HC Deb 08 February 1995 vol 254 cc276-7W
Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors are currently working over 72 hours a week at St. Thomas's hospital, London.

Mr. Malone

St. Thomas's has reported to the South Thames region task force that at 30 September 1994, there were 41.5 junior doctors contracted for an average of more than 72 hours a week. None of these posts was in the hard-pressed specialties which are now subject to a ceiling of 72 hours a week. Task forces were set up in each region to help implement and monitor the new deal on junior doctors' hours. They report progress to the national health service executive.

In December, I announced that £64 million—£14 million more than last year—would be spent in 1995 on tackling junior doctors hours. The extra £14 million will be enough to set up 230 fully funded posts.