§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new consultants have been employed by the NHS as a result of the new deal reduction in junior doctors' s hours.
§ Mr. MaloneOur task forces report that, in England, at 30 September 1994, 533 new consultants were employed in centrally funded posts to reduce junior doctors' hours. In addition, 72 posts had been advertised and were awaiting appointments' committees. Many of these were already in operation through the temporary appointment of locum consultants. A further 81 posts had been funded and were at the planning stage, these will be filled as soon as possible.
Information on consultant posts set up specifically to reduce hours by individual trusts and authorities, and funded directly by them, is not available centrally.
§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment her Department has made of the increased workload resulting from the reduction in junior doctors' hours.
§ Mr. MaloneIt was recognised when the new deal on junior doctors was introduced that reductions in junior doctors' hours unsupported by other action could lead to an increase in the intensity at which they work.
That is why a range of measures was put in place, focusing resources effectively so as to ensure that 399W reductions in hours were real and sustainable. These include the controlled growth of the medical work force, more effective working patterns, improved team-working, greater use of cross-cover between appropriate specialities, better skill mix—including more nurses and support workers—and site and service rationalisation.