Dr. Syira Ahsan, a GP in Chigwell, Essex, highlighted the alarming trend, noting that an increasing number of medical professionals, particularly younger doctors, are choosing to leave the NHS for positions abroad. This exodus has been fueled by the intense pressures faced by UK healthcare workers, with many reporting feeling burned out and traumatized by their working conditions.
The General Medical Council (GMC) reported a 19% increase in doctors leaving the profession in 2024 compared to the previous year, with the number of doctors exiting rising from 1,350 in 2023 to 1,604. Despite efforts by the government to recruit more doctors, the situation is becoming increasingly dire, especially in general practice (GP) roles.
Dr. Ahsan explained that many young GPs are choosing Australia for its more favorable work-life balance. “I’ve been astounded at how many young GPs have shifted to Australia,” she said. “They say the work-life balance is so much better, so they’re leaving.” In addition to a more balanced lifestyle, young doctors are also attracted by higher salaries in Australia. A first-year doctor in Australia earns about £47,530, compared to £38,831 for their UK counterparts.
The strain on the NHS has been a contributing factor to the migration of doctors. Dr. Ahsan described the daily grind in UK GP surgeries, where many doctors brace themselves for traumatic shifts. “You go to work and it’s like brace yourself, roll up your sleeves – it’s going to be absolutely traumatic,” she added. “The other day I walked in and I didn’t come up for air until I finished. No break, no chit-chat, it’s just constant.”
Despite efforts by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to alleviate the pressures on the NHS, such as investing £1.1bn into primary care and reducing targets for GPs, the crisis persists. Dr. Ahsan warned that without significant investment in infrastructure alongside housing, the healthcare system will continue to be overwhelmed. “A lot of doctors are thinking, ‘This isn’t worth it, it’s not what I trained for’. Burnout is a real thing.”
As the number of doctors leaving the UK for better opportunities abroad continues to rise, the future of the NHS workforce remains uncertain, with increasing concerns over how the healthcare system will cope with growing demand and fewer staff members.
