With 1st August upon us we take a look back at the events and actions which have taken place in the world of EWTD over the last decade and speak to the personalities who have been instrumental in the development of innovative and sustainable solutions. The NHS has made huge strides to implement the 2009 European Working Time Directive and to improve both patient and staff safety.
Our front cover article focuses on the state of readiness of the NHS and looks forward to the future and the continuing sustainability of solutions. The derogation process has been completed and agreed with only 3% of rotas needing the additional time to achieve compliance and these being largely due to ongoing difficulties in specific areas.
The quality of clinical training is integral to sustainability and the government has commissioned a Medical Education England report on the impact on training of
the 48 hour week.
On page three of this issue there is an overview of the key messages and learning delivered by the targeted support project undertaken by NHS East of England through funding from Workforce Projects Team. The full report is available at
www.healthcareworkforce.nhs.uk/targetedsupportevaluation
Our 'Clinical Leadership in the Delivery of EWTD' conference on 15th May was a great success with over 150 delegates discussing challenges and sharing experiences and solutions. There is a focus on the back page on the three workshops which took place which highlighted; signposting EWTD solutions; maximising training in a 48 hour week; and legal issues.
We are well aware that the 1st August will not be the end of the work being undertaken to meet the directive and we will be looking in our next edition at sustainability of solutions.
Workforce Projects Team will also be making changes in August. You will notice changes in colour to our portal and our literature will begin to look a little different. We are still the same team and will still be providing you with valuable resources, tools and training for all of your workforce planning needs.
If you have any comments or would like to contribute to this or any other workforce planning topic please let us know. And may I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank you all for the hard work and innovation that has gone in to the EWTD programme.
Working Time Directive 2009 
