Letter: Junior doctors overstretched by hours cut
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Sir: Your article "Ministers want doctors to work 83-hour weeks" may have led Dr Rogers (letters, 30 November) to draw the wrong conclusions.
My commitment to reducing junior doctors' hours is as strong as ever and I reinforced this point during a speech I made at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, last week. We have made enormous progress since we launched the New Deal initiative in 1991 and the old culture which demanded regular 100-hour weeks is a thing of the past.
In the coming weeks we shall be outlining the strategy to build on what has already been achieved and to target those problem areas that still remain. The New Deal has greatly improved the lives of the many junior doctors who are now working more civilised hours. This achievement is principally due to the consultants, managers and task forces determined to make it possible.
GERALD MALONE
Minister for Health
Department of Health
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments