§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the implementation of the working time directive on junior hospital doctors. [124430]
§ Mr. HuttonImplementation of the European Working Time Directive (WTD) requires the hours of work of doctors in training to reduce to 58 hours from August 2004 and to 48 hours by 2009 or 2012 with an extension. While the number of doctors on an individual rota on call will generally have to increase to implement the 2004 requirements, the intention of the 663W Department's guidance—HSC 2003/001 Protecting Staff, Delivering Services—Implementing the European Working Time Directive for Doctors in Training is that Trusts should find ways to reduce the number of resident rotas. It is important to change working practices so that additional staff are used in a way, which not only delivers WTD compliance but also the extra service activity to meet NHS Plan targets. For instance, other staff will need to take on some of the work traditionally undertaken by doctors in training.
664WUsing this approach, trusts can plan to meet the WTD within the substantial expansion in staff numbers currently being implemented.