No wonder everyone is so exhausted. Our quality consultant service cannot continue without better working pattern

Dr Rodney Burnham

Doctors leaders say the shortages have left their staff over-worked and exhausted - some working more than 65 hours a week and many working over the legal 48 hours a week.

Figures worrying

Dr Rodney Burnham, of the RCP, said the figures from their annual census of members were very worrying.

"The college has believed for some time that we have insufficient consultant physicians particularly in those specialities that deal with the increasing number of acute medical admissions.

"This survey demonstrates the size of the problem.

"It also shows the commitment of consultants to their patients and the NHS, working well beyond their contract hours.

"No wonder everyone is so exhausted. Our quality consultant service cannot continue without better working patterns," he said.

There are currently 5,360 consultants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but as some work part time the real figure is 4,454.

If all consultants only worked their contracted hours and stopped doing over time, more than 2,000 staff would be needed to make up the difference.

More than 400 extra posts need to be created just to bring all consultants in line with the Working Time Directive, which sets a 48 hour limit.

And doctors warn that the problem is likely to worse as more staff, particularly female, opt to go part-time to fit in their family commitments.