§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that relevant NHS staff, with particular reference to general practitioners, are trained in the prescription, administration, review and recording of medicines for older people. [80114]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Government do not specify the content of the general practice training curriculum. The General Medical Council's education committee has the general function of promoting high standards of medical education and co-ordinating all stages of medical education to ensure that students and newly qualified doctors are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for professional practice. The content and standards of postgraduate medical training in general practice is the responsibility of the joint committee on postgraduate training for general practice. Their role is that of custodians of quality standards in postgraduate medical education and practice. They are independent of the Department. Both these bodies have a clear interest in ensuring that doctors are equipped to deal with the range of circumstances they will encounter in practice.