Parliament and Politics: List of women for top NHS posts created

A DRIVE to get more women into top jobs in the health service took another step forward yesterday with a register of almost 1,000 potential female high-fliers.

The women have agreed to their names being put on the confidential list, which will be used by NHS chiefs appointing senior staff. The women will be asked to apply for jobs when they come up.

The health minister, Baroness Cumberlege, said the list would help bring down barriers for women who sometimes felt they were 'skiing uphill.'

She said that of 800 NHS general managers in 1990 only 18 per cent were women, but this was changing. Earlier this year, the Department of Health announced future shortlists for all top management jobs would have to include women.

The proportion of women in general mangement posts is expected to rise from 18 per cent to 30 per cent by 1994.

Lady Cumberlege said: 'Barriers that have prevented women in the NHS from reaching their full potential are finally coming down.

'We must, however, remove the remainder and provide equal access to opportunities so that women can compete for senior posts on equal terms, achieving appointment on merit.'