§ Sir Nicholas LyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in relation to the recruitment of doctors from abroad; to what extent he proposes to seek to recruit consultants from abroad; whether the established regulations for the appointment of consultant will apply; and what financial incentives will be offered to such recruits from abroad to accept posts within the National Health Service. [135084]
§ Mr. DenhamInternational recruitment has made a valuable contribution to the National Health Service throughout its history, and is a two-way process in view of the increasing globalisation of the world's medical work force.
In the short term, until we benefit from the increased investment in training, we will be increasing the recruitment of trained doctors from abroad. The consultant appointment regulations will apply to all appointments to that grade.
The reward package offered to doctors from abroad will be consistent with that offered to United Kingdom trained doctors.