Pressure drives GPS to drink and drugs

 One in seven GPS has turned to drink or drugs to help them “deal with work pressures”, a new survey suggests. The poll of family doctors found almost half said their ability to care for patients had been affected by the stress of their job.

GPS said they were drinking, and taking painkillers and anti-depressants in response to pressures of work. The survey of more than 800 GPS by Pulse magazine found around 11 per cent had turned to alcohol, and 6 per cent to prescription drugs. In total, 15 per cent turned to one or the other in response to stress.

GPS said overwork had left them with “compassion fatigue” and left them “taking more shortcuts” in patient care.