HC Deb 05 December 1985 vol 88 c338W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the consultants to junior doctors ratio in hospitals in each year since 1979; and what plans he has to bring about changes to the ratio.

Mr. Hayhoe

The consultant to junior ratios in hospitals for the years 1979 to 1984 in England are shown in the table:

Ratio—consultant:junior doctors*
Ratio
1979 1:1.78
1980 1:1.76
1981 1:1.76
1982 1:1.75
1983 1:1.74
1984 1:.69
* Whole time equivalents, excluding locums.

I am considering what further action would be appropriate to achieve the object of providing a greater proportion of patient care by consultants.