NHS anaesthetist shortage prevents 1.5 million operations annually, report finds
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A report from the Royal College of Anaesthetists reveals that the NHS is unable to perform 1.5 million operations per year due to a shortage of anaesthetists. The UK has 2,256 fewer anaesthetists than needed, with the largest gap among consultants, who account for 73% of the shortfall. The shortage is causing delays for patients, with 88% of clinical leaders interviewed reporting postponed surgeries due to a lack of anaesthetists. The report states that long waiting lists are harming patients, with 31% reporting a decline in mental health and 36% reporting a decline in physical health. The single biggest cause of the shortage is a lack of training places, with 6,770 applications for 539 core training positions last year. The Department of Health and Social Care said the NHS has record numbers of doctors, including over 14,800 full-time equivalent anaesthetists, and is creating 4,500 additional training placements, though it could not specify how many would be for anaesthetists.
What’s reported
The NHS cannot perform 1.5 million operations per year due to a shortage of anaesthetists.
The UK has 2,256 fewer anaesthetists than needed, a 16% shortfall.
The consultant gap is about 1,640, or 73% of the total shortfall.
88% of clinical leaders interviewed said surgeries were postponed due to a lack of anaesthetists; 43% reported this happening daily or weekly.
31% of patients reported a decline in mental health while waiting; 36% reported a decline in physical health.
Last year, there were 6,770 applications for 539 core anaesthetic training positions.
The Department of Health and Social Care said there are more than 14,800 full-time equivalent anaesthetists, 300 more than last year.
The department is creating 4,500 additional training placements but could not say how many would be for anaesthetists.
Open questions
How many of the 4,500 additional training placements will be for anaesthetists.
Key figures
Dr Claire Shannon, president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
Jenny Westaway, chair of PatientsVoices@RcoA
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care
Sources: The Guardian
