Two trust sign up to BMA’s sleep facilities charter

Leeds and York Partnership and Southend University hospital have confirmed that they aim to adopt the British Medical Association’s Fatigue and Facilities charter to tackle staff sleep deprivation.

Launched in March, the charter aims to help tackle the leading factors that contribute to fatigue and sleep deprivation, recommending that trusts ensure staff have free access to good-quality sleep facilities, especially for all members on-call staff. In a bid to improve conditions for staff, the charter also seeks to ensure that minimum 46-hour recovery periods are provided following night shifts.

The health organisation has welcomed the ‘hugely encouraging’ news of the two trusts agreeing to implement the charter in full. Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said that agreeing to implement the charter would help identify areas which did not comply with its recommendations, with Leeds and York Partnership issuing a similar statement.

Jeeves Wijesuriya, chair of the junior doctors committee, said: “The decision of these two trusts already to follow the principles and recommendations set out in the charter is hugely welcome, and I hope will serve as an example for other employers to follow.”