§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the Official Report the paediatric consultant availability (a) in maternity units and (b) in reasonably close proximity to maternity units for each area health authority; if he will indicate any shortfall; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe number of consultant paediatricians—whole-time equivalents—employed by area health authorities in Wales at 30 September 1980 was: Clwyd, 4; Dyfed, 3; Gwent, 2; Gwynedd, 2; Mid-Glamorgan, 5; South Glamorgan, 6; West Glamorgan, 4.
It is for the authorities themselves to assess their staffing requirements in the light of local circumstances. I understand that all consultant maternity units but not all general practitioner units are covered by paediatric consultants.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to improve the paediatric consultancy provision for neonates.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsAssessment of the need for new consultant posts is the responsibility of the area health authorities. The authorities are aware of recommendations on perinatal and neonatal mortality made in the second report of the Social Services Committee for the 1979–80 Session, and the Government's reply, and have been asked to implement recommendations appropriate in their areas.