One in five NHS doctors have cut their hours due to exhaustion, worrying study finds

ONE in five NHS doctors have cut their hours ­complaining of exhaustion, a survey found.

Nearly a quarter — 23 per cent — have taken time off for stress in the past year, and 41 per cent will not do overtime.

One in three said they were struggling to manage at work.

Hospitals could be understaffed and patients endangered if trends continue, said the General Medical Council, which analysed survey responses from 4,288 doctors.

It follows strike action over pay and conditions by nearly every grade of NHS medic in the past 18 months.

Junior doctors have walked out 11 times and consultants four times.

GPs have voted to work to rule.

GMC boss Charlie Massey said doctors were “taking steps to protect their well-being”.

He added: “They shouldn’t feel their only option is to reduce their working hours.

“This adds further pressure to already stretched services.

“If the UK’s health services are to retain more doctors, which will be vital to tackling waiting lists, it is critical to reverse these extremely ­concerning trends.”