§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many numbered training places were available for trainee consultants specialising in rheumatoid arthritis in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [118454]
§ Mr. HuttonRheumatoid arthritis is a condition covered by the rheumatology specialty. We are unable to determine how many trainee specialists, with national training numbers (NTNs) in rheumatology, specialise in rheumatoid arthritis.
The table shows the number of NTNs in rheumatology in each of the last five years.
Numbered training places in Rheumatology 1998 to 2002 Year1 Number of numbered training places 19982 185 19992 188 20002 183 2001 198 2002 206 1 As of March 2 May be missing small number of unassigned Numbered Training Places For 2003–04, trusts will have the opportunity to create up to 40 additional locally funded specialist registrar (NTN) training opportunities in rheumatology.
Between September 1997 and March 2002, the number of consultants in rheumatology increased by 27 per cent.