HC Deb 29 June 1979 vol 969 cc366-7W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the standards of antenatal care being given by general practitioners to pregnant women; what efforts he is making to ensure that all general practitioners engaged in obstetric care are retrained and updated regularly; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

In undertaking to provide maternity medical services, the general practitioner assumes responsibility for providing care of a standard consistent with that described in the memorandum on maternal care by general practitioners issued on the advice of the Standing Medical Advisory committee and the Standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory committee. It is the responsibility of the individual practitioner to ensure that he remains abreast of advances in knowledge and technique affecting the service he provides. Opportunities for postgraduate training in obstetric care for general practitioners are available in every region.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general practitioners of five or more years' practice have been on a retraining course in obstetics since they qualified.

Dr. Vaughan

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general practitioners on the obstetric register are over the age of 50 years and 60 years, respectively.

Dr. Vaughan

Of 17,014 general medical practitioners on the obstetric list in England on 1 October 1978, 7,167 were aged 50 years and over and 2,251 were aged 60 and over.