How the national training survey supported the Welldoctor project and improved wellbeing at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Swindon

In 2021, UK-wide responses to the national training survey questions on burnout were the most negative since their introduction in 2018. 

In response, resident doctors at Great Western Hospital (GWH) launched their own survey to better understand the factors contributing to burnout within their workplace.

Drawing on the findings, trainees developed the Welldoctor project – an initiative designed to enhance doctors’ wellbeing, by addressing the root causes of burnout and implementing proactive changes to the working environment.

The project focuses on five key areas:

  • refuel
  • rest and recharge 
  • reflect and reset 
  • respect
  • rethink

What action was taken? 

The project has led to positive changes in training and working environments at the hospital. Improvements include:

  • launching an interactive, reflective course that helps trainees to consider the impact of challenging situations on their wellbeing
  • making training more flexible by delivering it in a hybrid format and ensuring sessions are available online
  • protecting time in job plans for administrative work
  • developing a digital welcome pack distributed to all new starters via email
  • ensuring rotas are easily accessible through a dedicated mobile app
  • creating a dedicated breastfeeding space for staff 
  • making sanitary products available in all staff toilets.

Work is ongoing to develop overnight rest facilities for doctors working out of hours. Most specialties now provide dedicated spaces for their registrars, and 'too tired to drive' rooms are available to all doctors on site.

What was the outcome?

Supported by national training survey data, the Welldoctor project has improved working environments and increased access to training opportunities for trainees working at GWH. The ongoing success of the project is reflected in the 2025 survey results, with a smaller proportion of doctors training at the hospital measured to be at high risk of burnout compared to the national average.

Project champions say involvement in the project has helped them to develop leadership and communication skills as well as improved awareness of management structures. Doctors training at GWH are given the opportunity to take part in the project on an annual basis, bringing new ideas and perspectives to inform further improvements.  

Read more about the initiative on the Welldoctor website.

How has the national training survey supported the project?

The national training survey played a vital role in shaping the Welldoctor project, by highlighting the specific issues experienced by trainees across the UK. This insight helped to inform which areas the project should focus on and was instrumental in the initial research. Additionally, the national training survey data was used as supporting evidence to justify running the Welldoctor project.