Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 75. doi: 10.1192/pb.30.2.75-b
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 75
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Exploitation of senior house officers
Isaac Sundeep, Consultant Psychiatrist
New Craigs Hospital, Inverness IV3 8NP
I note with interest that although the Basic Specialist Training
Handbook clearly states that training placements should not
include inappropriate duties (e.g. routine phlebotomy, filing of case notes,
escorting patients, finding beds, etc), this is flouted routinely by
some hospitals. Various excuses such as lack of personnel and shortage of
funds are given and the trainees are expected to get on with
it.
This practice is nothing short of exploitation and what makes it worse is
that many consultants and educational supervisors look the other way. I feel
that the College will have to do more than just mention inappropriate
duties in a handbook. It is my belief that this exploitation will not
go away until the College deals with it proactively and firmly.