HC Deb 24 March 2004 vol 419 c920W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints were received in the last two years, by Great Ormond Street Hospital regarding pay for junior doctors on rotation; how many junior doctors were involved in those complaints; how many of those complaints have been settled; what procedures are in place to enable junior doctors to force such complaints to be addressed; and what time limit is placed on the hospital in settling such complaints or appeals. [R][158546]

Mr. Hutton

I am advised by North Central London Strategic Health Authority thatGreat Ormond Street Hospital National Health Service Trust has received three formal grievances/complaints regarding junior doctors banding and pay protection. 12 junior doctors from Great Ormond Street Hospital were involved in those complaints. One grievance/complaint involving eight doctors has been settled. The procedures in place are as set out in the national guidance and the process is being handled through the North Central London action team. This appeal process does not outline time-scales for completing the process (as in the case of the Employment Tribunal, the time-scale is influenced by the individual case). Great Ormond Street also has its own internal appeals process, which would be triggered if either part) is unhappy with the views expressed by the action team on this matter.