Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 May 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 23 May 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to address the shortage of paediatric pathologists.

Answer: Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to address the shortage of paediatric pathologists. [57202] Mr. Hutton: The Department is aware of the difficulties facing national health service paediatric pathology services, highlighted in the recent report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health `The Future of Paediatric Pathology Services.' We are committed to working closely with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Pathologists to improve long-term staffing levels in this speciality. The establishment of three histopathology training schools and of international fellowships to attract experienced histopathologists to work in the NHS will both increase the pool from which paediatric pathologists can be recruited. The children's care group workforce team also plans to start work on this issue in June.

Secondary information