RCP suggests consultants switch to weekend rotas

More consultants on NHS wards need to be switched from weekday shifts to weekend rotas, it has been suggested.

With the help of the Society for Acute Medicine, the Royal College of Physicians has authored a report highlighting a lack of willingness among such professionals to work on Saturdays and Sundays, the Telegraph reports.

According to the findings, the wellbeing of seriously ill patients is being put at risk because there are not enough doctors available either during weekends or at night.

The report is aiming to improve seven-day-a-week care and recommended hospitals that do not have enough staff members to cover these shifts should employ more senior doctors.

Dr Chris Roseveare, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, explained people admitted to hospital are in a vulnerable state and need to be looked after by somebody with the skills to do so properly.

He noted, however, that a culture exists where consultants are reluctant to be on duty at weekends, adding: "Traditionally the consultant's job plan has been geared around providing a weekday service, plus a weekend service shared with colleagues."