EU ruling on doctors’ hours forces A&E unit to close overnight

The NHS in Scotland is under pressure to manage with a shortage of junior doctors. This happened after European regulations limited their working hours, because of a need of staff. In the past, junior doctors were allowed to work long hours, but the European working time instruction means that they are forbidden from working more than 48 hours a week. Other health boards are also having staff problems as a result of the directive but not like the NHS has. Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, said that patient safety must always be the first concern and it was right that NHS Fife had a eventuality preparation in place.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article7130184.ece

My reaction
I agree with the European regulations, because I can imagine that a doctor who has worked more than 48 hours is less good than a doctor who has worked 40 hours. Those couple of hours can be the difference in their awareness. On the other hand, if there is a shortage of junior doctors I understand that the hospitals are not so happy about this decision. Moreover, those who work hard will improve their selves and become better and better. However, in my eyes, a doctor with enough sleep is better than a doctor who is overworked.