§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are in medical posts in casualty units in the United Kingdom. [18786]
§ Mr. MaloneInformation on vacant medical posts is available only by specialty. The term "casualty" is not used within the national health service to describe a specialty. The whole-time equivalent number of vacant medical posts in the accident and emergency specialty in the NHS in England at 30 September 1995 was 80. This figure is rounded to the nearest 10 and includes all consultant, staff grade, senior registrar, registrar and senior house officer vacancies. This is the latest available information.
Data on vacant posts are difficult to interpret and do not necessarily imply a shortage. Some vacancies will be wholly or partly filled by locums. For others, NHS 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.
Source:
The medical and dental work force census 30 September 1995.