Press release date: Thursday 22 March, 2007 (BMA London)
Research supports BMA call for rest facilities for junior doctors
A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine today (Thursday 22 March 2007) concludes that cutting junior doctors’ hours on its own does not reduce fatigue or the risk of error.
Commenting on the research, Dr Masood Ahmed, deputy chairman of the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee, says:
“Junior doctors’ working lives are increasingly intense. This research shows that reducing their hours on its own does not guarantee patient safety. In the UK, legal limits on hours have resulted in many NHS trusts introducing working patterns that are actually more anti-social and more tiring. This increases the likelihood of fatigue and error.
“When designing rotas, trusts must recognise the importance of doctors having enough time to rest beforehand and afterwards. They must also provide adequate rest rooms Unfortunately, too many are more focussed on saving money than improving patient safety, and are withdrawing rest facilities.”
Original OEM article: Work patterns and fatigue-related risk among junior doctors
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