§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those health authorities which have nursing vacancies in excess of 300. [107065]
§ Mr. DenhamThe available information is given in the table.
§ Mr. DenhamThere are a number of thyroid disorders and diseases. The results of initial testing may indicate further tests are needed to diagnose the patient's condition.
The initial thyroid function tests have improved greatly in recent years as a result of medical research, and 761W up-to-date tests are available in National Health Service laboratories. The most common are the measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine (T4). Others commonly used include isotope uptake studies, thyroid antibody assays, ultrasound scans and needle biopsies. All NHS laboratories participate in quality assurance schemes.
The Department has no plans to issue guidance in this area.