The Government must recognise that increasingly stressful conditions facing doctors has led to a recruitment crisis.
Issues around workload pressures, resources and work-life balance must be urgently addressed (The Argus, January 14).
It is fair to say that locums have always been an integral part of the NHS workforce when there are periods of high demand or staff absences. However they should not be used as a long-term solution to gaps in the NHS workforce as they can be more expensive to employ than permanent staff, resulting in additional costs for an NHS already struggling with declining budgets.
Only by improving workforce planning and making working practices and environments safe and sustainable will the NHS be able to attract and retain the required number and mix of doctors.
Dr Mark Porter, chair of council, British Medical Association
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