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How protective is the working time directive?: New Zealand is still dealing with the issues 20 years on…

BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7465.574-a (Published 02 September 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:574
  1. Frank A Frizelle, professor of colorectal surgery (frank.frizelle@cdhb.govt.nz),
  2. Angus Watson, colorectal fellow
  1. University Department of Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Riccarton Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand
  2. University Department of Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Riccarton Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand

    EDITOR—The working time directive is a step in the right direction, but its implementation should not be underestimated, as MacDonald discusses.1 In New Zealand the number of hours worked has been limited since 1985, but even today, almost 20 years later, the problems associated with implementing these restrictions have yet to be fully overcome.

    Firstly, there was an initial shortage of doctors. As in …

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