§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to health authorities regarding procedures for suspension of NHS employees and the length of time in which formal disciplinary inquiries should be instigated, where such an inquiry is to take place.
§ Dr. MawhinneyDisciplinary proceedings for national health service staff employed on national terms and conditions of service are governed by section 40 of the General Whitley Council's handbook, a copy of which is available in the Library. This provides a framework within which employing authorities determine local disciplinary procedures.
Guidance on disciplinary procedures for hospital medical and dental and community medical staff, where questions of professional conduct or professional competence are involved, was issued to employing authorities in departmental circular HC(90)9, copies of which are available in the Library.