Two junior doctors left to care for 500 on ERI night shift

Published on Saturday 26 April 2008 10:42

TWO junior doctors were left to care for up to 500 patients during the night shift at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, it was reported today.

The medics, who each had eight months experience, were given responsibility for 18 wards.

A concerned colleague said: "The hospital would have been in deep trouble if two patients had become seriously unwell.

"It was a case of 'there but for the grace of God'.

"Mercifully, the night went without major incident but it was a dangerous situation to be in."

Reports said four or five doctors would normally provide overnight cover, but on Wednesday night one doctor did not turn up and another called in sick.

The two doctor's wards included patients with heart, lung and kidney problems.

Concerns have been expressed by Scotland's Patients Association and the British Medical Association, but NHS Lothian denied patient safety had been compromised. Simon Mackenzie, the health board's associate medical director, said staffing levels on Wednesday night had been within safe limits. "There have been no reports of unsafe clinical practice," he added.

"Overnight services at our hospitals are delivered by a multi-skilled Hospital at Night team that consists of senior doctors, highly experienced nurse practitioners, who have a range of additional skills, and some junior doctors.

"A team of staff with many different and complementary skills is in charge of the entire hospital.

"Every speciality also has a consultant doctor on call for support and advice."