HL Deb 11 November 1998 vol 594 cc100-1WA
Lord Tomlinson

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will announce the terms of reference of the doctors' and dentists' and the nurses' review bodies. [HL3814]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hayman)

Earlier this year, my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Health set out proposed terms of reference for the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body (DDRB) and the Nurses', Midwives' and Professions' Allied to Medicine Review Body (NPRB). The Government have listened very carefully to the points made in consultation. As a result, we have been able to finalise the terms of reference. These are set out as follows.

Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body: Terms of Reference

The Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' remuneration is independent. Its role is to make recommendations to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales on the remuneration of doctors and dentists taking any part in the NHS.

In reaching its recommendations, the Review Body is to have regard to the following considerations:

  • the need to recruit, retain and motivate doctors and dentists;
  • the Health Departments' output targets for the delivery of services, as set out by the Government;
  • the funds available to the Health Departments as set out in the Government's departmental expenditure limits;
  • the Government's inflation target.

The Review Body may also be asked to consider other specific issues.

The Review Body is also required to take careful account of the economic and other evidence submitted by the Government, staff and professional representatives and others.

Reports and recommendations should be submitted jointly to the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and the Secretary of State for Wales and the Prime Minister.

Nurses', Midwives', Health Visitors' and Professions' Allied to Medicine Review Bodies: Terms of Reference

The Review Body on Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine (NPRB) remuneration is independent. Its role is to make recommendations to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales on the remuneration of:

  1. (i) Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors employed in the NHS;
  2. (ii) Physiotherapists, Radiographers, Remedial Gymnasts, Occupational Therapists, Orthoptists, Chiropodists, Dietitians and related grades employed in the NHS.

In reaching its recommendations, the Review Body is to have regard to the following considerations:

  • the need to recruit, retain and motivate nurses, midwives, health visitors and staff in the Professions Allied to Medicine;
  • the Health Departments' output targets for the delivery of services, as set out by the Government;
  • the funds available to the Health Departments as set out in the Government's departmental expenditure limits;
  • the Government's inflation target.

The Review Body may also be asked to consider other specific issues.

The Review Body is also required to take careful account of the economic and other evidence submitted by the Government, staff and professional representatives and others.

Reports and recommendations should be submitted jointly to the Secretary of State for Health, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and the Secretary of State for Wales and the Prime Minister.