Central planning with limited funding has viewed obstetrics and gynaecology as low priority

Ric Warren, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology

The reduction began in 1998 when an expected excess in trainees did not materialise.

Chairman of the RCOG's Workforce Advisory Committee Ric Warren said: "Within two years the speciality faces a considerable shortage of consultants.

"Frustratingly this problem was prophesied, but the College's concerns were not heeded.

"Central planning with limited funding has viewed obstetrics and gynaecology as low priority.

"Even now, with the clear realisation of an impending shortage, we have not been able to convince workforce planners to increase the number of career trainees.

"A longer and deeper shortage of consultants will result."

The report said there are not enough junior doctors to provide adequate levels of service cover on wards or enough qualified doctors to fill vacant consultant posts in the coming years.

Deteriorating situation

Earlier this year, a report revealed that a number of hospital maternity units are operating with very low staffing levels.

Some of the lowest staffing levels are in the south-east, according to the Good Birth Guide, which, it suggested, could result in women receiving a poorer service.

There have been warnings from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) of a chronic shortage of nurses.

However, the NHS Plan promised that by September 2004, there would be 20,000 more nurses, midwives and health visitors working in the NHS.

The RCOG report found: