Search

Being an anaesthetist in training has always had its challenges, alongside the many opportunities and benefits offered by our specialty. However, I think that those of you currently in training are facing a particularly tough time. And without wanting to be too downbeat, I think it’s important for the College to recognise that, to reiterate our commitment to supporting you and to update you on what we are doing to try and improve your working lives.  

There could be no stronger reminder of these challenges than the fact that, as I write this, junior doctors are about to begin the first day of a 72-hour strike. Although unsurprising, the overwhelming support for industrial action among junior doctors is further evidence of just how frustrated and undervalued they are feeling. Our job is to ensure the voices of our members are heard and understood. We do value you, and while we do not have a role in negotiations about terms and conditions of employment, we have made it clear that we believe the exclusion of doctors in training and SAS doctors on the reformed contract from the government’s pay deal is likely to exacerbate the NHS staffing crisis. We will continue to make that point to the government as we advocate action to address workforce shortages and pressures.

There is a mental-health crisis among doctors in the United Kingdom, with 51% experiencing poor mental health, nearly 50% wishing to reduce their working hours, and 10% planning to quit.¹ There are excessively high levels of burnout being reported among anaesthetists in training.² Burnout impacts on the delivery of high-quality patient care,³ and a ‘healthy’ work environment is associated with approximately 30% less intention to leave the profession.⁴

In an attempt to prevent burnout in our trainee cohort, we created a regular wellbeing initiative: Coffee Club. We wanted to provide a time and a place in which trainees could reflect on their individual and collective experiences. It was essential that this was a warm, welcoming, safe and confidential space.