The New Deal   

The New Deal dates back to 1991 and was introduced to put an end to the ridiculous hours worked by some doctors. But, despite major progress, many SHO’s continue to work unacceptably long hours with inadequate rest periods.

            
The new contract for SHO’s sets out a maximum 56-hour week, although the ultimate aim is to reduce this to 48 hours, in line with the phasing in of the European working time directive. The directive must be implemented in full for SHO’s by 2009, although there is an interim deadline, in 2004, to ensure no doctor is on duty for more than 58 hours.

Hospitals that fail to comply with the 56-hour limit could lose their "accreditation" - meaning in effect that they will be prevented from appointing new SHO’s until standards are raised.

The Department of Health has also promised to set up regional action teams to help hospitals meet the targets. The teams will have the power to appoint "troubleshooters" to deal with specific problems. They will also inspect SHO’s' living conditions and oversee the introduction of new accommodation and catering standards.

The teams will consist of two regional directors, three SHO’s, a postgraduate dean, a regional Improving Working Lives champion, a representative from the royal medical colleges, a medical consultant and other experts including trust chief executives.                                                                                            

The New Deal is a package of measures designed to improve the conditions under which SHO’s work.

The European Working Time Directive