§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Warner on 24 March (WA 101), how many trusts in the National Health Service anticipate significant difficulties in complying with the European Working Time Directive, as currently interpreted, to the extent that a viable plan for compliance has not yet been agreed with a strategic health authority. [HL2438]
§ Lord WarnerThe National Health Service is working hard to ensure it complies fully with the requirements of the European Working Time Directive in relation to doctors in training from 1 August 2004. The most recent information we have shows that over half of all trusts expect to be fully compliant. Others continue to work on compliance plans. In many cases problems are confined to specific specialties such as maternity and paediatrics. The performance management of Working Time Directive compliance is a matter for strategic health authorities.