§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of community physicians in the training grades, registrar and senior registrar, within the Western health and social services board.
§ Mr. Chris PattenTrainee community physicians usually spend time in more than one health and social services board during their training. At present one registrar is based in the Western board, and no senior registrars.
§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will detail the projected establishment of community physicians in the Eastern health and social services board for each of the next three years; and how many community physicians currently in post have passed the normal age of retirement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenNo specific projected establishment of community physicians has been determined for the Eastern health and social services board. It is recognised however that the present number needs to be increased and710W this will be done as suitable fully trained applicants become available. No community physicians employed by the Eastern board are past the age of retirement.