Past changes to NHS pensions have ended early retirement for those with mental health officer status. The last cohort of those who can retire early are retiring early but there is not an increased supply of psychiatrists to make up the gap. This effect balances out over time unless psychiatrists leave clinical practice early, either by taking early retirement on a reduced pension or by taking other non-clinical roles.

Proposed workforce impact

• Reduced supply of psychiatrists who have accrued years of experience and developed expertise in the field
• Insufficient vacancies for psychiatrists in the future, leading to increased workload pressure on the existing workforce who will not be enabled to  provide high quality services.

Sources or references

 

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/20/mental-health-services-in-crisis-over-staff-shortages
• Mears et al, (2004), Retirement Intentions of Older Consultant Psychiatrists, The Psychiatrist, 28, 130-132

Additional research questions

• What will the impact on retirement plans for NHS consultants have on psychiatrists with mental health officer status?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.