§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) newly qualified surgeons and (b) surgeons from outwith Scotland took up posts in NHS hospitals; and how many left the service, in the most recent full year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. StewartIn the year ending 30 September 1993, 31 newly qualified consultant surgeons were appointed to posts in NHS hospitals in Scotland and 21 consultant surgeons left the NHS in Scotland either on retiral or for other reasons. Fifteen of the newly qualified consultant surgeons were appointed from outwith the NHS in Scotland. A further two previously qualified consultant surgeons were recruited from outwith Scotland.
These data are derived from a linked comparison of 1992 and 1993 census files. Excluded, therefore, are any doctors who join and then leave between those census dates, although the number is likely to be negligible.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in which surgical specialities there remains a shortfall in qualified surgeons; and what steps are being taken to overcome the shortage.
§ Mr. StewartFrom the information available on consultant posts in the surgical specialities, 92 per cent. of posts advertised since January 1993 have been filled. The senior registrar establishment has been increased in 1994 in ear, nose and throat surgery, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery and urology. NHS employers have been advised to fill and maintain the senior registrar establishment in all the surgical specialities to provide the numbers of trained surgeons expected to be needed in the future.