Senior trust leaders who show understanding and compassion are crucial in retaining junior doctors

The role of senior leaders of NHS trusts in retaining trainee doctors is crucial,1 but a fundamental change is needed.The ongoing junior doctors’ strikes and low levels of retention reflect the deep discontent of this group—not just around pay but also with working conditions and training experience.23 Only 30% of foundation year 2 doctors progressed to further training posts in 2022, a drop from 71% 10 years ago.3 Junior doctors are employed by both NHS England4 and the trust where they train. This triangular employment relationship and 3-12 month rotations make them fixed term contracted workers in precarious employment, leading to poor working conditions.5 The persistent bullying that results from the hierarchical nature of the medical profession leads to cynicism about their concerns being tackled.36As the direct employer of trainee doctors, senior trust leaders who treat this group with compassion—who understand the problems that affect them, invest in their welfare,…
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