This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Working Times regulations for doctors-in-training
29/07/2004
As NHSScotland nears the August 1, 2004 deadline for the implementation of Working Times regulations for doctors-in-training, Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm comments on the state of readiness in NHSScotland:
"Meeting the requirements of Working Times regulations is an integral part of modernising and improving healthcare and working conditions for healthcare staff in Scotland.eaHea
"We are wholly committed to the aims of these regulations. It is no longer acceptable for healthcare staff to work excessive hours and I'm glad to say that working hours for doctors-in-training have come down dramatically in recent years - fair working hours for doctors improves their working lives and means patients are not treated by tired staff.
"NHSScotland continues to work towards full compliance and this is being achieved by developing new and creative solutions to make best use of all NHS staff resources. The use of mixed skill teams, widening roles for all healthcare staff, telemedicine as well as addressing the working hours and shift patterns of staff are assisting NHS Boards to achieve compliance.
"NHS Scotland is utilising and learning from models and initiatives being considered throughout the UK, like the 'Hospital at Night' approach to out of hours working and using multidisciplinary Hospital Emergency Care teams to deliver care to patients.
"We have asked NHS Boards to assess their state of readiness for the deadline on Sunday for doctors-in-training and I understand substantial progress has been made. I expect a high level of compliance will be indicated across the country by then.
"NHSScotland has strived to achieve compliance and a high rate will be testament to the hard work and dedication of staff. That is not to say that more does not need to be done.
"The Executive will continue to work with NHS Boards and with the profession to support those areas which are facing difficulties in implementing sustainable solutions in order to help them achieve compliance."