Numbers of NHS doctors registering to work overseas could reach unprecedented record
This rather depressing story bodes badly for those rural GP practices where doctors are in very limited supply. It tells us:
The Government’s decision to impose a new contract on junior doctors may risk an exodus of young medics, after figures revealed an unprecedented spike in NHS doctors registering to work overseas.
Doctors seeking to work abroad must apply for Certificates of Current Professional Status (CCPS) from their regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC).
In just three days last week, the GMC received 1,644 requests for CCPS documents. Typically, it receives around 20 to 25 a day.
The extraordinary spike in demand began on 16 September, the day after the Government confirmed it would seek to impose a new contract on junior doctors, after their union, the British Medical Association (BMA), refused to return to negotiations. Proposed reforms under the new contract would see juniors lose out on pay premiums for working weekday evenings and on Saturdays.