UK falls “well below” EU average on doctors per population, report finds

The UK had a shortage of around 176 000 doctors, nurses, and midwives in 2022 and has become over-reliant on international recruitment, warns a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The report, which looked at the state of health in the EU, found that in total EU countries had an estimated shortage of 1.2 million doctors, nurses, and midwives. It cited multiple factors, including ageing populations, difficult working conditions, staff burnout, and challenges presented by the covid pandemic.

Significant inequalities also continue to exist between EU member states.

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Source: BMJ, 21 November 2024