Heavy workloads are causing
hospital doctors to take early retirement or consider industrial action,
according to research.
A study of 6,400
doctors and dentists by the Medical Sickness Society suggests that 69 per cent
of hospital consultants are planning early retirement.
Another survey of
4,000 consultants by the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association
suggests that 62 per cent are prepared to work strictly to the terms of their
contracts.
The MSS research found
80 per cent of doctors are demoralised and 24 per cent aged under 30 are
considering a change of career.
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Responses to the
Government’s proposals on the consultant contract received by the BMA’s Central
Committee also suggested 50 per cent of the 2,000 who replied are prepared to
take some form of industrial action if there is no progress by the summer.
Winston Peters, the
outgoing president of the HCSA, said, "It is probable that the new
generation of consultants will see how the current generation has been abused
by the Government and will mostly work the hours for which they are paid. The
NHS will be about 25 per cent down."
