§ 9. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for improving the working conditions of junior hospital doctors.
§ Sir K. JosephAs indicated by my hon. Friend in the Adjournment debate on 21st January, 1972, there have been significant improvements over the years, and I hope that the process will continue.—[Vol. 829, c. 926–38.]
§ Mr. WhiteheadHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the report entitled "More in Sorrow" published by the Sheffield Junior Hospital Doctors Association? Its 1242 complaints of overwork, too little free time, and exploitation are matched by the burning anger that many young doctors feel about the way in which they are compelled to dance attendance on the private patients of consultants. Will the right hon. Gentleman do something about this scandal within the National Health Service?
§ Sir K. JosephI am a fairly good reader. I have read every word of that report. I note that the doctors who themselves prepared it stress that a lot of their grievances—I am sure in some cases legitimate ones—should be dealt with by effective approaches to the hospital authorities concerned. It is for them to take their grievances to the authorities. I shall ensure that the regional hospital boards and the hospital authorities concerned study the report "More in Sorrow"