Junior doctors warn hours target is at risk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JUNIOR hospital doctors said yesterday that the Government had grossly underestimated the number still working more than 83 hours a week, and warned that the next reduced-hours target was in jeopardy.
A Department of Health analysis put at 91 the number of junior doctors working more than 83 hours, but a British Medical Association survey published yesterday said that the number was 1,200. There are 30,000 junior doctors; 12,200 responded to the survey.
The agreed target date to get hours below 83 was the end of last year. Now junior doctors are concerned that hospitals and trusts will not meet the next target - a maximum of 72 hours a week - by its December deadline. 'The discrepancy between the Government's figures and ours is striking. But what is more worrying is that there are close to 10,000 still working an average 72 hours a week,' Dr Paul McLaren, deputy chairman of the BMA Junior Doctors' Committee, said. 'With junior doctors working six-month contracts, the new jobs start in August. This leaves only a few months.'
Dr Brian Mawhinney, Minister for Health, said in a statement that the Government was committed to the junior doctors' New Deal agreement and promised more money shortly, in addition to the pounds 67m made available so far, to bring hours down.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments