Threatened Exodus Of British Doctors

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31187, 11 October 1966, Page 20

Threatened Exodus Of British Doctors

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Oct. 10. More than 1000 doctors are threatening mass emigration from Britain, says the latest issue of the British journal, “World Medicine.” It said they were disillusioned by the Government’s freeze on their recent pay award and incensed by continuing bad conditions of work in overcrowded and understaffed hospitals. “In what appears to be the biggest exodus of medical talent from Britain, most doctors seem to plump for the United States and Canada.

with Australia and New Zealand also favourites,” the magazine says. It quotes New Zealand [ Medical Council figures that ’ 49 doctors emigrated from Britain in 1965 and obtained New Zealand registration, and 40 the year before. “World Medicine” says it is generally believed that 500 doctors leave Britain and the Irish Republic every year, nearly 75 per cent of them from the hospital service. They represent one-third of the output of British medical schools. A sample survey quoted in the 1964 report of the Overseas Immigration Board; showed that in one year 1200 doctors left Britain and only 300 returned. “New Zealand is still very [short of general practitioners, particularly in country districts,” the magazine says. “Many British doctors have emigrated to the country during the last three or four years. . “By and large, the general practitioners among them have been pleased with the new life, but, with lower pay as a factor, some specialists have been disillusioned.” Specialists going to Australia, on the other hand, had found far more freedom of action. The academics had found better opportunities for advancement there and a more generous supply of money for research.