§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, having regard to the fact that British perinatal mortality figures are now significantly higher than those of other European countries and that the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has recommended that the minimum safety standards require at least two registrars in a viable maternity unit, he will not proceed with his Department's plans for staff reductions in the northern region, the effect of which will be to leave the maternity unit at Preston Hospital in Tynemouth with no registrars.
§ Mr. MoyleInternational comparisons of perinatal mortality rates have to be treated with caution since the definitions used vary in different countries. There is a wide range of environmental and other factors which can contribute to perinatal mortality rates of which medical staffing is only one.
My Department's request to the northern region to give up three registrar posts for redeployment to less well off regions follows the recommendations of the Central Manpower Committee, an independent professional body which is responsible for advising the Secretary of State on manpower matters. Since the redeployment of posts in the training grades of registrar and senior registrar is an essential feature of the Government's policy to improve the distribution of resources between regions, my Department fully supports the CMC's recommendations. It is for the regional health authority to identify the posts to be surrendered and I understand that the Northern region has not decided where these posts shall come from. As part of the same exercise, the Northern region stands to gain three senior registrars, including one in obstetrics and gynaecology.