The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has published the findings of a survey into the effects of the European Working Time Directive on patient safety.

The results of the survey - which involved more than 360 consultants and over 500 trainees - showed that 64% of those polled believed that quality of care had worsened since the 48-hour working time limit had been imposed.

Additionally, a quarter of those who responded indicated that other professionals in the healthcare team were stepping up to cover tasks previously undertaken by surgeons, and 43% stated that they had to cover rota gaps in other areas of their own hospital to keep services running smoothly.

The RCS commented that services are “only being held together by a ‘grey market’ of doctors willing to covertly break the legislation to maintain care for patients”.

However, throughout the report, the RCS fails to demonstrate an awareness of the fact that the 48-hour working time limit does not yet apply to doctors in training.

The European Working Time Directive allows EU member states to delay the standard 1st August 2009 inception of the regulations for up to two years for doctors in training. The UK has taken advantage of this provision, and has substituted a maximum working time limit of 52 hours for the statutory 48 hours.

This substitution will remain in place for some categories of doctor until 31st July 2011.

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