Doctors' orders

It was inevitable that the NHS would struggle to adapt to the 48-hour limit, and that there would be a need for consultants to be more flexible so junior doctors can have better supervision and training.

Yet, since Alan Johnson, the then Health Secretary, commissioned the report, he has been succeeded by Andy Burnham – and now Andrew Lansley following the change of government.

Many will welcome Mr Lansley's response that he would continue to support the right to opt-out of a 48-hour week – but it is not a sustainable solution.

The NHS cannot return to the Thatcher years when junior doctors were expected to work upwards of 90 hours a week. It was not good for their health – or the wellbeing of those patients in their care. Nor does the Minister's policy position cover those hospitals that have chosen to embrace the EU ruling on the working week.

As the inquiry into the fallibility of night-time care at Airedale Hospital showed earlier this week, this is, potentially, when patients are at their most vulnerable.

It is why the running of hospitals through the night cannot be left to nurses or junior doctors – there needs to be some experienced doctors available to supervise staff and respond, where appropriate, to medical emergencies.