§ 37. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if the review of medical staffing consequent upon the Platt Committee Report has now been completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BarberThe review has not yet been completed.
§ Mr. PavittIn view of the urgent need to reduce the long waiting time in a number of hospital specialties, will the Minister seek to get this review com- 30 pleted by the boards at an early stage? Is he aware that the hold-up for beds is very often caused by a shortage of consultants in the particular specialty? Unless the review is completed, how can more consultants be appointed in order to get cases dealt with quickly? For example, gynaecological cases sometimes have to wait as long as four or five years before they can be operated on.
§ Mr. BarberAt the moment, we are still awaiting reports from three boards of governors. I recognise that it is an urgent matter, but I am surprised at the point which the hon. Gentleman makes. I hope he will let me have particulars of his complaint, because my information is that new consultant posts in appropriate cases are not being held up.