Surgeons working far beyond contracted hours

Surgeons are overworking and performing operations when they are supposed to be on-call for emergencies.

The comprehensive workforce survey by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), published today, shows that almost three-quarters of consultant surgeons work more than their contracted hours.

John Black, President of the RCS, said: “This survey demonstrates the high level of commitment to patients that exists in surgery. Our members routinely work far beyond what they are formally contracted to and patients should be reassured to learn that experienced consultant surgeons are routinely on call at night and at weekends if needed – the RCS believes that patient care is safest when led by consultants.

“It is a matter of concern that so many surgeons are being expected to undertake elective operations while on call – other studies have shown this leads to delays in them getting to emergencies as they cannot be in two places at once.”

The report showed women are under-represented in surgery, but Black said this was because of the low numbers of women in medical training when the ‘present generation’ were coming up. The current graduate output from medical schools is 55% female, while just 7% of surgical constulants are women at the moment.

He added: “We expect to see far more female surgeons in the future.”

To view the first annual Surgical Workforce Report 2010 visit www.rcseng.ac.uk/publications/docs/surgical-workforce-2010-profile-and-trends