Sir, - Thank you for your editorial (May 27th) outlining the continuing appalling working conditions of non-consultant hospital doctors. All your comments are true, but they do not fully describe the problems we face at the start of our careers.
Junior doctors are also expected to pass the postgraduate examinations of the various Colleges, examinations which are renowned for their expensive fees and low pass rates. This means that, in addition to long working hours, often in excess of 100 hours a week, many junior doctors are expected to spend any free time outside hospital preparing for examinations in order to continue in their chosen careers!
Is it any wonder, therefore, that there is growing public concern and awareness of the pressures on junior doctors and their ability to provide the best health care expected by the public and by their employers?
Surely we deserve more understanding and recognition of our situation than the EU Ministers and Irish Government are willing to give. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Stephen Harris, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork.