§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps will be taken following the publication of Professor Peter Gilroy Bevan's report on the prospects for staffing the National Health Service.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)The report of the departmental study on Management and Utilisation of Operating Theatres, which was overseen by an independent steering group chaired by Professor Peter Gilroy Bevan, was issued to health authorities in December 1989. A consultation exercise on draft guidance which draws attention to the report's recommendations is now nearing completion.
Operating department assistants (ODAs) have, since the report was written, been transferred to a new common grading structure for technical staff in the NHS which provides for significant improvements in pay and career structure. This should enable improved management of staff according to local needs, and can be expected to lead to significant improvements in recruitment and retention. It will of course take time for the full benefits of the new structure to come through.