§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to(a) ensure that NHS trusts create more consultant posts in obstetrics and gynaecology and (b) restrict the creation by NHS trusts of non-consultant career-grade posts in obstetrics and gynaecology; [83270]
(2) what assessment he has made of the lack of consultant numbers in the NHS hospital obstetrics service; and if he will make a statement on the level of consultant cover on labour wards. [83271]
§ Mr. Denhamholding answer 5 May 1999]: It is for National Health Service trusts, who are accountable for the quality of services they provide, to decide the number and grade of staff they need. Only they can judge exactly what is required to deliver quality services in their location.
In view of the availability of trained specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, National Health Service Executive Regional Offices are being asked to arrange workshops and seminars, involving their health authorities, NHS trusts and local professional representatives. The aim is to encourage local managers to review the staffing and grade mix in large obstetric units and consider how services might be improved by creating further consultant posts in obstetrics and gynaecology.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS and HEFCE of training specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology from entrance into medical school, through three years of general professional services and through a complete full-time specialist (CCST) training scheme. [83268]
§ Mr. Denhamholding answer 5 May 1999]: The cost to the National Health Service and the Higher Education Funding Council for England of a five year undergraduate medical course is around £160,000.
The Health Service makes a significant investment in postgraduate medical education. Doctors in postgraduate training follow an apprenticeship model where their training is inextricably bound up with the service they provide. Even within specialties the length and type of training will vary according to the particular career path 455W an individual chooses and their rate of progress. For these reasons, it is not possible to put a meaningful figure to the cost of training individuals to Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training level.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of obstetricians and gynaecologists who have obtained their Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training and who(a) face redundancy this year due to lack of consultant posts and (b) are still in training posts six months after obtaining their CCST. [83269]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 5 May 1999)On 1 April 1999, there were 117 obstetricians and gynaecologists who had obtained their Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) and who had not found a consultant appointment. Of these, 86 had been in training posts for six months or more, after obtaining their CCST. We expect that some of these will obtain consultant posts this year, but it is not possible to say how many at this stage. We are considering a range of options for tackling this situation.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase the funding for obstetrics and gynaecology to implement the proposals of the NHSE voting groups to improve standards of care given to women and babies. [83276]
§ Mr. DenhamThe working group has proposed that National Health Service trusts should be encouraged to review staffing in obstetric and gynaecology services.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the contracts of those(a) specialist registrars and (b) senior registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology who have obtained their CCST but who have not found consultant posts. [83275]
§ Mr. DenhamUnder current regulations, all holders of Certificates of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) may be given an extension to their contracts of up to 6 months in order to secure a job. Because of the difficulties being experienced by CCST holders in obstetrics and gynaecology, it has been agreed that they may have their contracts extended for a further period of up to 12 months, making a total of 18 months in all.