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31/07/2009
Doctors Hours Must Be Cut: BMA
Despite pressures - such as escalating levels of swine flu - the local GP's representatives are adamant that NI doctors must be fully included in next month's enforced maximum working hours directive.
With the implementation of the 48-hour working week for workers throughout Europe, including doctors, on 1 August, the BMA in Northern Ireland has said that it will insist that the health service must meet its obligations to implement the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).
Dr Brian Patterson, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Council (pictured) said: "On the eve of the implementation of EWTD, we understand that approximately 80% of doctors in Northern Ireland are working within the time limit of 48 working hours per week.
"While acknowledging the huge challenge that is the change required to comply with the new directive, employers have had 10 years to prepare," he said.
"Doctors are concerned that patient services could be affected in trusts that have not properly prepared for the working time directive."
Dr Patterson continued: "We continue to have grave concerns because of the gaps in local junior doctor rotas. We will insist on real compliance by employers," he continued.
"Solutions rely on hospital managers working with doctors to ensure that doctors' time is best used and all training opportunities are maximised.
"It will also need a movement to a health service that is more reliant on an expanded consultant workforce, which will benefit patients and the profession as a whole," he concluded.
(BMcC/KMcA)
With the implementation of the 48-hour working week for workers throughout Europe, including doctors, on 1 August, the BMA in Northern Ireland has said that it will insist that the health service must meet its obligations to implement the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).
Dr Brian Patterson, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Council (pictured) said: "On the eve of the implementation of EWTD, we understand that approximately 80% of doctors in Northern Ireland are working within the time limit of 48 working hours per week.
"While acknowledging the huge challenge that is the change required to comply with the new directive, employers have had 10 years to prepare," he said.
"Doctors are concerned that patient services could be affected in trusts that have not properly prepared for the working time directive."
Dr Patterson continued: "We continue to have grave concerns because of the gaps in local junior doctor rotas. We will insist on real compliance by employers," he continued.
"Solutions rely on hospital managers working with doctors to ensure that doctors' time is best used and all training opportunities are maximised.
"It will also need a movement to a health service that is more reliant on an expanded consultant workforce, which will benefit patients and the profession as a whole," he concluded.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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With the deadline for legal limits on junior doctors' hours only three days away, the BMA today warned that it is ready to support overworked doctors who decide to take legal action. This Sunday the European Working Time Directive, which has covered most UK workers since 1998, will be applied to doctors in training for the first time.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
