Author: Dr Rob Hicks
Medscape News UK
Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) anaesthetists plan to leave the NHS within 5 years, with an additional 1 in 5 (22%) saying they might leave, according to a report by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA).
The warning comes against a backdrop of chronic shortfall. The Wellbeing, Burnout and Retention report draws on data from the RCoA’s workforce census which found the UK faced a 15% shortfall in anaesthetists, up from 13% in 2020. Nine out of 10 hospital leaders reported that surgery was regularly delayed because there were not enough anaesthetists, with 8% saying shortages led to delays on a daily basis.
The latest report found that of those planning to leave, nearly two-thirds (62%) cited retirement as their reason, rising to 81% among consultants. More than 1 in 3 (36%) gave other reasons, such as moving abroad to work. Only around 6 in 10 anaesthetic staff (58%) expected to still be in NHS roles 5 years from now.
“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,” said Dr Claire Shannon, RCoA president.
Anaesthetic staff have lower levels of well-being than UK population averages, the RCoA said. Burnout is widespread: over half of respondents said they experienced it — 16% reported high levels and 6% reported very high levels.
Locally employed doctors were the most affected group, reporting lower levels of well-being and higher levels of burnout than other anaesthetic staff. 20% reported high levels of burnout and a further 11% reported very high levels.
The RCoA said the findings aligned with the 2025 NHS Staff Survey, which found staff engagement and motivation had fallen to a historic low, with nearly one in three staff describing themselves as burnt out.
On average, anaesthetists took 1.3 days of sick leave per year off due to stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression, contributing to surgical delays and limiting the NHS’s ability to reduce waiting lists.
“Improving well-being is imperative for both staff and patients,” Shannon said.
Why Anaesthetists Want to Leave
Increased pay was the most commonly cited factor that would encourage anaesthetists to stay, named by 66% of respondents.
Sources of workplace dissatisfaction included computer and IT systems (60%), pension taxation (57%), parking costs (47%), and access to healthy food and drink on-site (46%).
“Most operations require an anaesthetist, and the current shortfall is severely limiting the NHS’s ability to provide patients with timely access to surgery,” Shannon said.
“It is vital that anaesthetists are supported and retained. Without action, this problem will only grow,” she added.