§ 21. Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to address the discrepancies between the number of accredited specialists in several medical and surgical specialties and the number of consultant posts available in the NHS. [81829]
§ Mr. DenhamWe intend to improve National Health Service workforce planning processes. We are studying the Health Committee's Report on Future NHS Staffing Requirements. Our proposals for further action will be published in due course.
§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage cross-disciplinary working between consultants in NHS hospitals; and if he will make a statement.[81809]
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§ Mr. DenhamThe Government's main concern is to ensure that National Health Service patients receive the best quality medical care. The arrangements for clinical governance make it clear that quality is everyone's business and can be delivered only through effective team-working involving all health professionals. We want trusts to pursue optimum flexibility to meet local needs.