Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NHS Faces Staffing Crisis: One in Three Doctor Posts Unfilled

11/1/2025

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

BMJ reports that in some areas, one in three senior doctor posts are unfilled, signaling a staffing crisis for the National Health Service (NHS).
Between 2022 and 2025, 33,000 consultant jobs were listed, enough to staff over 66 hospitals.
The NHS spent £674 million on agency doctors in 2024/25 due to prolonged vacancy filling times.
The NHS aims to reduce agency spending and improve workforce planning.

1 of 1

Story summary

BMJ reports that in some areas, one in three senior doctor posts are unfilled, signaling a staffing crisis for the National Health Service (NHS).
Between 2022 and 2025, 33,000 consultant jobs were listed, enough to staff over 66 hospitals.
The NHS spent £674 million on agency doctors in 2024/25 due to prolonged vacancy filling times.
The NHS aims to reduce agency spending and improve workforce planning.