This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
41 per cent of doctors fall asleep while driving
A survey of more than 1,000 doctors has found that 41 per cent have fallen asleep at the wheel of their cars after having worked night shifts.
The study, which was carried out on behalf of the BBC, showed that pre-consultant grade doctors were the most likely to fall asleep while driving due to the the regular rotations in the work timetable.
The results of the study have prompted calls for ministers to do more to tackle excessive workloads so that overworked doctors do not endanger staff and patients.
Jeeves Wijesuriya, co-chair of the BMA junior doctors committee, said of the findings: “Sleep deprivation impairs judgement and decision making skills. Not only is it dangerous for patients, but as these figures show it can put the safety of doctors at risk.
“With rising workloads, rota gaps covered by asking doctors to work double shifts, and moves to deliver more services out of hours, action is needed. The government must make safe working a priority and tackle the rise in staff shortages and rota gaps.”
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