§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the number of administrative and clerical stall employed by the National Health Service has increased from 77,108 in 1973 to 448W 98,507 in 1976; and what is his estimate for 1978.
§ Mr. DeakinsMost of the increase in administrative and clerical staff since 1973 stems from the reorganisation of the National Health Service in 1974, which sought to improve the management of health services, and to unify the three parts of the Service—hospital, family and community.
More effective management has entailed some growth in the staff employed on computing, management services, resource planning and personnel. Unification of the Service required the transfer of community health services from local authorities and the setting up of community health councils, all serviced by administrative and clerical staff.
Some part of the increase reflects the long-standing policy of transferring as much work as possible from professional officers to administrative and clerical staff. For example, in the hospital environment, the introduction of ward clerks and appointments and records clerks has relieved nursing staff for more appropriate work.
Provisional figures for 1977 indicate that the number of staff will be around 98,700. No estimates are available for 1978, but because of measures taken by health authorities it is unlikely that there will be any significant increase over the 1977 figures.