§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had about retaining the title nurse; and if he will make a statement. [42994]
§ Mr. MilburnIn August 1997, we commissioned an independent review of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979, which is due to report this year. This is one of the issues the review team has raised during their consultation, and we await their recommendations with interest.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to commission research on the effect of changes in(a) staffing levels and (b) staffing mix in NHS trusts on nursing standards. [43008]
§ Mr. MilburnIn 1996 the Department commissioned a programme of research which focused particularly on skill mix with an overall spend of £3 million. This includes research on new roles and new responsibilities in nursing and medicine, and explores the implications of developments within the clinical team, as well as skill mix in primary care, diagnostic imaging centres and hospital teams. Many of these projects are now close to completion.
In addition to this research, there are plans for a major new research programme on human resources. Proposed themes for this research programme include skill mix as one of the five key areas. The tendering process is likely to begin in September and precise details are still under discussion.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 11 May 1998,Official Report, column 41, if he will list those NHS trusts which have not yet designated a named officer responsible for checking registration before applicants take up a post. [43013]
§ Mr. MilburnThis information is not available centrally. The Department has recently issued guidance on this matter, but it is for employers to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place.