SHORTER DOCTORS' WORKING HOURS MEANS BETTER PATIENT CARE

3.24.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Jul 2004

Years of overworked junior doctors risking the safety and welfare of their patients due to tiredness could soon come to an end.

As of August 1st (Sunday), the European Working Time Directive will come into force for junior doctors. The directive will limit the working hours of junior doctors to an average of 58 hours per week, falling to 56 hours from August 2007.

There is concern that the government has not adequately prepared hospitals for the shake-up. Hospitals are rushing to meet the deadline and some doctors claim there is pressure on them to opt out of the directive. It is estimated that up to one third of hospitals will be non-compliant in at least one speciality area.

Liz Lynne MEP, Liberal Democrat European Parliamentary spokesman for Employment and Social Affairs helped negotiate the new rules with national governments on behalf of the European Liberal Democrats. She said,

"There are countless examples of poor patient treatment due to overworked and over-tired doctors. Judgement is critical when making clinical decisions and it should not be impaired by tiredness. With junior doctors working shorter hours, patients can have more confidence in the quality of care they receive."

"If there are problems with the implementation of the directive, the

government only has itself to blame. They have had plenty of time to

prepare for the new rules, and must take full responsibility if the

directive is not properly complied with."