The report was commissioned by Medical Education England (MEE) at the request of the former Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson.

Sir Johns report concludes that high quality training can be delivered within the reduced number of hours available but fails if trainees:

have the major role in providing out of hours service;
are poorly supervised; or
have limited access to learning.

Time for Training focuses on the quality of training provided now and says any current problems will not be solved by either increasing hours or lengthening training programmes.

The Review reveals that, despite an increase of more than 60 percent in consultant numbers over the past ten years, hospitals remain too reliant on junior doctors to provide out of hours services.

Sir John recommends a move to a consultant delivered service, with consultants working more flexibly and more directly responsible for care around the clock, leading to better quality of diagnosis, better decision making and better patient outcomes and safety.

Some specialties, such as obstetrics and paediatrics, have already moved to more flexible consultant working, allowing trainees to gain the right experience under supervision.

Redesigning services to provide safer and better patient care can also support better training. There are already examples from around the country where this is happening.

Sir John said: "I recognise that the EWTD may be reviewed in due course. However, the transformation of training needed now is paramount and must be addressed regardless of any modifications in order to produce well-trained professionals for the future."

He said: "Training is patient safety for the next 30 years."

Professor Sir Christopher Edwards, Chairman of MEE, said: "Sir John, supported by an expert advisory panel, has taken extensive oral and written evidence and has produced an excellent report."

Sir Christopher said: "The findings were presented to a recent meeting of the MEE Board and there was overwhelming support for the report."

He said: "As the report makes clear, even if the EWTD is reviewed in due course we need to ensure that we are providing a safe service with properly rested doctors. We must have a system where doctors are properly trained and those training them are properly supported."