§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many general practitioner vacancies there were in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and what steps he is taking to reduce such figures. [151322]
§ Angela SmithThere is generally no problem filling practice vacancies in Northern Ireland. The Central Services Agency (CSA) only hold information on GP vacancies where they were required to intervene to fill the vacancy. This typically occurs if the vacancy has arisen in what was previously a single-handed GP Practice. Otherwise the remaining GPs within the practice, as independent contractors, advertise and fill the position independently.
456WThe number of vacancies notified to, and filled by, CSA are shown in the table.
GP vacancies notified to Central Services Agency: 1997–2003 Year Vacancies reported to Central Services Agency Vacancies filled by Central Services Agency 1997 3 3 1998 1 1 1999 0 0 2000 0 0 2001 1 1 2002 1 1 2003 3 3