Doctors 'must back seven-day working'

[maureenho]

Jeremy Hunt: Doctors 'must back seven-day working'

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he is prepared to impose seven-day working on hospital doctors.

Mr Hunt told the BBC that a "Monday to Friday culture" in parts of the NHS had "tragic consequences" and said 6,000 people die each year because of this.

British Medical Association leader Dr Mark Porter said the union supported more seven-day working but accused Mr Hunt of being "too simplistic".

A September deadline is expected to be set by Mr Hunt for a deal with the BMA.

The current consultant contract means senior doctors can opt out of weekend work as long as it is non-emergency in nature - although they are still expected to be on call.

Mr Hunt is due to talk about the issue in a speech in London later.

It is part of the drive to deliver a seven day a week NHS in England.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33542940

[annie]

Great plan, but how will it be funded? They are hard pressed to provide a decent 5 day service

[Rosalind]

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