Doctors mostly apply for official certificates to work in Germany and the UK, according to data from the State Health Supply Centre. Other countries high on the list are Austria, Switzerland and Romania.

In 2018 a total of 743 physicians left to work in EU hospitals, 52 fewer than in 2017 and 243 less than in 2010.

For the most part, those leaving are specialists in internal illnesses, anaesthesiologists and those working in intensive care.

The number of dentists emigrating rose by 5% in 2018 to 236, with most moving to the UK.