Patient fears over doctors' training

A review of doctor training ordered by the Government quango Medical Education England (MEE) found trainees are often handling cases that go beyond their expertise. It comes after other reports and surveys raised the issue of junior doctors working inappropriately to meet the demands of the NHS.

The review, led by Professor John Collins at the University of Oxford, analysed the two-year foundation programme for medical training, which begins after students graduate from medical school. The study found the 2005 programme, was working well in some areas, with strengths including the creation of a national, standardised programme for entry into postgraduate medical education.

But the review found several problems with the programme, including issues balancing the demands of the service with the fact doctors are trying to learn. "We are extremely concerned that some foundation trainees are expected to practise outside their level of competence and without appropriate supervision.

"This places patients at unnecessary risk and gives the trainee the message that suboptimal care is condoned, neither of which is part of the professional values and aspirations of a good doctor."