§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the targets set by the Government since 1997 to increase the number of(a) nurses, 176W (b) consultants and (c) general practitioners in the NHS; what the baseline was for each target; when each was set; and whether the target referred to (i) headcount and (ii) whole time equivalent figures; [120443]
(2) what recruitment targets have been set since 1997 for the professions allied to medicine; what the baselines for these targets are; when the deadlines are due; and if he will publish the information in the technical notes relating to the targets. [120959]
§ Mr. HuttonTargets set by the government since 1997 to increase the number of nurses, consultants, general practitioners and therapists and other health professionals in the national health service have been placed in the Library.
All these targets are measured in head count not whole time equivalents and are based on the workforce census figures unless otherwise indicated.
In addition the NHS Plan set training targets for specialist registrars, GP registrars, nurses and therapists and other health care professionals. All have a baseline year of 1999 and a target date of 2004.
There was also a Comprehensive Spending Review target of 7,500 additional doctors including consultants and general practitioner by 2002. This target was over a 1997 baseline and has been achieved.
Increases announced as a result of the third report of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee and the NHS Plan provide for an additional 2,150 medical school places by 2005 over 1997. Almost 1,550 places had been created and filled by autumn 2002.