HL Deb 15 April 1993 vol 544 cc1177-8

3.13 p.m.

Lord Constantine of Stanmore asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the reported nationwide shortage of 320 doctors specialising in diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been alleviated by the measures set out in Baroness Cumberlege's Written Answer of 6th July 1992 [Official Report, col. WA 63].

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)

My Lords, many doctors in different specialties will be involved in the care and treatment of cancer but it is not possible to specify exactly how many. However, between September 1990 and September 1991 the total number of doctors working in NHS hospitals increased by 1,174 and the number of hospital consultants increased by 314.

Lord Constantine of Stanmore

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her reply. Can she inform the House how the deficiency in doctors trained in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer now stands?

Baroness Cumberlege

My Lords, the Government do not have any knowledge that there is a deficiency in that particular speciality. However, over the years we have consistently funded extra consultant posts—200 in 1991–92 and 150 in 1992–93. For the current year we have allocated a further £12.2 million for new consultant posts. It is expected that that money will be able to purchase 125 new consultant posts.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, does the Minister agree that when patients have tests for cancer they should get the results as soon as possible and, if those results are positive, they should receive adequate support while waiting for treatment?

Baroness Cumberlege

My Lords, that is the Government's intention. The new screening programmes which have taken place are now becoming well established. We had some initial difficulties, especially with the breast screening scheme when it was first introduced.

Lord Desai

My Lords, can the Minister comment on press reports that some hospitals have not been able to treat cancer patients because they have not received adequate funds under the new scheme? Are the Government doing something about improving hospital management so that while the capacity is there shortage of money will not be a problem?

Baroness Cumberlege

My Lords, there are no waiting lists at all for cancer patients. However, it is up to local health authorities in their purchasing contracts to decide where they want to spend their money. If difficulties arise, it is up to them to put them right.

Lord McColl of Dulwich

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that one of the problems of staffing hospitals is that there are far too many junior staff and far too few consultant staff? Does she further agree that the problem can be remedied by changing all the senior registrar posts into consultant posts? That would not in fact increase the total expenditure.

Baroness Cumberlege

My Lords, my noble friend, who is an expert in this sphere, will know that certain work is being undertaken at the moment. The very radical suggestions that he supports may take a little time to come to fruition.