§ 22. Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action her Department is taking in respect of the number of consultant oncologists in the NHS. [22872]
§ Mr. MaloneEstablishment of consultant posts is the responsibility of individual employers, who have regard to the needs of the local population and available resources. The specialist work force advisory group advises the Department on the number of higher specialist trainees needed in each specialty to provide an appropriate supply of suitably qualified candidates for consultant posts.
The number of medical staff, including consultants, in oncology is shown in the table.
Hospital medical staff in medical oncology and clinical oncology (radiotherapy) by grade England—30 September 1993 Whole time equivalent Grade Medical oncology Clinical oncology Total Consultant 40 200 240 Senior Registrar 20 50 70 Registrar 10 70 80 Senior House Officer 30 100 130 House Officer 10 10 20 Other grades 10 20 30 Totals 120 450 570 Note:
Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.