Four in 10 NHS Organisations Use Nurses to Cover Doctor Shortages

A freedom of information investigation reveals widespread “backfilling” practices across NHS trusts as workforce crisis deepens.

Nurses and other non-medical staff are stepping into doctors’ roles at nearly half of NHS organisations across England, new research reveals. The practice affects patient care at a time when the health service struggles with chronic workforce shortages.

The Scale of the Problem

A freedom of information investigation by The BMJ has uncovered the extent of what’s known as “backfilling” – where nurses or other non-medical staff cover doctors’ rotas. Out of 211 NHS organisations that responded, 84 are using this practice to plug gaps in medical staffing.

That’s four in 10 organisations relying on non-doctors to perform tasks typically reserved for qualified physicians. These duties include assessing patients and prescribing medications – responsibilities that require years of medical training.

View tweet from @bmj_latest

The investigation, published on 22 April 2026, exposes how widespread doctor shortages are forcing trusts to make difficult staffing decisions. But it’s raising serious questions about patient safety.

Safety Concerns Mount

The Royal College of Nursing hasn’t minced words about the risks. The organisation warns this practice exposes patients to “significant risk” and goes against established safe staffing guidance.

When nurses take on doctors’ responsibilities, they’re often working beyond their training and expertise. It’s not about capability – it’s about having the right qualifications for the job.

The practice has ramped up since 2022, driven by junior doctor strikes and ongoing retention problems. Medical staff are leaving faster than they can be replaced, creating a dangerous cycle.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to recent NHS data, doctor vacancy rates remain a significant challenge across the health service, with thousands of positions unfilled nationwide.

The government has set ambitious targets to tackle the crisis. Medical school places should reach 15,000 annually by 2025, but the full impact won’t be felt until the 2030s. NHS England’s Long Term Workforce Plan aims for 300,000 extra staff by 2036/37.

A Temporary Fix with Long-term Risks

Government officials and NHS England frame backfilling as a necessary short-term measure. They argue it keeps services running while training programmes expand to meet demand.

But nursing representatives and the British Medical Association see it differently. They warn the practice increases burnout among nurses while potentially compromising patient care standards.

Public polling suggests 60% of people worry about NHS safety due to staffing issues. These concerns aren’t unfounded when non-medical staff are covering medical rotas.

What This Means for Kent Residents

Given the widespread nature of doctor shortages across England, Kent’s NHS trusts are likely experiencing similar staffing pressures that could affect local services. This could affect waiting times in A&E departments and the quality of care at Kent hospitals, including East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Residents should use NHS 111 for non-emergency health concerns and check their local trust’s website at nhs.uk for any service updates or changes to medical rotas that might affect appointments.

Source: @bmj_latest

Key Takeaways

Four in 10 NHS organisations use nurses to cover doctors’ shifts due to workforce shortages

The practice involves non-medical staff assessing patients and prescribing medications

Royal College of Nursing warns this creates “significant risk” to patient safety

Source: @bmj_latest

Published: 27 April 2026

Source: @bmj_latest on X. This article has been researched and rewritten with editorial balance by Kent Local News.