Colleagues
I was looking through the local paper, the Ilford Recorder where I was
brought up and happened to glance on an article about the local A & E Dept
at King George's Hospital. Apparently the appointed Doctor did not turn up
for duty on the night shift. I don't know what the actual events were but
the article seemed to imply that the A & E Consultant did not turn out to
cover the shift.
I do know that we have some big shots who monitor this list as well as a far
smattering of acaedemics and I am only a standard A & E Consultant.
I am a single handed consultant and we have not been able to replace my
colleague for over 18 months. A few months ago a similar situation happened
to me when at the last minute the SHO phoned in sick for the night shift. I
had been working all day and was also rostered to work the next day due to
staff shortages. Hospital management and human resources were a waste of
space and could not get a locum appointment. I was in a similar dilemna.
I went through the usual processes and finished up doing the night shift as
well working the next day.
As the new working pattens emerge my situation and the King George's
Hospital scenario will become more the norm. I would like to ask the list
for their views as to how they would manage the situation. Isn't it
something that BAEM and FAEM should be looking at and laying down standards.
What would the other members of the list have done.
Danny McGeehan
Staffordshire
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