§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many trained orthotists are employed in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe fitting of surgical appliances is carried out mainly under contract. NHS staff who might be engaged in appliance fitting are not distinguished in figures available centrally.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary, of State for Social Services how many places for people to be trained as orthotists are available at Paddington College and Salford College of Technology; what action he is taking to increase the number of trained orthotists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsFourteen first-year places were available at the two colleges in the present academic year; all were filled, 497W bringing the total number of students currently training as orthotists at these colleges to 32. Training facilities are also available at the National Centre for Training and Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics administered by the University of Strathclyde. My Department supports the work of the Training Council for Orthotists in promoting training and, with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, I am awaiting comments on a consultative document on the training and education of orthotists and prosthetists.