One in five anaesthetists planning to leave NHS

A new report from the RCoA warns that urgent action is needed to train, support and retain anaesthetic staff across the NHS. 

The report, Wellbeing, Burnout and Retention, draws on data from the RCoA’s Anaesthetic Workforce Census. It highlights that: 

• Almost one in five (19%) anaesthetists plan to leave the NHS within five years, with a further 22% saying they may do so. This would compound severe workforce shortages and risk further delays for patients waiting for surgery. While retirement was a reason for many (62%), over a third (36%) of respondents gave other reasons.
• Anaesthetic staff have lower levels of wellbeing than UK population averages. Those reporting low levels of life satisfaction are far more likely to consider leaving (58%) than those reporting very high levels of life satisfaction (75%).
• Burnout is widespread: Over half of respondents reported burnout; 16% reported high levels and 6% reported very high levels. 
• Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs) are the most affected group, reporting lower levels of wellbeing and higher levels of burnout than other anaesthetic staff. Twenty percent reported high levels of burnout and a further 11% reported very high levels.
• Sources of workplace dissatisfaction are clear: 60% reported dissatisfaction with computer and IT systems, 57% with pension taxation, 47% with the cost of parking facilities and 46% with access to healthy food and drink on-site (46%). Only 30% said they had good access to healthy food at work.

Factors that would encourage anaesthetic staff to stay varied by group, but increased pay was a common factor:

• Consultants: increased pay (59%) and changes to pension taxation regulations (49%).
• SAS doctors: better career progression and training opportunities (60%) and improved pay (56%).
• Anaesthetists in training: improved pay (74%) and more flexible working hours/rotas (39%).
• Locally Employed Doctors: increased pay (74%) and improved opportunities for career progression and training (59%).
• Physician Assistants in anaesthesia: improved career progression and training (71%) and being treated more fairly (62%). 

The findings build on the RCoA’s Interim Census Report, which found that nine in ten hospital leaders report that surgery is regularly delayed because of a shortage of anaesthetists.   

The new data also aligns with the 2025 NHS Staff Survey which found staff engagement and motivation has fallen to a historic low, and nearly one in three staff describing themselves as burnt out.  

Improving wellbeing is imperative for both staff and patients. On average, anaesthetists take 1.3 days sick leave per year off due to stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. This contributes to surgical delays and limits the NHS’s ability to reduce waiting lists.  

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said: 

“It is vital that anaesthetists are supported and retained. Most operations require an anaesthetist, and the current shortfall is severely limiting the NHS’s ability to provide patients with timely access to surgery. Without action, this problem will only grow. 

“In light of this shortage it is essential that we train more anaesthetists for the future and retain the valuable experience of those we already have. 

“In the report, pay also emerged as a significant factor for many who are considering leaving. UK governments must engage with doctors constructively on this issue.”