§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for diabetes specialists; and when he expects all posts to be filled. [118877]
§ Mr. HuttonThe table shows the three month vacancy rate and three month vacancy number for consultants specialising in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus taken from the National Health Service vacancy832W survey. The vacancy rate of 2 per cent. is lower than the average vacancy rate across all specialties, which was 3.8 per cent. as at 31 March 2002.
The number of consultants in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus has increased by 59 per cent. between September 1997 and March 2002. By September 2004, we expect to see further increases in the number of trained specialists of around 160, over a 2000 baseline, as part of the substantial planned expansion of the consultants workforce.
Department of Health Vacancies Survey, March 2002 Consultant Vacancies in Endocrinology and diabetes mellitus in England 3 month vacancy rates, numbers and staff in post 3 month vacancy rate % 3 month vacancy number England (excluding HA staff) 2.0 9 3 month vacancy notes:
1. Three month vacancy information is as at 31 March 2002
2. Three month vacancies are vacancies which trusts are actively trying to fill, which had lasted for three months or more (whole time equivalents)
3. Three month Vacancy Rates are three month vacancies expressed as a percentage of three month vacancies plus staff in post
4. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place
Source:
Department of Health Vacancies Survey, March 2002
The NHS vacancy survey has been conducted in March each year since 1999. The survey collects information on the number of posts, which trusts are actively trying to fill, which have been vacant for three months or more.