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10/10/2003
Trusts urged to meet doctors training directive
Health Secretary John Reid today urged all NHS trusts to tackle head-on the approaching deadline of the Working Time Directive for doctors in training.
The Directive, which must be implemented by August 2004, places limits on the number of hours junior doctors can work and sets down minimum rest periods.
Protecting Staff: Delivering Services, the first major national conference on the Working Time Directive since the regulations were made law this summer, was attended by over 500 delegates from across the NHS and was a chance for all trusts to share good practice and look to develop new ways of working.
Speaking at the conference, John Reid said that the challenge presented by the Directive "must not be underestimated".
"The Working Time Directive is an issue that I am taking very seriously. I am here today to commend the work done by the WTD and Hospital at Night pilots sites, and to urge all NHS trusts to place compliance at the top of their agenda," he said.
"No-one here underestimates the large task that we all face in achieving compliance by the deadline date. A lot of work has been done, but there is still a lot of work for us to do."
The Department of Health is funding a national programme of over 20 pilot studies in individual trusts or groups of trusts to explore ways of delivering services under the new rules. The pilots cover a range of areas such as skillmix, redesign of rotas, new roles and reconfiguration of services.
(gmcg)
The Directive, which must be implemented by August 2004, places limits on the number of hours junior doctors can work and sets down minimum rest periods.
Protecting Staff: Delivering Services, the first major national conference on the Working Time Directive since the regulations were made law this summer, was attended by over 500 delegates from across the NHS and was a chance for all trusts to share good practice and look to develop new ways of working.
Speaking at the conference, John Reid said that the challenge presented by the Directive "must not be underestimated".
"The Working Time Directive is an issue that I am taking very seriously. I am here today to commend the work done by the WTD and Hospital at Night pilots sites, and to urge all NHS trusts to place compliance at the top of their agenda," he said.
"No-one here underestimates the large task that we all face in achieving compliance by the deadline date. A lot of work has been done, but there is still a lot of work for us to do."
The Department of Health is funding a national programme of over 20 pilot studies in individual trusts or groups of trusts to explore ways of delivering services under the new rules. The pilots cover a range of areas such as skillmix, redesign of rotas, new roles and reconfiguration of services.
(gmcg)
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10 May 2005
EU to debate Working Time Directive
The European Parliament is beginning a debate of the Working Time Directive today. The directive, which limits the working week in the EU to 48 hours on average, is being debated as part of a ten-year review following its introduction in 1993.
EU to debate Working Time Directive
The European Parliament is beginning a debate of the Working Time Directive today. The directive, which limits the working week in the EU to 48 hours on average, is being debated as part of a ten-year review following its introduction in 1993.
25 July 2003
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Low cloud, mist or fog at first will clear through the morning to leave a dry day with some prolonged sunny spells through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear spells for most places through the evening and overnight will allow the odd mist or fog patch to form. Coastal low cloud spreads into northern counties. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
