthetist, the shortfall prevents up to 1.5 million extra operations and procedures from taking place per year.
- Currently, 88% of clinical leaders report surgery sometimes being postponed due to a lack of anaesthetists, with 43% reporting this happening on a daily or weekly basis.
- The supply of anaesthetists is constrained by a lack of funded anaesthetic training places, and poor retention of existing staff.
- NHS hospitals across the UK had the capacity to take on around 380 extra training posts per year, including around 180 at core level and around 200 at higher level.
- The solutions involve funding these places and efforts to improve retention.
How we use these reports
The State of the Nation reports are key aspect of our advocacy work. They help us present a compelling case to Governments, NHS leaders, and other key stakeholders on the essential contribution of anaesthetists in UK healthcare and the need to address the challenges they face.
Expanding the anaesthetic workforce is a top priority for the College. These reports provide evidence to support this goal, offering a clear set of evidence-based recommendations to guide workforce policy and planning.