§ Ms. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to implement the recommendations in the report on the care of the new-born in England by the Royal College of Physicians, with particular regard to the proposals(a) that each region should have regional and sub-regional centres for ill new-born babies, and women with high-risk pregnancies, (b) that 80 extra consultant posts in intensive care of the new-born should be established, (c) that there is no shortage of junior doctors in this field and (d) that adequate resources should be available to train sufficient neonatal nurses.
§ Mrs. CurrieEvery region already has a range of facilities to care for pregnant women, mothers and new-born children. In all cases these facilities comprise either regional or sub-regional centres along the lines of the recommendations in the reports of the Social Services Committee (1979–80) and the maternity services advisory committee.
It is for health authorities to determine the number of new consultant posts needed to meet their service requirements.
The joint planning advisory committee advises on the number of training posts at registrar and senior registrar level for doctors making a career in this country. Its advice is based on health authorities' future requirements for consultants in each specialty. The total number of junior posts in the field also takes account of the training needs of doctors intending to enter general practice and posts available to doctors visiting this country for training.
The National Health Service management board has commissioned a study of current high-tech nurse training, including neonatal training. The results of the survey are being analysed and will be considered by the National Health Service management board shortly.