I note with interest that although the Basic Specialist Training Handbook clearly states that ‘training placements should not include inappropriate duties (e.g. routine phlebotomy, filing of case notes, escorting patients, finding beds, etc)’, this is flouted routinely by some hospitals. Various excuses such as lack of personnel and shortage of funds are given and the trainees are expected to ‘get on with it’.

This practice is nothing short of exploitation and what makes it worse is that many consultants and educational supervisors look the other way. I feel that the College will have to do more than just mention ‘inappropriate duties’ in a handbook. It is my belief that this exploitation will not go away until the College deals with it proactively and firmly.