Menu
29/07/2004
BMA warns NHS trusts over junior doctors' hours
With the deadline for legal limits on junior doctors' hours only three days away, the BMA today warned that it is ready to support overworked doctors who decide to take legal action.
This Sunday the European Working Time Directive, which has covered most UK workers since 1998, will be applied to doctors in training for the first time. They will be protected against working more than 58 hours a week and entitled to 11 hours of rest in every 24 hour period.
Commenting on the forthcoming directive, Dr Tony Glackin, Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee in NI, said: "Trusts in Northern Ireland are aware that from 1st August junior doctors will be able to take legal action against them if they do not comply with the directive.
"The BMA in Northern Ireland will continue to work with the DHSSPS to help achieve EWTD compliance. However, less than three-quarters of Trusts here are ready for the 1 August deadline and this could very well lead to junior doctors suing them for breach of the directive."
Each time hospitals breach the directive for individual doctors they will be liable to fines of up to £5,000 from the Health and Safety Executive.
They could also be taken to employment tribunals by junior doctors, who will have the full support of the BMA.
Dr Glackin added: "It has to be remembered that this legislation is not optional for countries within the EU. It is being implemented in order to remove the unsafe excessive hours of work long associated with doctors in training. This is good legislation for both patients and doctors."
In addition to supporting individual doctors, the BMA said it is prepared to name and shame trusts who allow the new limits to reduce the quality of training. In many hospitals the impetus to cut hours has resulted in fresh approaches to working patterns that have driven up standards.
However, the majority of hospitals have simply introduced shift systems, which require doctors to work for long stretches of up to 13 hours. Where such systems are used to staff hospitals at night, trainees are often left without adequate supervision, and without being exposed to work that increases their knowledge.
Simon Eccles, Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee (UK), concluded: "We shouldn't forget that junior doctors are in hospitals to learn as well as look after patients. Safe hours must not mean unsafe training."
(MB)
This Sunday the European Working Time Directive, which has covered most UK workers since 1998, will be applied to doctors in training for the first time. They will be protected against working more than 58 hours a week and entitled to 11 hours of rest in every 24 hour period.
Commenting on the forthcoming directive, Dr Tony Glackin, Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee in NI, said: "Trusts in Northern Ireland are aware that from 1st August junior doctors will be able to take legal action against them if they do not comply with the directive.
"The BMA in Northern Ireland will continue to work with the DHSSPS to help achieve EWTD compliance. However, less than three-quarters of Trusts here are ready for the 1 August deadline and this could very well lead to junior doctors suing them for breach of the directive."
Each time hospitals breach the directive for individual doctors they will be liable to fines of up to £5,000 from the Health and Safety Executive.
They could also be taken to employment tribunals by junior doctors, who will have the full support of the BMA.
Dr Glackin added: "It has to be remembered that this legislation is not optional for countries within the EU. It is being implemented in order to remove the unsafe excessive hours of work long associated with doctors in training. This is good legislation for both patients and doctors."
In addition to supporting individual doctors, the BMA said it is prepared to name and shame trusts who allow the new limits to reduce the quality of training. In many hospitals the impetus to cut hours has resulted in fresh approaches to working patterns that have driven up standards.
However, the majority of hospitals have simply introduced shift systems, which require doctors to work for long stretches of up to 13 hours. Where such systems are used to staff hospitals at night, trainees are often left without adequate supervision, and without being exposed to work that increases their knowledge.
Simon Eccles, Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee (UK), concluded: "We shouldn't forget that junior doctors are in hospitals to learn as well as look after patients. Safe hours must not mean unsafe training."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2009
BMA Calls For More NI Doctors
As GPs pledged yesterday to play their part in an efficient swine flu vaccination programme this autumn, a leading medic has launched an appeal over a shortage of qualified doctors.
BMA Calls For More NI Doctors
As GPs pledged yesterday to play their part in an efficient swine flu vaccination programme this autumn, a leading medic has launched an appeal over a shortage of qualified doctors.
30 July 2003
NI hospitals unlikely to meet junior doctors' hours deadline
Hospitals who fail to recognise new contractual rights for junior doctors are risking possible legal action, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned today. This Friday, limits on hours, minimum rest requirements and acceptable standards of accommodation, agreed over ten years ago, will become a contractual right for all junior doctors.
NI hospitals unlikely to meet junior doctors' hours deadline
Hospitals who fail to recognise new contractual rights for junior doctors are risking possible legal action, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned today. This Friday, limits on hours, minimum rest requirements and acceptable standards of accommodation, agreed over ten years ago, will become a contractual right for all junior doctors.
24 April 2008
NI Junior Docs Under Pressure
Patient care is suffering from a shortage of junior doctors across Northern Ireland. According to the Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee in NI, Dr Rajesh Rajendran, health trusts need to urgently address the issue.
NI Junior Docs Under Pressure
Patient care is suffering from a shortage of junior doctors across Northern Ireland. According to the Chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee in NI, Dr Rajesh Rajendran, health trusts need to urgently address the issue.
15 September 2023
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
31 July 2009
Doctors Hours Must Be Cut: BMA
Despite pressures - such as escalating levels of swine flu - the local GP's representatives are adamant that NI doctors must be fully included in next month's enforced maximum working hours directive.
Doctors Hours Must Be Cut: BMA
Despite pressures - such as escalating levels of swine flu - the local GP's representatives are adamant that NI doctors must be fully included in next month's enforced maximum working hours directive.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
