§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women have received compensation or payments including out of court settlements from the National Health Service following side effects of epidural injections given during childbirth.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not collected centrally.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many reports have been received of women suffering side effects of epidural injections.
§ Mr. John PattenDetails of the side effects which occasionally follow epidural injections are not collected centrally. Studies suggest that serious complications occur only very rarely.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what training National Health Service anaesthetists receive for administering epidural injections.
§ Mr. John PattenTraining in epidural anaesthesia is part of the postgraduate training undergone by all anaesthetists. Its content is prescribed by the specialist advisory commiteee of the Faculty of Anaesthetics and must be carried out to its satisfaction. Those still undergoing training are supervised.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what training midwives and nurses receive for administering epidural injections.
§ Mr. John PattenThe administration of epidural anaesthesia is carried out by the anaesthetist. Under his direction a midwife may give subsequent "top up" doses.
Midwives are given individual instruction in the technique by a medical practitioner who will ensure that teaching covers the safeguards which have to be observed.
It is the responsibility of the local supervisor of midwives to ensure that midwives acquire and maintain a satisfactory level of competence.
Nurses do not undertake any procedures related to epidural anaesthesia.