Stunell slams junior doctor recruitment shambles

4.48.58pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th May 2007

This week in Westminster Andrew Stunell MP attacked the Government's 'shambolic' junior doctor training scheme and told Parliament of the ridiculous situation a high-ranking Tameside Hospital consultant finds himself in as a result.

Mr Stunell told Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for Health:

"One of my constituents, who is a consultant, drew to my attention last weekend the huge amount of consultant time being spent on trying to get the system back in order.

"He estimated that 140 hours of his consultant time would be spent on the system and on trying to appoint junior doctors. That is a total waste of his effort, and reduces his capacity to give treatment to patients."

Speaking after the debate, Mr Stunell added:

"High ranking consultants are being forced to interview all candidates - even ones who have identical application form answers, copied straight from the internet. This is an absolute waste of time and money.

"This shambles is sadly just one example of the mess the Government has made of our NHS."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The full debate can be read at: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070523/debtext/70523-0018.htm#07052360002375