Four in ten doctors regularly 'struggle to provide sufficient care'

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By Storm Newton, PA Media and Daniel Pye

Around four in ten doctors struggle to sufficiently care for patients at least once a week, rising to six in ten among GPs, a survey by the General Medical Council has found.

Pressures in the working environment are to blame, according to the regulator.

One doctor told the survey they were treated “as cogs in a machine”.

The annual poll of more than 4,600 doctors found overall job satisfaction declined slightly in 2025, returning to levels last seen in 2023.

Some 41% said they found it hard to provide patients with sufficient care at least once a week, rising to 60% among GPs and 51% among recently qualified doctors.

This was linked to “clear emotional strains for doctors, including guilt, frustration, a reduced sense of purpose, and feelings of moral injury,” the report said.

Further research by the GMC found doctors are clear on the meaning of “sufficient care”, and that it must be timely, patient-centric and ensure all needs are considered.