Flynn attacks doctors' hours decision

A "dismayed" Social Affairs Commissioner, Mr Padraig Flynn, yesterday denounced the decision of European social affairs ministers to extend the deadline for member-states to reduce junior hospital doctors' maximum working week to 48 hours.

Mr Flynn made clear he would support attempts by MEPs, when the directive returns to them this autumn, to bring the agreed 13-year deadline closer to the seven years proposed by the Commission. The result is likely to be difficult conciliation between the parliament and governments which share "co-decision" on the issue.

He told ministers that although he had previously defended the Commission's position against MEPs' claims it was too generous, "it is not possible for the Commission to defend the transitional period of 11 or 13 years which is now proposed. It is not politically feasible or morally acceptable."

It was "completely unacceptable that patients can continue to be treated by doctors who are literally exhausted", he said, insisting there was no reason why hospitals would need so long to reorganise their working practices. A compromise was unanimously agreed by ministers yesterday. This is the only way under EU rules that a Commission proposal can be amended against the latter's wishes. The recalcitrant British delegation, holding out for a 15-year transition, was brought on board when another year was added to the German Presidency's proposed transition.

Ireland supported the British position until about two weeks ago when it signalled a willingness to accept a 12-year transition. The Department of Health has insisted that the need to improve doctors' working conditions had to be balanced by the requirement to ensure continuity of patient care.

The compromise means that, following a four-year period, junior doctors' hours will be reduced to a maximum of 60 hours a week for three years. Then 56 hours a week for a further three years, and 52 for the last three years of the transition.

The agreement is complicated in the Irish case by the fact that Irish hospitals regard "on call" time as part of the 65 hours while the directive does not.