Reform of our medical education and training system is a vital component of the new service model. Because medical education and training for NCHDs is intertwined with service provision in our hospitals, we will need major changes in how we deliver and organise medical education and training in a shorter working week. Genuine training posts for all NCHDs are integral to a consultant provided service. I look forward to speedy implementation of the task force's wide-ranging recommendations in this area, which include integrating training functions currently scattered throughout numerous agencies; top quality, safeguarded training, oriented to a new model of service delivery; a flexible training strategy; and measures to address the concerns of non-EU doctors in training. The medical education and training group of the task force is currently working on a number of outstanding issues and I expect it to provide me with a final report in the new year.