§ 76 and 78. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what provision is made in large hospitals for relief doctors to avoid undesirably long stretches of duty up to 36 hours without sleep;
(2) whether he is aware that on waiting days house doctors and others may be on continuous duty for 36 hours; and whether he is satisfied that this is not inviting mistakes due to fatigue.
§ Mr. MaclayThe staffing arrangements in hospitals are such as to make it unnecessary in normal circumstances for any doctor to be on duty for up to 36 hours without sleep. No such cases have been brought to my notice, but if the right hon. Gentleman has any particular instance in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries.
§ 77. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what limit of hours is laid down for continuous duty in hospital wards for doctors or nurses.
§ Mr. MaclayNone. This is a matter for individual hospitals. With regard to nurses, hospitals as a rule observe the recommendations in the Reports of the Scottish Nurses Salaries Committee that a continuous period of duty should not exceed 4–4½ hours and, where duty is broken, that the span should not exceed 13 hours by day and 11 by night.