§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the designated training centres are currently running courses for staff wishing to work in specialist assessment teams; and if he will break that down into(a) the number of people on each course, (b) the number of radiologists being trained, (c) the number of radiographers being trained and (d) the duration of each course and its date of completion.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 25 November 1988]: We do not hold the information in the precise form requested. In 152W 1987 the Guildford and Nottingham breast screening centres started holding regular training courses for radiologists and radiographers. The Camberwell (King's College hospital) and Manchester centres started general, introductory training this year and plan to start regular courses for radiologists and radiographers early next year. Core training is based on guidance from the Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers, but the duration of courses may vary to reflect the previous experience and requirements of the participants. Information is not held centrally on the duration of courses and number of participants. The training centres have also held workshops and seminars for other health professionals including surgeons, pathologists and nurses. The Royal Marsden hospital has participated in the national training initiative by running a seminar for specialist assessment teams and is also providing six-week courses for nurses. In addition, £110,000 is being allocated to regional health authorities in the current financial year to provide in-service training.