Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have been funded to support implementation of the WTD 2009, 48 hour week for doctors in training. The national planning assumption for 2008/9 is around £100m, although it is for PCTs to decide on local funding priorities. Further substantial allocations are planned for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The NHS Operating Framework puts a duty on PCTs, as commissioners to help plan the future workforce needs of the providers they are commissioning including compliance with the Working Time Directive. WTD 2009 is more challenging for maternity and paediatrics than most specialities because of the need to provide 24:7 on site specialist cover and the very limited opportunities for cross cover.
Solutions are being developed that include clinical networks, continuity of care provided by consultants/specialists and role development. In the NHS North West, local workforce and finance plans have been agreed to achieve the 48 hour week by August 2008, one year early. The North West approach is underpinned by rigorous planning, service redesign and regional investment that has been reinforced by the WTD CSR funding.
Skills for Health - Workforce Projects Team is sponsoring a wide range of pilots and supporting tools to help the NHS with WTD 2009 implementation. This includes the Royal Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics and Child Health WTD project on sustainable workforce and service designs that is due to be published in July.
Working Time Directive 2009 
