Working patterns of trainee anaesthetists in the UK: results of a nationalpostal survey

The 'New Deal' restrictions on junior doctors' hours have major implication s for the staffing of anaesthetic departments and the provision of adequate training. The results of a national postal survey demonstrate a decline in traditional on-call arrangements, especially in hard-pressed work sectors such as intensive cart. A substantial number of anaesthetic departments hav e still completely to satisfy the hours restrictions in many work sectors. Many departments experience recruitment difficulties and express concern ab out both service and training issues.