§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What conclusions were reached from the most recent survey by strategic health authorities as to the ability of National Health Service trusts to meet the requirements of the European Working Time Directive from August 2004. [HL1758]
§ Lord WarnerThe Working Time Directive (WTD) is a legal requirement on which implementation is being taken forward locally.
Information gathered via strategic health authorities (SHAs) show that the WTD is a significant challenge for parts of the National Health Service, given the reinterpretations of working time.
SHAs, with support from the Modernisation Agency, will be working closely with trusts facing difficulties on implementing plans for compliance.