7 day services

BTS supports the development of 7 day services for respiratory patients provided these are appropriately resourced. To prevent any further negative impact on the medical workforce it is important that such new service developments are properly planned and not imposed on existing working patterns.  It is especially important that key support services and related professions are also fully involved in the delivery of 7 day services. 

The development of redesigned respiratory services provides an opportunity to introduce modified job plans that will improve the job satisfaction for both senior and more junior consultants - and to maximise the benefits to patient service provision from the more experienced medical workforce.

The Society is aware of the potential for a detrimental effect on the content of specialty training through the focus on a consultant led service and would encourage those developing such services to ensure that attention is given to this issue. 

In addition to information and resources available through NHS England and RCP London, BTS has worked with members to produce a number of case studies.