§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current number of consultants in geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry in the Tayside health board area; what were the figures in 1980; and how many vacancies currently exist.
§ Mr. John MacKayAt 30 September 1983 there were six (whole-time equivalent) consultants in geriatric medicine in the Tayside health board area. The comparable figure for 1980 was five. Geriatric psychiatry is not a separate specialty, but some consultants in general psychiatry spend a major part of their time providing psycho-geriatric services. Consultants in general medicine also undertake the care and treatment of geriatric patients. My Department has not been notified of any existing long-term vacancies in geriatrics, general medicine or psychiatry in the Tayside area.