HC Deb 30 November 1973 vol 865 cc247-8W
Dr. Stuttaford

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on progress in making appointments of senior staff to the regional health authorities and area health authorities.

Sir K. Joseph

The 14 regional health authorities have all appointed their administrators, nursing officers and treasurers, and are currently filling their regional medical officer posts. The posts of regional works officer have been advertised and the closing date for applications is 14th December. Short listing for the posts of regional personnel officer has been completed and interviews will take place between 3rd and 20th December.

In the 90 areas appointments have been made of 80 area administrators, 64 area nursing officers, and 73 area treasurers. Details of the posts still vacant have been circulated to all eligible candidates who have not secured posts and advice on the short-listing arrangements was issued by the Staff Commission to AHA chairmen on 15th November. Short listing for the posts of area medical officer has been completed : interviews have already started and will be completed on 20th December. Advertisements for area dental officer posts will be published as soon as possible. Short listing for the posts of administrator, family practitioner services, has been completed and interviews start on 7th December. Short listing for the posts of area personnel officer is in progress.

Applications have been received for the posts of regional ambulance officer and chief ambulance officer and the short listing arrangements have started.

In accordance with advice issued by the Department, regional appointments units have been set up in all regions to handle for the new authorities the processes leading to the selection by the authorities of officers on the district management teams and other senior officers for early appointment. Advertisements for the posts of district administrator, finance officer and nursing officer were published on 22nd and 23rd November ; those for posts in community medicine will be published shortly.

I shall be issuing guidance to RHAs and AHAs on the arrangements for filling other posts by transferred staff.