The consultant. Part 1.

In this programme Edie Stark interviews consultants about life in the NHS. All emphasise the long working hours, stress, and the effects on marriage and family life. Consultants feel their status, autonomy and earnings are under attack: the old "going out for a round of golf" is in the past. Registrars recently protested about their long hours - 80 hour weeks - and gained some relief at the expense of consultants. Though they chose their jobs with enthusiasm, many are tired and depressed and there has been increasing early retirement.