§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS doctors have been suspended under the NHS disciplinary procedure in each of the past 10 years, broken down by(a) grade and (b) speciality. [68228]
§ Mr. HuttonFollowing Health Service Guidelines (HSG(94)49) issued in October 1994, National Health Service trusts routinely report suspensions lasting six months or longer to the Department. Figures are not available for suspensions lasting less than six months. Reliable information is only available for 1999–2001. Information is not held centrally on speciality:
1999 25 individuals whose suspension commenced 1 Jan-31 December 1999 16 consultants 3 specialist registrars 2 staff grade doctors 1 "surgeon" I clinical medical officer I associate specialist I "doctor" 2000 29 new suspensions which commenced during year Jan—Dec 2000 24 consultants 2 senior house officers 1 medical advisor I staff grade doctor 1 "doctor" 2001 26 new suspensions which commenced during year Jan—Dec 2001 20 consultants I clinical medical officer 1 senior dental officer 2 staff grade doctors 2 specialist registrars The Department is supporting the managers who are dealing with individual cases. It has seconded a former NHS Trust Human Resources Director to assist employers find ways to ending suspensions as quickly as possible.