The effect of the EWTD on training in general surgery: an analysis of electronic logbook records

The introduction of time-limited surgical training in the UK in 1994 following the Calman report raised concerns over the hands-on experience of trainees, heightened by the hours reduction demanded by the New Deal. From 1994, junior doctors' on-duty hours of work for hard-pressed posts were targeted to a limit of 56 hours but SpRs were allowed a voluntary extension from 73 on-duty hours to a maximum of 83 hours per week. By 1995 concern was being expressed at the reduction in training time and continuity of patient care and although calls for more targeted training were made, evidence of a negative impact on training has continued to surface.