§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it has been decided to stop the further recruitment of medical training posts at Wembley hospital; whether further departmental closures are planned; and if he will reverse the recruitment decision.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeRecruitment of junior medical staff depends on the posts being recognised by the appropriate professional body as suitable for training. The British Post-Graduate Medical Federation has withdrawn recognition of the three pre-registration house officer posts at the hospital. The health authority is currently considering ways of keeping the accident and emergency department open in these circumstances, but I am not aware of any formal proposals for further departmental closures at the hospital.