Doctors off sick 'may be nearly triple’ previously reported

A survey from the Royal College of Physicians has revealed that the government could be significantly underestimating the number of medics going off work due to the coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has recently stated that 5.7 per cent of hospital doctors were off sick or absent because of coronavirus. However, the RCP survey of more than 2,500 medics found the rate was 14.6 per cent, almost three times what the government is claiming.

The survey also shows that testing was available for 31 per cent of respondents with symptoms, but there was wide geographical variation across the UK (40.5 per cent in London, and from 9.5 per cent in East of England to 63 per cent in our Northern region). Three quarters of respondents additionally said they were aware that other clinical staff they worked with had problems accessing testing.

The survey also sought experiences of staff when it comes to personal protective equipment, and found that 78 per cent were able to access the necessary PPE (79.4 per cent in London and from 72.7 per cent in West Midlands to 90 per cent in Thames Valley). However, it remains clear that there are at least two distinct issues with PPE: supply, and recommendations on what to wear and when.

Andrew Goddard, RCP president, said: “These figures are a stark indication of the incredibly difficult situation facing our members working in the NHS. The government’s current strategy to deliver testing that would support NHS staff to return to the workforce as quickly as possible clearly isn’t working. The fact that only 78 per cent of respondents could access the PPE they needed is a big concern and we must aim to get to 100 per cent as soon as possible.

“We welcome promises made this week to increase COVID-19 testing to 100,000 a day by the end of April, but NHS and social care staff and their households need tests now and progress has been far slower than the system requires. If it wants to build confidence, the Government must publish its plan, timeline and the challenges it expects.”