§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current shortfall in the NHS of the number of practising(a) orthopaedic surgeons, (b) anaesthetists, (c) urologists, (d) paediatricians and (e) psychiatrists. [10448]
§ Mr. MaloneThe information available relates to the number of vacancies for these specialties. These are shown in the table. However, data on vacant posts are difficult to interpret. The census is a snap shot of 30 September each year. Some vacancies will be wholly or partly filled by locums. For others, national health service trusts may find alternative ways to provide the service rather than re-advertising. The numbers give no indication of how long the post has been empty; some of these will be in the process of being filled.
Vacant posts in selected medical specialties England at 30 September 1995 Whole time equivalent Number Traumatic and orthopaedic surgery 90 Anaesthetics 160 Urology 30 Paediatrics 100 Psychiatry group 360 All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
The available information relates to consultants, staff grade, senior registrar, registrar and senior house officers.