Recovery periods will be introduced after nightshifts for junior doctors in Scotland. The policy, which will take full effect by August 2019, will create a mandatory rest period of 46 hours after a run of nightshifts before a doctor can return to work. The change has been introduced after discussions between the British Medical Association, the Scottish Government and NHS boards.

Commenting on the change, the College's Trainee's Committee said:

"Fatigue continues to convey a significant risk of harm to junior doctors impacting on both professional and personal aspects of their lives. We welcome this change and hope that it is implemented appropriately to enhance junior doctors working lives by both reducing fatigue and promoting training."

Paul Gillen

Contact: Paul Gillen p.gillen@rcpe.ac.uk 0131 247 3658