Many Doctors Face Bullying at Work but Fear Reporting It, GMC Finds

The findings, posted by the BMJ on social media, point to a serious gap between the scale of the problem and the number of doctors actually raising concerns. The GMC — the body that regulates doctors across the UK — conducted the survey, and its results suggest that workplace culture in medicine is stopping many from speaking up.

Bullying and discrimination in healthcare settings is not new territory, but a survey from the regulator itself carries particular weight. When doctors don’t report poor treatment, patterns can go unchallenged and working conditions can deteriorate — affecting not just staff, but ultimately patient care.

The survey does not identify a single cause, and no specific employers or trusts are named in the findings shared so far. But the pattern it describes — staff experiencing harm and staying silent — is one that health regulators and royal colleges have flagged repeatedly in recent NHS workforce discussions.

Doctors who are being bullied or discriminated against at work can contact their employer’s human resources or occupational health team. The British Medical Association also runs a confidential support service for doctors facing workplace difficulties. For those in mental distress, Samaritans is available around the clock on 116 123.