HEE responds to GMC survey with support for doctors in training

The General Medical Council (GMC) has today published its National Training Survey 2021 which provides comprehensive data and insight into learning opportunities and training progression for doctors in training; their workloads and workplace experiences; and how training has adapted to the pandemic. Over 63,000 doctors took part in this year’s survey which gathers data for all of the UK.

Professor Sheona Macleod, Deputy Medical Director of Education Reform at Health Education England, said:

“This survey is really important as it gives doctors in training a platform to be frank and open about their experiences. We will be working with the GMC and our other partners to review this valuable feedback and see where we can act to improve training further.  

“It is encouraging that trainees are mostly positive about the quality of their training after an unprecedented and demanding year for all of the medical profession. We are grateful to all those involved in delivering teaching and supervision over the last year, as these are essential for effective training and for patient safety. However, the levels of stress and anxiety about progression are a definite cause for concern which we are following up with the GMC and other partners, including the AoMRC.  

“Last week HEE published the Enhancing Junior Doctors Working Lives report which has been produced to update trainees on progress with improvements in their training to encourage a healthy and balanced personal life. It sets out a series of actions taken to address concerns and provides information about options to ease the pressure on doctors in training including flexible training, less than full time training, supported return to practice, dynamic recruitment processes and enhancing generalist skills. We aim to support doctors so they have more options for their training and development and feel confident in meeting the complex demands of the future healthcare landscape, while ensuring their ongoing health and wellbeing.”