www.mddus.com


AUGUST CHANGE-OVER “PUTS PATIENTS AT RISK”


A SENIOR NHS executive has admitted that the August change-over – when junior doctors start their new jobs – puts patients at risk. NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh has admitted publicly, for what


is believed to be the fi rst time, that the so-called “killing season” does exist and that measures are being put in place to tackle the problem. Research has suggested that death rates increase by as much as


eight per cent at the start of August when trainees take on their new roles and repeated calls have been made to address the problem. One of the main


measures being introduced includes four days of paid work shadowing for juniors. Sir Bruce said he expects 7,000 trainees to shadow senior colleagues voluntarily before starting their posts in August 2012. From next year the work shadowing will be compulsory for all foundation year doctors.


Sir Bruce said he hopes the scheme will halve the number of errors. He said: “The intention is to end the so-called killing season. This is good news for patients – we recognise the change-over period in August puts patients at risk.


“Junior doctors are under stress as they change from being a student


to a professional and they need help to adapt to a working environment when they’ve never done a job before.” The scheme follows a successful pilot in Bristol where the number of


mistakes made by juniors halved in their fi rst four months. The number of patients left permanently damaged by their errors also fell from fi ve cases to just one. The shadowing scheme has been broadly welcomed. Joyce Robins of


Patient Concern said: “This is an excellent idea and will be of great relief to patients.” Junior doctors change jobs every six months, in August and February, and Sir Bruce accepted that the new scheme would tackle only part of the problem, adding: “We will audit the shadowing and see how diff erent trusts manage it and their results.”


GMC ISSUES CHILD PROTECTION GUIDANCE


NEW guidance to help doctors protect children from abuse has been issued by the GMC. Protecting children and young people: the responsibilities of all


doctors is aimed at supporting doctors dealing with a wide range of complex child protection issues. The guidance makes clear the responsibilities of doctors in this area and advises where they can turn for support. GMC Chief Executive Niall Dickson said: “Doctors must raise their


concerns if they believe a child or young person may be at risk of abuse or neglect – and this applies whether or not the child is their patient. They also need to know who to contact for advice if they do have any concerns.” The guidance has been developed following concerns that some


recent high-profi le cases were deterring doctors both from working in this area and from raising child protection concerns. It states: “Taking action will be justifi ed, even if it turns out that the child or young person is not at risk of, or suff ering, abuse or neglect, as long as the concerns are honestly held and reasonable, and the doctor takes action through appropriate channels.” MDDUS senior medical adviser Dr John Holden added: “The


guidance reminds doctors to work in partnership with colleagues to keep children safe. MDDUS recommends that doctors seek advice from a senior colleague, a lead child protection liaison contact or medical defence organisation if in any doubt.” The full guidance comes into eff ect on September 3, 2012 and can be accessed at www.tinyurl.com/86e3b5z


MEDICAL STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND LAUNCHED


A HARDSHIP fund has been launched to help medical students in fi nancial diffi culties. A pilot scheme has been set up by the Royal Medical Benevolent


FP CURRICULUM GUIDE PUBLISHED


A GUIDE to the 2012 Foundation Programme curriculum is available online.


The UK Foundation Programme Offi ce has launched a resource that


will help trainees improve their knowledge and understanding of the topics set out in the curriculum. It lists many of the freely available evidence-based resources which


will help consolidate and develop the knowledge and skills to deliver safe and eff ective patient care. Read the resource at www.tinyurl.com/cxexke2


Fund which says a small but important number of students are facing real fi nancial hardship due to unexpected and often distressing circumstances. Traditionally the RMBF has helped doctors and their families in need, but they are now extending this help to trainees. Applicants to the Medical Student Financial Hardship Fund will


have to meet eligibility criteria and go on to qualify and practise as doctors.


The charity reported a higher number of enquiries in January and


February 2012 with an increasing trend for younger, recent graduates asking for help, as well as those in their early thirties with young families. Student applications cannot be made directly to the RMBF.


Students should approach their university student welfare offi cer or the head of their medical school for more information.


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