HL Deb 06 June 2000 vol 613 cc153-4WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many paediatric pathologists and how many paediatric toxicologists are s currently employed by public services in England and Wales. [HL2569]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The information requested is not collected centrally.

We are aware of shortages of specialist paediatric pathologists. This is the result of a number of factors. There is an overall shortfall in those specialising in histopathology, there have been problems in establishing higher specialist training places, trainees do not wish to go into the discipline and it requires extra training over and above that required in histopathology.

For 2000/01, we intend to establish 40 new higher specialist training places in histopathology, with new money from the Medical and Dental Education Levy. We have written to National Health Service trusts and health authorities explaining the importance that we attach to the delivery of extra training places in the light of commitments on improved cancer services. We are looking to Regional Offices to use their influence to encourage them to co-operate with Regional Postgraduate Deans in providing the necessary funding and establishing posts. At the same time, the Royal College of Pathologists and the Regional Postgraduate Deans are looking at ways to attract more higher specialist trainees into histopathology in general and paediatric training posts in particular.