§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new house officer and senior house officer posts were created in the Belfast City and Royal Victoria hospitals in each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 25 March 1993]: The information is as follows:
House officers Senior House officers Year Belfast City hospital Royal Victoria hospital Belfast City hospital Royal Victoria hospital 1983 — — — 4 1984 1 — 1 3 1985 — 5 3 3 1986 — — 8 9 1987 7 — — — 1988 — — 8 3 1989 — — 5 2 1990 1 — 5 3 1991 1 — — 1 Figures for 1992 are not yet available.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new house officer and senior house officer posts were created in the Downe hospital, Downpatrick and the Downpatrick maternity hospital in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 25 March 1993]: During the period 1983 to 1991, no new house officer posts were created in the Downe hospital or Downpatrick maternity hospital. One senior house officer post was created in Downe hospital in 1989. Figures for 1992 are not yet available.
House officer and senior house officer posts are primarily for training and should not be established solely to meet a service need. Where there is such a need, the appointment of a career grade doctor should be considered.