Working time order worries anaesthetists

The College of Anaesthetists supports the phased implementation of the European working time directive (EWTD) when the infrastructure is in place to ensure this will not impact adversely on patient care, on the quality of training and on the quality of life of our trainees.

We share our trainees’ concerns about implementation of the EWTD from August 1.

Their concerns arise from the introduction of shift work in rotas where there are only a small number of doctors to cover night and weekend work.