Working time order worries anaesthetists
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.
This will inevitably have serious consequences, including a reduction in the daytime availability of trainee anaesthetists.
This will impact negatively on the anaesthesia service because fewer trainees will be present in the hospital during normal working hours.
There will be decreased training opportunities because most teaching takes place during normal working hours and shiftworking will adversely affect the family and social life of trainees.
A survey of anaesthetists in training revealed that their major concerns about the immediate implementation of the EWTD were the negative effect this would have on training and education, anti-social working patterns and inflexible rosters disrupting family life.
Income was ranked bottom of the four issues listed in the questionnaire.
The introduction and implementation of the working time directive poses a host of problems.
The college of anaesthetists has been advising government on the resources and organisational changes needed for its successful implementation. Unfortunately, much of this cannot be put in place in the short term.
However, these inadequacies must be addressed and the necessary resources provided if the EWTD is to be implemented without deleterious effects on medical education and the quality of life of trainee specialists and their families. This would be the very antithesis of the purpose of the directive.
Prof JPH Fee, President
Dr R Dwyer, Chairman
Training Committee
College of Anaesthetists
22, Merrion Square North
Dublin 2
