b'4.2. The NHS is harmed by the EUs Working Time Directive 43On 1 August 2010, John Black, President ofHoward Cottam, President of the British the Royal College of Surgeons, stated: ToOrthopaedic Trainees Association (BOTA), say the European Working Time Regulationsadded: Anecdotally,orthopaedic surgeons in have failed spectacularly would be a massivetraining have yet to see any of the promised understatement. Despite previous denial byimprovements in the quality of training, and the Department of Health that there was athe College survey proves this to be the problem, surgeons at all levels are telling uscase. Attempts to implement the European that not only is patient safety worse than itWorking Time Directive (EWTD) have largely was before the directive, but their work andfailed and the system remains reliant on home lives are poorer for it.the professional integrity of trainees who continue to cover the gaps in the rota. BOTA Mr Black continued: The new governmentgenuinely looks forward to the promised have indicated they share our concerns,work of the new government to limit the but there is not a moment to lose inapplication of the EWTD in the UK.45implementing a better system which would enable surgeons to work in teams, with fewer handovers and with the backup of senior colleagues.4448'