§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many doctors, nurses and other medical staff 188W were involved in operations performed on National Health Service patients during 1986; and what were the numbers performing similar operations in 1978.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information requested is not available centrally. We are unable to identify staff actually involved in operations. The table includes figures for medical staff in surgical specialties and anaesthetics and operating department assistants for the relevant years. Information on nursing staff in operating theatres is not available prior to 1981.
National Health Service professional staff working operating theatres: staff in post at 30 September—England Whole time equivalents1 1978 1981 1986 Medical and dental2 Surgical 7,500 8,100 8,200 Anaesthetic 3,300 3,600 3,900 Nursing Theatre3 n.a. 8,000 11,400 Professional and technical Operating Department Assistants4 2,300 2,700 2,700 Notes:
Source: DHSS annual censuses of NHS medical and non-medical manpower.
1 Figures are independently rounded to the nearest one hundred (100) whole time equivalents.
2 Excludes part-time Medical Officers and Hospital Practitioners.
3 Includes all nursing staff working in "Theatre" area of work.
4 On I April 1984 Operating Department Assistants were reclassified from Ancillary to Professional and Technical Staff Group. Figures include trainees.
n.a.—Not available.
§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many major operations were performed on National Health Service patients during 1986.
§ Mrs. CurrieNo information is yet available centrally on the number of operations performed on National Health Service patients during 1986. The National Health Service in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.