Building a sustainable ENT workforce

Evidence we can no longer ignore

24 February 2026 (Last updated: 23 Feb 2026 13:26)

The publication of ENT UK’s Workforce Report marks an important milestone for our specialty. For the first time, we have a clear, UK-wide picture of the ENT workforce and the challenges it faces.

The findings are stark. Workforce shortages, uneven regional distribution and an ageing consultant body are placing real strain on services and directly contributing to long waiting lists. These pressures are being felt by clinicians and patients alike.This report is not intended simply to describe the problem. It provides an evidence base for action.

Emma Watts, the Workforce Report Research Lead said:

“This report represents a grassroots response to a frontline challenge. The national workforce census was led by resident doctors, with invaluable support from colleagues across every ENT trust. ENT UK provided the opportunity for the future workforce to lead the data collection, and the scale of engagement reflects a shared commitment to the future of our specialty.”

ENT UK will take forward work in 2026 to strengthen workforce data and support the development of new training routes, particularly for allied health professionals and primary care colleagues.

However, meaningful change will require collaboration across the system. We urge policymakers, NHS leaders and partners to engage with this data and work with us to expand training capacity, improve retention and redesign care pathways so ENT services can meet future demand.

ENT UK President, Helen Cocks said:
This report provides clear and robust evidence of the pressures facing the ENT workforce. Workforce shortages directly affect patient care through long waiting lists and inequitable access to care. This report is not intended simply to describe the problem but provides an evidence base for action. ENTUK is committed to working with partners across the system to develop solutions and improve patient experience.

This report gives us the evidence. The next step is action.

Read the full report below or download here.