For many years, junior doctors have been vital to the running of smaller hospitals. However, they have been obliged to work extremely long hours. Under the European Working Time Directive, whether we like it or not, this must stop. This again brings into sharp focus the best role for smaller hospitals in a new environment of shorter working hours for doctors. Reducing the working hours of junior doctors is extremely important. Excessive working time can hamper doctors' ability to provide the best possible care. For safety reasons, it would be necessary to reduce non-consultant hospital doctors' working hours even in the absence of the European directive.