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Shorter training could lower standards

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23 July 2007

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Most doctors think proposals to shorten doctor training courses will lower the standard of medicine in the UK, a survey shows.

The British Medical Association (BMA) asked its members whether they would welcome Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) reforms.

Nine out of ten thought that shorter training hours would not educate doctors to the required standard for an NHS consultant.

Another seven out of ten doctors thought that such reforms could be detrimental to patients.

BMA Chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: “The message to the new Health Secretary is clear – he needs to listen to doctors before making any more changes that might have the potential to create further problems for their careers.”

The BMA are to discuss their findings at the independent MMC review.

BMA