(2) how many people in England have a gastrointestinal disease, broken down by condition; what plans he has for a National Service Framework for gastroenterology; and how many (a) gastroenterological consultants and (b) specialist gastroenterologist training posts there were in the national health service in England in each of the last five years.
Data are not held centrally on specialist gastroenterology units. Data are not held in the form requested for people in England with gastrointestinal disease. The Department does not currently have plans for a national service framework for gastro-intestinal disease.
However, the following table sets out the medical staff within gastroenterology.
Number (headcount) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 All staff 1,343 1,374 1,552 1,447 1,538 Of which: Consultant 599 638 674 669 639 Doctors in training and equivalents 585 581 732 675 772 Registrar Group1 367 356 407 396 457 Senior House Officer 140 151 222 188 163 Foundation year 2 2— 2— 2— 2— 44 House Officer 78 74 103 91 108 1 The majority of staff within this grade are specialist registrars. These doctors are undertaking specialist training within their chosen specialty. 2 Denotes not applicable. Source: The Information Centre for health and social care Medical and Dental Workforce Census