Perceived impact of EWTD on UK doctors

Doctors have historically worked long hours to provide patient care but also to gain experience. Over the last decade, working hours have decreased significantly, and the introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) has formalised this. In August 2009, junior doctors (but not consultants) will be limited to a 48-hour working week (see http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Humanresourcesandtraining/Modernisingworkforceplanninghome/Europeanworkingtimedirective/index.htm). There are concerns at all levels of the profession that doctors will not be adequately trained to function at the standard of a current NHS consultant. Doctors with the least experience make the most errors and familiarity with situations and equipment is directly related to competency.