Thursday, September 09, 2010

A Timely Letter


Yesterday the Times newspaper printed a letter by Dr Christoph Lees and Dr Mark Slack. Both Consultants at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The letter was entitled 'Medical Training, Freedom and Fun.' The letter was about doctor training and the impact of the EWTD (European Working Time Directive). They stated 'None of us wants to return to 90-plus-hour weeks but a modest uplift in the hours stipulated by the EWTD would allow trainee doctors greater freedom and satisfaction...The result would be greater continuity in training, with consultants being able to guide the trainee doctor exclusively for a period during which their clinical skills are acquired.'

The photograph shows Andrew Lansely back in 2007 helping to campaign to improve doctor training and hence patient safety. Now he is Health Secretary I look forward to watching him acting the best interests of patients. He needs to work fast to ensure UK doctor training remains globally respected.

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