HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 cc187-9W
Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many medical, nursing and other professional staff currently holding contracts of any type with Greater Glasgow health board or its previously associated trust hospitals, currently or at any time in the past, have simultaneously been contracted to work with Health Care International, Clydebank.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 17 March 1994]: No information is held centrally on medical, nursing and other professional staff of Greater Glasgow health board or of NHS trust hospitals in Glasgow contracting to work with Health Care International, Clydebank. NHS staff are entitled to contract with outside employers subject to the conditions set out in their NHS contract of employment.

Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek assurances from Health Care International that all medical, nursing, and other professional staff are on NHS terms and conditions of service in accordance with the conditions of authorisation.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 17 March 1994]: Since the statutory authorisation of the building of the Health Care International hospital at Clydebank was granted in 1987, NHS trusts have been introduced which have freedom to determine the terms and conditions of service for the majority of their staff. In keeping with the objectives of the authorisation, HCI is seeking to provide remuneration and benefits packages for its staff which reflect current NHS terms and conditions of service. In determining such packages for medical staff, HCI takes account of the opportunities which exist for NHS staff to earn additional income from private practice and to qualify for distinction awards, neither of which are available to HCI staff.

Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements have been made for Health Care International to reimburse to the NHS reasonable nurse training costs as set out in the letter of authorisation.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 17 March 1994]: HCI has agreed to contribute in kind to the cost to the NHS of nurse education and training by providing a significant local contribution in relation to clinical placements for student nurses in both general and specialty nursing units and by contributing to the preparation of post-registration nurses in specialty areas.

In addition, HCI has agreed to purchase specific post-registration education from colleges of nursing and to offer continuing nursing and education courses and seminars for its staff on a variety of topics.

These proposals will be subject to a review of progress within two years of the opening of the hospital. It is still too early in the hospital's development for any of the recommendations on the provision of placements to be put into practice, but my right hon. Friend intends to ensure that HCI fulfils its obligations.

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