§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have taken place between her Department and the Southampton University Hospitals Trust regarding the suspension of consultants on full pay. [32336]
§ Mr. MaloneNone. Suspension is a matter between employer and employee.
§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance she has given to hospital trusts on the procedures and time to be taken for the reinstatement of consultants suspended on full pay following the completion of successful appeals against suspension for alleged medical malpractice or misconduct; [32339]
(2) what guidance she has given to hospital trusts on the minimum time which should be taken to complete inquiries in cases where consultants are suspended for alleged medical malpractice or misconduct. [32337]
§ Mr. MaloneGuidance on suspension procedures was issued in circular HSG(94)49 to national health service trusts on 31 October 1994, copies of which are available in the Library.
The guidance stipulates no minimum period during which inquiries are to be completed. While decisions on the procedures to be followed for reinstatement rest with the employing authority, the guidance contains an indicative timetable which is strongly recommended to NHS employers for incorporation into any local procedures that they may draw up in consultation with their staff. The guidelines state that every attempt should be made to conclude the investigation and, where appropriate, the subsequent disciplinary process as speedily as possible.
108W
§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the total cost of salaries paid to consultants suspended on full pay in each of the past five years. [32338]
§ Mr. MaloneNone.