Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the number of interventional neuroradiologists in England; and whether he plans to increase that number.

Health Education England (HEE) is responsible for the planning and funding of post-registration medical education. HEE works directly with a number of partners, including National Health Service trusts, to assess demand and supply for clinical staff, and commissions programmes of education accordingly. HEE’s investment in training reflects the relative priorities the NHS and HEE have to develop the future workforce, including Radiology.

HEE is working with the Royal College of Radiologists and other stakeholders to explore options for developing the necessary competencies in Interventional Radiology specialists, including those who currently do not have the required Interventional Neuroradiology experience; including Neurosurgeons and Cardiologists.