Many doctors working longer than 48 hour limit

摘要

Almost three quarters of consultant surgeons work significantly longer than the 48 hour working time limit imposed by the European Working Time Directive - however just twenty per cent of consultants have formally opted out of the regulation, according to a survey conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). The Working Time Directive has covered consultants since it came into force in October 1998, but concerns have continually been raised about its effectiveness.