§ Mr. Baron:To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he is taking to increase the number of (a) oncologists, (b) respiratory consultants, (c) radiographers, (d) thoracic surgeons and (e) nurses specialising in lung cancer within the NHS; [177878]
(2) how many (a) oncologists, (b) respiratory consultants, (c) radiographers, (d) thoracic surgeons and (e) nurses in the NHS specialise in lung cancer. [177879]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 June 2004]: The Department does not collect numbers of oncologists, respiratory consultants, radiographers. thoracic surgeons or nurses in the national health service who specialise in lung cancer.
We are implementing a range of measures to recruit more healthcare professionals into the NHS. These include improving pay and conditions, encouraging the NHS to become a better, more flexible and diverse employer, increasing training, investing in childcare and continuing professional development, attracting back returners and running national, international and local recruitment campaigns.
The table shows the general increase in each specific staff group since September 1997. It is for trusts to determine staffing configurations for the treatment of lung cancer at a local tevel.