§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are currently training as 11W doctors; and how many new consultant posts will eventually be needed if these trainees are to work in hospitals.
§ Dr. VaughanIn England and Wales, at 30 September 1980, there were 21,417 doctors in the training grades of senior registrar, registrar, senior house officer and house officer. If all aimed for and were regarded as suitable for appointment as consultants, the number of additional consultant posts required would equal the above number of juniors less replacements for existing consultants who leave the NHS. However, no clear correlation between total numbers of junior doctors at present in training posts and the number of consultant posts which will in due course be required to absorb them, can be arrived at because, inter alia: they are at very different stages in their career progression; many will pursue a career in general practice; and many overseas doctors will return overseas. Some indication of future availability of posts may, however, be derived from the age pattern of consultants at present in post, that is:
Number All ages 12,778 Under 30 3 30 to 34 596 35 to 39 1,995 40 to 44 2,525 45 to 49 2,272 50 to 54 1,994 55 to 59 1,850 60 to 64 1,412 65 and over 131