DOCTORS’ ROTAS ARE ‘INHUMANE’
Medics at breaking point, warns prof
JUNIOR doctors face “inhumane” work schedules, a senior medic has warned.
Professor Derek Bell says they feel undervalued and are being worked too hard.
He also warned of “significant pressures” across the UK with rota gaps, unfilled posts and high levels of sickness absence.
Prof Bell, the first Professor of Acute Medicine in the UK, said: “It is absolutely paramount that junior doctors are properly valued by their colleagues and hospital management.
“Unfortunately, reports indicate this is not always the case. This is a worrying trend in the context of our ability to retain doctors and issues around behaviour of colleagues and rota structure – which may appear inhumane to many – should be addressed.”
His comments come after concerns were raised by NHS Education for Scotland about workloads at hospitals in Kirkcaldy, Fife, and Glasgow.
Prof Bell said: “Ensuring rest breaks are taken, that senior input is readily available, and timing ward rounds to meet rota and training needs are all actions that can help.”