Mr. Anthony D. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to increase the number of qualified ME specialist consultants in the NHS. [63229]
§ Mr. MilburnConsultants from a number of different specialties are involved in the care of patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Since February 1995, the Specialty Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG) has been advising the Government about the numbers of doctors in higher specialist training needed in all Hospital and Community Health Service specialties to meet estimated requirements for consultants four to six years hence. SWAG's planning process takes account of the views of the National Health Service and the medical profession about service needs. It is for NHS trusts and health authorities to determine locally how the consultants, produced following national workforce planning, are deployed.