Junior doctors in maternity wards face high burnout, risking patient care

The General Medical Council (GMC) has raised concerns about high burnout rates among trainee doctors working in maternity wards, warning this could critically impact patient care, BBC Health reported.

According to the GMC's 2026 national training survey, nearly 70% of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees are at moderate to high risk of burnout, compared to 61% across all specialties. One in three reported regular sleep deprivation, higher than the one in five reported by trainees in other fields.

The survey also found that about one in three maternity trainees felt hesitant or apprehensive about approaching senior colleagues regarding patient concerns, compared to one in five trainees overall.

Author Adam Kay, who left medicine after a traumatic birth experience, described the report as "miserable reading" and criticized the lack of improvements in workplace culture. The Department for Health and Social Care emphasized that ensuring maternity units meet the highest standards remains a priority.

Charlie Massey, head of the GMC, highlighted the risks posed by doctors feeling unable to escalate concerns, underscoring the need for supportive working environments in maternity care.