§ Mr. IrvingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the conclusions about the training of community psychiatric nurses of his predecessor's discussions with regional nursing officers; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. NewtonConsultation with regional nursing officers has established that the number of mental illness nurses working in the community continues to increase as district-based services expand. There is an identifiable need to expand and develop education and training programmes to ensure an adequately qualified workforce to meet present needs and planned expansion.
Action taken includes discussion with the English national board which has already increased the number of 113W centres where appropriate training can be conducted. It has introduced and is evaluating the use of part-time and distance learning to improve access to courses.
Community psychiatric nursing staff have increased from 1,083 whole-time equivalents in September 1981 to 2,532 whole-time equivalents in September 1986.