HC Deb 21 January 1999 vol 323 c522W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many child psychiatrists are currently employed in the NHS in Scotland. [65879]

Mr. Galbraith

The number of consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists employed in the NHS in Scotland at 30 September 1998 was as follows:

  • Whole time equivalent: 41.3
  • Headcount: 48

Notes:

  1. 1. Data available do not distinguish between staff working in child psychiatry and adolescent psychiatry.
  2. 2. Information on junior staff not yet available for 1998.
  3. 3. Consultant data for 30 September 1998 are the latest available and are provisional.

Source:

Information and Statistics Division Scotland.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the availability of psychiatric services for young people, with particular reference to rural areas. [65878]

Mr. Galbraith

Within the context of their mental health strategies, all Health Boards in Scotland are determining and putting in place the appropriate levels of in-patient and community-based provision they require to meet assessed needs for child and adolescent psychiatric care.

The growth of community-based psychiatric services should help promote better access for young people in rural areas. But, inevitably, in-patient facilities will tend to be close to population centres. Health Boards covering rural areas should take account of this in developing their plans.

Back to