Junior doctor training hours to be reviewed

It is important to examine whether the European Working Time Directive would affect postgraduate medical training if it was introduced into the NHS, it has been claimed.

Health secretary Alan Johnson has announced the review after some professionals voiced concern that the 48-hour working week could have a negative effect on those training to be a doctor.

The main objective is to ensure patients receive high quality and safe care, but the times employees operate is also a concern, he noted.

“We want to provide doctors with a good work-life balance and we do not want a return to junior doctors working excessive hours,” said Mr Johnson.

“There is no evidence that greater numbers of trainees are failing their end of year assessments where 48-hour working has been introduced.”

Medical Education England has been asked to commission the Post-Graduate Medical Education and Training Board to conduct a review of the issue and to identify any areas where changes to training may be required.

Another issue Mr Johnson has been discussing this month includes how to tackle the problem of domestic violence against women. A new taskforce has been created to help this issue.