HC Deb 10 February 1988 vol 127 cc284-5W
Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the numbers of(a) general practitioner trainees per unit of management, (b) general practitioner training practices per population in each health unit of management and (c) candidates for the training programme, in each of the past five years.

Mr. Needham

The number of general practitioner trainees per unit of management is not available. The table shows the number of general practitioner trainees per health and social services board area.

Health and Social Services Board
Year Eastern Northern Southern Western
1983 30 12 6 6
1984 22 13 9 7
1985 28 11 8 4
1986 26 110 6 7
1987 26 11 8 4
1 1 resigned from Northern board during the year.

The number of general practitioner training practices per population in each health unit of management is not available. The table shows the number of general practitioner training practices per head of population in each Health and Social Services Board area. The figures for 1987 are not yet available.

Health and Social Services Board
Year Eastern Northern Southern Western
1983 1:21,000 1:22,000 1:31,000 1:21,000
1984 1:22,000 1:24,000 1:28,000 1:28,000
1985 1: 22,000 1:21,000 1:32,000 1:26,000
1986 1:23,000 1:21,000 1:29,000 1:29,000

Up to 1987 there were two annual intakes to the vocational training scheme, February and August. The numbers applying for each of the past five years are shown in the table. Unsuccessful candidates frequently reapply, thus the numbers given include a substantial degree of double counting.

Year February Intake August Intake
1983 42 58
1984 31 78
1985 38 77
1986 35 105
1987 43 112

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the criteria applied in the selection of general practitioner trainees and their allocation to training practices.

Mr. Needham

Any medical practitioner fully registered with the Central Medical Council may apply for a place on the Northern Ireland vocational training scheme for general practice. Applications are considered by a selection panel and thereafter successful candidates arrange for 12 months' general practice training with an approved general practice trainer.

Granting Authority 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86
£ £ £ £ £
Belfast Education and Library Board 135,465 130,696 110,520 173,600 197,166
North-Eastern Education and Library Board 166,617 184,547 230,191 305,746 331,465
South-Eastern Education and Library Board 82,197 90,027 105,459 117,162 121,280
Southern Education and Library Board 122,361 182,477 109,839 163,630 195,629
Western Education and Library Board 235,411 234,297 218,550 348,824 247,231

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