MOST family doctors in Britain are finding it difficult to show care and understanding to their patients due to extreme tiredness and emotional strain, a troubling new survey has revealed.
The study, conducted by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland, found that seven in ten GPs are experiencing what experts call "compassion fatigue" - a state where they're too worn out to properly empathise with their patients' problems.
Dr John Holden, the union's chief medical officer, explained the situation, "Compassion fatigue is effectively a hidden, secondary trauma with symptoms that can ultimately make it extraordinarily difficult for family doctors to treat their patients."
The poll, which gathered responses from nearly 2,000 doctors across the country, showed that younger medical professionals aged 25-34 were the worst affected. GPs were found to be particularly at risk due to their constant exposure to patients' suffering and heavy workloads.
The findings paint a worrying picture of the NHS workforce's mental health. More than eight in ten GPs who reported having suicidal thoughts blamed their working conditions. Adding to their stress, many doctors faced abuse from frustrated patients throughout 2024, with 84 per cent experiencing verbal abuse and nearly a quarter dealing with physical confrontations.
Prof Clare Gerada, an expert in doctors' mental health, described the condition as being "characterised by a decreased ability to empathise and connect with patients, feelings of emotional numbness or detachment, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the job demands."
The situation appears to be affecting patient care, with almost half of the doctors worried that their exhaustion might lead to medical mistakes. Nearly two-thirds admitted it was hampering their ability to communicate effectively with patients.
Dr Latifa Patel from the British Medical Association responded to the findings: "Doctors' wellbeing shouldn't suffer from going to work, especially to such an extent that they're self-harming or considering suicide. GPs are at breaking point."
The survey also highlighted challenges for the government's NHS reform plans. Two-thirds of GPs reported feeling unprepared for health secretary Wes Streeting's proposed shift of healthcare services from hospitals to community settings.
The Department of Health and Social Care has responded by pointing to existing support measures, including mental health services for NHS staff and recent changes to reduce paperwork. They've also announced additional funding of £26 million for new mental health crisis centres and expanded talking therapy services.
The main causes of stress for doctors included long waiting times for patient care and dealing with complaints about treatment delays.
Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, noted that many family doctors were experiencing "moral distress" when unable to help patients due to factors beyond their control, such as poor housing and the cost of living crisis.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said, “The wellbeing of all those working in the NHS is vital, and extensive coaching support and practitioner mental health services are available for all staff.
“We are providing support for GPs to lessen their workload, through cutting red tape to reduce bureaucracy and reducing outdated performance targets – so they can spend more time with patients and doing the work that really matters.
“The budget also provided an extra £26m to open new mental health crisis centres and funding to provide talking therapies to an extra 380,000 patients.”
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
(with inputs from AFP)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)