Improving senior medical workforce retention at a large teaching hospital trust

Our project identified a number of reasons why clinicians are considering taking retirement, with a major theme of feeling valued underpinning decisions. This could influence strategies to help retain these experienced members of staff. We made a series of recommendations. If enacted, these would have a wider-reaching impact on more junior medical staff, aiding them to consider their own late-stage careers. They are also applicable and could easily be adapted when considering retention of other valued professionals within the trust. Key messages What is already known on this topic-We know that there is currently a medical workforce crisis at a time of greatest patient need, with an ageing workforce and senior staff who are choosing to retire early. Previous studies have reviewed the reasons behind these decisions but not specifically looked at changes that can be implemented at a local level to improve retention. What this study adds-We combined both quantitative and qualitative data from senior clinicians at a large teaching hospital trust in the North of England to understand current thinking regarding retirement and what the trust could do to improve their retention. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy-From our study we were able to make a series of recommendations that can be implemented at a local level to inform medical retention policies. These will also have wider impacts on junior medical staff and could be expanded to other healthcare professionals.