Doctors claim hospitals lack office space

A survey of junior doctors and consultants in UK hospitals has revealed that there is not sufficient office space for them to complete their work.

Over half (56%) of those questioned by the British Medical Association (BMA) believe they are not provided with adequate resources with which to complete their work.

In fact, 53% believe that their working practices are suffering as a result of the quantity or poor quality of workspace.

Patients are being adversely affected by this problem, the Chairman of the BMA's Consultants Committee, Dr Jonathan Fielden, remarked.

He stated: 'There is little doubt that working practices are being adversely affected and that this can ultimately be detrimental to patient care.'

Furthermore, haphazard working conditions means the 'confidentiality of their patients is put at risk', Dr Fielden added.

This latest claim follows calls from Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, for more protection for NHS staff from abusive patients.