Changes in working patterns hit emergency general surgical training

Abstract

The last decade has seen major changes in the working pattern of surgical trainees. This commenced with the introduction of the maximum 72-hour working week in 1991. The European Working Time Directive reduced the working hours to a maximum of 56 hours, with the intention to reduce it further to 48 hours by 2009. This is additionally affected by compliance with the SiMAP and Jaeger Rulings. The results of the Calman report coupled with those of the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (CEPOD) report have also had a significant effect on the amount and level of experience obtained during surgical training.