Doctors fear health and safety laws
January 9, 2008
Current health and safety laws are creating a new breed of doctors who are lacking confidence and experience, claims the author of a new report.
Professor Sir John Tooke has criticised the government's adoption of new EU legislation which limits doctors to a 48 hour working week.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Professor Tooke said: "The effect of the current interpretation of UK legislation impedes the acquisition of experience, of confidence and the ability to shoulder responsibility."
"This promotes further the 'trainee mentality' over and above a recognition of the trainee's service contribution," he added.
Since August doctors have only been allowed to work 56 hours but this is set to change when the new legislation arrives.
Sir John's comments are part of an independent inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers, set up by former health secretary Patricia Hewitt in reaction to the fiasco surrounding trainee doctors last year.
His interim report recommended that Department of Health policy development, implementation and governance all required improvement.
Find out more about Health and Safety.
Professor Sir John Tooke has criticised the government's adoption of new EU legislation which limits doctors to a 48 hour working week.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Professor Tooke said: "The effect of the current interpretation of UK legislation impedes the acquisition of experience, of confidence and the ability to shoulder responsibility."
"This promotes further the 'trainee mentality' over and above a recognition of the trainee's service contribution," he added.
Since August doctors have only been allowed to work 56 hours but this is set to change when the new legislation arrives.
Sir John's comments are part of an independent inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers, set up by former health secretary Patricia Hewitt in reaction to the fiasco surrounding trainee doctors last year.
His interim report recommended that Department of Health policy development, implementation and governance all required improvement.
Find out more about Health and Safety.
More Legislation news:
CDM and HSE hold north-west spot checks - November 27, 2008Health and safety report 'does not go far enough' - November 25, 2008
ECA issues advice on working in smokers' homes - November 21, 2008
Kent and HSE to issue flexible warrants - November 6, 2008
Sutton council agrees to 'myth busting initiative' - November 4, 2008
