Sudden Deaths of Doctors in Training

Protected Characteristics

Since the end of 2018 we have been notified of sudden deaths of current doctors in training. Data collected includes information about protected characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, and pre-existing health problems) and whether the individual had a GMC referral or fitness to practice issues.

The small number of GMC referrals or fitness to practice issues means it is difficult to identify any patterns in relation to protected characteristics.

All those with GMC referrals were male and had pre-existing health problems however this should be treated with caution due to the small number.

In relation to protected characteristics it should be noted this information was not always provided. The highest number in each category is set out below:

• Age – 44% were in their 30s

• Gender – 56% were male

• Ethnicity – 44% were white British

• Sexual orientation – this information was unknown for 79% of sudden deaths reported

• Religion – this information was unknown for 88% of sudden deaths reported

• Marital status – this information was unknown for 49% of sudden deaths reported

• Pre-existing mental and/or physical health problems – 53% none/not known/not answered

Ethnicity

A breakdown of ethnicity is set out below:

Follow Up Meetings

Four to six months after the sudden death of a doctor in training the Lead Dean will meet with the reporting Dean to discuss any learning. This meeting can also be used to address any missing data in relation to protected characteristics.

The protected characteristics of those who tragically die suddenly is not representative of the medical workforce overall. This workstream will look at emerging factors, and these will be considered as part of our overall EDI strategy.