§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for pathologists in each primary care trust area; and what plans he has for filling the vacant positions. [161968]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information requested has been provided by employing organisations, and has been placed in the Library.
The significant expansion in numbers of doctors in training within the pathology group (39 per cent. between September 1997 and September 2003) reflects a recognition that the pathology work force needs further expansion.
In 2003–04, histopathology was allocated 75 centrally funded Specialist Registrar training places, which was over 18 per cent. of the total number of centrally funded posts available. In 2004–05, there will be a further allocation of 37 centrally funded training places to histopathology and 20 further posts to the pathology group as a whole.
The Department continually monitors requirements for the whole work force, including pathology. Action is being taken to extend working lives by offering flexible retirement schemes and flexible employment opportunities.
Work is being taken forward to develop the roles of all staff within the pathology group in order to make the best use of professional skills and knowledge.