The RCOG Workforce Census 2025 reveals workload pressure, working outside paid hours and insufficient training time all taking a toll on the O&G specialty.
The RCOG Workforce Census 2025 published today reveals nearly two thirds (65%) of obstetricians and gynaecologists who responded are at risk of burnout. Also, a major concern, one in five (19%) respondents intend to leave in the next five years, linked to burn out, work-life balance, staffing shortages and working conditions.
Among those surveyed, 68% said they always or often work beyond their contracted hours, common reasons were increased administrative workload (68%), staff shortages (56%) and increases in the number of cases with multiple coexisting health conditions (52%). These findings underscore the growing pressures on the obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) workforce and the implications for patient safety and quality of care.
The RCOG is calling for urgent investment in a well-resourced O&G workforce that is supported at every stage of their career, with protected time for training and leadership, flexible options for those nearing retirement, and improved working conditions that prioritise wellbeing and ensure all doctors feel valued. This is essential, recognising that a well-resourced and well-supported O&G workforce is integral to ensuring that women and girls receive the timely, high-quality, safe and compassionate care they deserve.
Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“We know how hard our members work every day, but our workforce census highlights the real impact of women’s health being under-prioritised for too long. Doctors are being driven out of the profession by the daily pressure of staff shortages, working beyond their hours and the reality of knowing that despite their best efforts the quality of care women receive is being impacted.”
“The UK Government said women’s health would never again be neglected and has made important commitments to improving maternity care and bringing down waiting lists – of which gynaecology waits remain some of the longest.
“The upcoming NHS workforce plan is an opportunity to show doctors that they are valued. It must set out clear actions to grow and retain the O&G workforce, protect time for O&G doctors to develop their surgical skills, improve working conditions and ensure that our senior doctors have time to educate the workforce of the future.”
Dr Laura Hipple, Vice President for Membership and Workforce of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“Our members are telling us loud and clear that the current pressures are unsustainable. Every doctor working in our specialty deserves to feel valued and supported throughout their career. If we want to retain skilled clinicians and attract the next generation, we need a workforce plan that prioritises wellbeing, flexibility and career development. Without this, women’s health will continue to pay the price.”
Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA, Women’s Voices Lead for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“Everyone who needs obstetric or gynaecology care should get it promptly, to a high standard, and in a way that respects their needs and informed choices. Right now, staff shortages and relentless pressures mean too many women and people face long waits, limited options and poor communication.
“Doctors want to provide care with compassion, but many are working beyond their limits, risking burnout and leaving the profession. The Government must act now to invest in a properly resourced O&G workforce, with time for training and flexibility for senior clinicians. The RCOG, including our Women’s Network can make sure the voices of those using O&G services are heard, share real experiences, and press for practical changes that improve care and support the doctors who deliver it.”
Key recommendations from the RCOG Workforce Census 2025 report:
- Doctors with educator and leadership responsibilities need protected time in their job plans to fulfil these roles alongside service provision commitments. This requires retention and expansion of the senior O&G workforce. Education and leadership are essential for future-proofing the O&G workforce.
- Trainees and locally employed doctors should have access to time in theatre and opportunities to develop surgical skills.
- Employers should recognise the time clinicians are required to spend on administrative tasks in job plans, and ensure appropriate support is available.
- Doctors should have protected time for education, training and leadership responsibilities.
- Staffing levels should be sufficient for all staff to be able to take their annual leave entitlements without compromising service delivery. Being able to take leave helps doctors to attain work-life balance, feel valued in their role and improve job satisfaction and staff retention.
- The wellbeing of O&G professionals should be prioritised through improved working conditions, flexible working options, support after adverse events and role-modelling of positive workplace behaviours.
- All doctors, including those working outside of formal training pathways, should be recognised and valued, with access to career progression opportunities.
- The medical workforce approaching retirement should be supported to work flexibly if they choose to, this is fundamental to their wellbeing and the retention of valued skills and expertise in the workforce.
- Succession planning should be prioritised to ensure that teams are adequately resourced with the necessary clinical and leadership expertise. This includes enabling senior doctors to provide mentoring and training for their colleagues who will be taking on leadership responsibilities in the future.
Read the full report here.
Notes:
- RCOG membership advice and support service information is available here.
- For media enquiries please contact the RCOG press office on +44 (0)7986 183167 or email pressoffice@rcog.org.uk.
- The RCOG Workforce Census 2025 was conducted online between 24 March and 5 May 2025 and received a total of 1,589 responses. The survey was open to anyone working in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK.
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is a medical charity that champions the provision of high quality women’s healthcare in the UK and beyond. It is dedicated to encouraging the study and advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. It does this through postgraduate medical education and training and the publication of clinical guidelines and reports on aspects of the specialty and service provision. For more information visit: www.rcog.org.uk