“A BLUEPRINT for change” to tackle the burnout epidemic blighting two thirds of doctors in Scotland is on offer in a new report, a medical expert said yesterday.

The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) paper — Wellbeing by Design — was published after it found a staggering 66 per cent of Scotland’s doctors reported either experiencing burnout or living with its effects. 

Launching the report ahead of May’s Holyrood elections, MDDUS chief executive Chris Kenny said: “The wellbeing of doctors is inseparable from the wellbeing of patients. 

“This report sets out practical changes that could begin to address a crisis that is now affecting the sustainability of care across Scotland. 

“We’re offering politicians a blueprint for change.”

Among its five recommendations, the report calls for a national review of doctors’ wellbeing and its impact on patient safety and workforce retention, and guarantees on safe workloads, predictable rotas and rest spaces.

BMA Scotland chairman Dr Iain Kennedy welcomed the report, saying: “Prioritising the wellbeing of doctors must be at the heart of any strategy to improve the NHS in Scotland and to safeguard both doctors and patients for the future.”

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “Scotland’s health service has been utterly failed by this SNP government. 

“The workforce is at breaking point, while experienced doctors and nurses are retiring early because of burnout and frustration with a broken system.”

SNP health secretary Neil Gray responded: “We recognise the tremendous pressures staff have been working under and are extremely grateful for their continued efforts in the face of sustained demand.

“We will carefully consider this report and continue working with boards to ensure they create environments where staff wellbeing is protected, and staff feel valued and supported.”