Junior doctors (Times letters 02 Jun 07)
From Mmc
Sir, In their letter of May 28, Professor Brown and colleagues assert incorrectly that the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) has denied any flaws in the appointments process to speciality training.
We have expressed no public view because, in contrast to our extensive powers over the content and outcomes of speciality training, PMETB’s statutory remit in matters of selection for training is limited to determining that the process can identify those who are eligible to undertake it.
Our powers do not encompass those aspects of selection that have caused distress to many doctors: choosing between eligible candidates. Neither do we determine the number of training posts. While PMETB was an interested party in the judicial review, Mr Justice Goldring offered no criticism of our actions.
The board is by no means indifferent to the situation facing junior doctors. Looking to the immediate future, the additional posts announced by the Secretary of State will require our approval and we will ensure that they meet the training requirements which our young doctors and their patients have a right to expect.
PROFESSOR PETER RUBIN, Chairman of PMETB, London SE1
