On the day that a new generation of doctors start work, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has written to the Health Secretary demanding assurances that there are enough medical students in training to provide the number of junior doctors necessary to meet the European Working Time Directive.

Recent media reports have revealed that half of the junior doctors in Scotland are working hours that breach the European Working Time Directive, due to come into force next August. Mr Finnie is seeking confirmation from the Health Secretary that Health Boards have factored in the EWTD into their workforce planning calculations.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“I wish all the new doctors starting work today across Scotland every success.

“Given the European Working Time Directive is due to come into force next year, I am concerned that over half the junior doctors in Scotland are exceeding the specified hours. Health Boards have had over eight years to prepare, but I am not convinced that they will be ready in time.

“It is unacceptable that many of the junior doctors starting work today could start their career by contravening the EWTD and compromising patient safety.

“The clock has less than a year to go before Health Boards must meet the EWTD. This is one clock that the Health Secretary cannot stop and it is simply not good enough to assert that the Health Directorate is providing ‘advice and support’.

“I have written to Nicola Sturgeon asking her to assure patients that she is overseeing Health Boards’ preparation for the EWTD and that Health Boards factor in the need for more junior doctors into their workforce planning."