HC Deb 13 July 1982 vol 27 c376W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the Government's policy on the introduction of shifts for consultants in hospitals in view of the opposition of consultant leaders to such a change.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have no policy to require consultants to work a shift system. Under present arrangements consultants accept continuing clinical responsibility for patients under their care and it is for them to determine how, with the medical staff available, continuing clinical care should be provided for patients.