More UK doctors are reporting their ability to treat patients is affected by feeling sleep deprived at work, a recent Medical Defence Union (MDU) survey has found.
Nearly 90 per cent of respondents to the MDU’s survey say they feel sleep deprived at work, which is a 20 per cent increase compared to a survey carried out three years ago (January 2022).
Some 41 per cent said they experienced sleep deprivation on at least a weekly basis now, compared to 37 per cent in 2022.
“The results of this survey are deeply concerning,” said Dr Udvitha Nandasoma, MDU head of advisory services.
“There has been no let-up in the immense pressures faced by healthcare professionals in the past three years and this is continuing to impact doctor’s mental health and affect patient care.
“Nearly four in ten doctors (38 per cent) told us they were rarely or never able to take breaks during the working day, including lunch breaks. This is an unsustainable situation. If the Government is to succeed in its 10-year health plan for the NHS, it needs staff to be firing on all cylinders so they can safely care for patients.”
The MDU has called on the UK government and NHS employers to do more to ensure there are adequate resources in place to allow exhausted doctors to take regular breaks.
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