Key result
Changes in surgical training and working practices are jeopardizing the delivery of general paediatric surgery in district general hospitals, shifting the burden to specialist units.
Observational
Highlights the shift of general paediatric surgery from district general hospitals to specialist units due to training and regulatory changes.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May strain specialist units' capacity; leaves open whether training reforms can restore district general hospital capability.
Traditionally, general paediatric surgery (GPS) has been delivered by general surgeons, often in district general hospitals (DGHs). Changes to higher training in general surgery as a result of Calmanisation, the European Working Time Regulations and Modernising Medical Careers has meant that fewer general surgical higher trainees are being exposed to GPS Together with changes in paediatric anaesthesia working practices and guidelines, the future delivery of GPS services in DGHs is in jeopardy. The burden on specialist paediatric surgical units (SPSUs) will increase with implications for the training of paediatric surgical trainees. Evidence from England has shown that there has been a shift of paediatric surgical services from DGHs to SPSUs.
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Beasley et al. (2011) conducted an observational in General paediatric surgery. Delivery of general paediatric surgery was evaluated. Changes in surgical training and working practices are jeopardizing the delivery of general paediatric surgery in district general hospitals, shifting the burden to specialist units.
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