§ Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many additional consultants and junior doctors would be required to implement an 80-hour week for junior doctors;
(2) what full implementation of 80 hours per week for junior doctors would cost.
§ Dr. VaughanThere are various ways in which a reduction in juniors' hours could be achieved, including different patterns of shift work and work sharing as well as greater involvement of other medical staff to provide round-the-clock cover. These are being looked into at the moment. The overall effect of introducing an 80-hour limit on contracted hours cannot be reliably estimated at this stage.