The task force has proposed a series of important national measures aimed at reducing the average working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors. The immediate target is a reduction to 58 hours a week by 1 August 2004. These measures include replacement of the present system of tiered on-call, increased use of cross-cover arrangements, the introduction of new working and training patterns for non-consultant hospital doctors and a set of measures aimed at reducing the workload of non-consultant hospital doctors in areas in which other staff are better placed to deliver a quality service.