There is one measure which the task force rightly rejected, namely, the recruitment of extra junior doctors. The discussion document, Medical Manpower in Acute Hospitals, also known as the Tierney report, dealt with this issue ten years ago. It pointed out that the growth in junior doctor numbers, which had resulted in two junior hospital doctors for each consultant in the public sector, had adverse implications for patient care, the efficient operation of hospital services and the future career prospects of doctors in training. Since then junior doctor numbers have increased substantially. We have more than enough junior doctors and now need more consultants.