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The long hours worked by hospital doctors, particularly junior ones, have long been a source of discussion about their effect on competency and medical negligence claims, but the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) says reducing doctors' official hours is having the opposite effect.
In August 2009, the UK adopted the European Working Time Directive limiting everyone, including doctors, to a 48-hour week, however, two months after the legislation was introduced, the surgeons said hospitals were being over-stretched and patient safety is being compromised.
In a survey of members, the RCS found patients were at greater risk of dying because of the new rules which meant there was a poorer continuity of care when staff changed shifts, less-qualified staff were undertaking more senior tasks to cover gaps in care, experienced specialist teams were being broken up, doctors were working unpaid in order to see through cases and juniors were working extra hours as locums to gain training they would not have time to do otherwise.
Under the previous hours' regime, some doctors were on duty for 80 hours a week and there were cases of medical negligence arising from misdiagnosis and surgical errors due to an individual's stress, tiredness or lack of training.
Medical students spend at least five years in academic and practical training, followed by a numbers of years developing specialisations and throughout that time are expected to be supervised by senior colleagues.
All are conscientious but, unfortunately, mistakes do happen, especially if staff are rushed, are inadequately informed about a medical condition or there is a failure in the NHS system.
Making a medical negligence claim
If you believe you have suffered during clinical treatment, whether at the hands of a junior doctor, a GP, or a consultant, and you are considering making a medical negligence claim, YouClaim can help. We can advise on the specific details of your case, and provide you with access to our team of personal injury solicitors, all of whom are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We will not pressure you into making a personal injury claim, and make a 100% compensation promise on every case, meaning that no cut will be taken from any damages awarded to you in a successful medical negligence claim. Our advisors are ready to take your call now, on 0800 10 757 95, and can also be reached onscreen through our e-chat function. Alternatively, you can leave us a call-back request or complete the 'can I claim?' form on the right, and someone will be in touch with you soon.
