§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what guidelines he has issued and will issue to Welsh health authorities and trusts in relation to the work and rest period within the 83-hour maximum for junior hospital doctors;
(2) what provisions he will make regarding the work content and rest period content within the 83-hour maximum working time for junior hospital doctors.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe new limit on junior hospital doctors' hours came into effect and has been operated by all hospitals involved since 1 April 1993. Guidance agreed by all parties represented on the ministerial group on junior doctors hours on the new limits on total and continuous duty periods for junior doctors together with details of minimum periods of off duty had previously been distributed to all health authorities, NHS trusts and individual doctors. A copy is in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional medical staff have been appointed by Welsh health authorities and trusts to facilitate adherence to the 83-hour maximum hours for junior hospital doctors.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesFunds for a total of 78 posts have been provided to health authorities and trusts to facilitate the 83-hour target for junior hospital doctors. This is in addition to any staff that authorities and trusts may have appointed from their own resources.