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Experiences of a 24-hour resident consultant service

^1. Department of Gynaecology, Benenden Hospital, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX, UK Email: simon.edmonds{at}benenden.org.uk (corresponding author)
^2. Department of Women’s Health, Middlemore Hospital, Hospital Road, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand

Key content:

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists supports the Department of Health recommendation to increase consultant presence outside current working hours.
  
• Resident, 24-hour consultant cover exerts considerable pressure on staff.
  
• Whether permanent consultant presence improves standards of care is unclear.
  

Learning objectives:

• To explore the relationship between evidence in support of a permanent consultant presence and pregnancy outcomes.
  
• To appreciate the advantages, disadvantages and practical considerations of 24-hour resident consultant cover.
  

Ethical issues:

• Is it possible to balance improvements in the standard of maternity care with potential detrimental effects on NHS staff?
  

Please cite this article as: Edmonds S, Allenby K. Experiences of a 24-hour resident consultant service. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:107–111.

Keywords resident 24-hour consultant cover / shift work / standard of care / work–life balance