§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to make greater use of general practitioners in hospitals, particularly in accident and emergency, thus releasing other doctors for work on wards, particularly in specialties where posts have been unfilled for prolonged periods.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Government welcome moves which bring hospital and community care closer together and encourage general practitioners to maintain an interest in, and practical experience of, one or more hospital specialties. We have, therefore, asked health authorities to foster the development of the hospital practitioner grade. It is, however, for the health authorities concerned, in agreement with individual general practitioners, to consider in what specialties the latter can make the most worthwhile contribution, particularly in the light of their continuing responsibility for their general practice patients.