Can a numerical value be put on unhappiness? A little research has
revealed that there could be 26 consultant anaesthetists, aged between
60 and 65, working in the S.W. Region.
There are actually just 5, with a further two working half time or
less.
Of the crop of 9 reaching 65 this year or next, only one remains part
time. The three due to reach 65 in 2003 have all gone, as, by October,
will the three reaching 65 in 2005. Two, and a half, of the 2004 group
of 6 remain. Perhaps most worryingly, the 2006 birthdays have been
reduced from 5 to 4 already, with a further one to retire shortly.
Rapid Response:
Do unhappy doctors retire early?
Editor
Can a numerical value be put on unhappiness? A little research has
revealed that there could be 26 consultant anaesthetists, aged between
60 and 65, working in the S.W. Region.
There are actually just 5, with a further two working half time or
less.
Of the crop of 9 reaching 65 this year or next, only one remains part
time. The three due to reach 65 in 2003 have all gone, as, by October,
will the three reaching 65 in 2005. Two, and a half, of the 2004 group
of 6 remain. Perhaps most worryingly, the 2006 birthdays have been
reduced from 5 to 4 already, with a further one to retire shortly.
One wonders what the NHS is doing wrong?
R.M. Weller
Consultant Anaesthetist
Frenchay Hospital,
Bristol BS16 1LE
(email address rw@frenchayanaes.demon.co.uk)
1. Smith R. Why are doctors so unhappy?
BMJ 2001; 322; 1073-4 (5 May)
Competing interests: No competing interests