NEARLY 200 new doctors have been taken on at hospitals across East Lancashire.

Some 68 newly-qualified doctors began two-year residencies with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust last week and 122 speciality doctors started this week.

This week’s starters, the ST trainees, will continue training in their chosen specialist areas such as paediatrics, medicine for older people and surgery.

While continuing their medical education via the Medical Education Department at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, they will also work at Burnley General Hospital, Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital and Clitheroe Community Hospital.

Linda Whitfield, head of clinical education at the Trust, said: “Becoming a doctor isn’t an easy option; it takes years of study and hard work to achieve junior doctor status.

“All our junior doctors receive ongoing support from senior clinicians during their time with us so patient safety is not compromised and we can better nurture the doctors’ skills.”

Russ McLean, chairman of the Pennine Lancashire Patient Voices Group, today praised the decision to boost front-line services.

He said: “I am tempted to say not before time but because of the financial pressure the hospitals are under, and they are under massive financial pressures, but this is extremely positive news for patients, “The patients will see waiting times reduced substantially.

Foundation doctors stay with the Trust for two years and begin by shadowing doctors and ward teams, as well as undergoing training for prescribing, blood transfusion and resuscitation competency.

Dr Damian Riley, the Trust’s executive medical director, said: “This ‘shadowing period’ will equip our junior doctors with the local knowledge and skills.”