§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that area nursing officers, who have in the main hospital background and outlook, have been adequately prepared for their overseeing and organisational tasks in the community.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe appointment of area nursing officers is a matter for area health authorities, which are assisted in this by two national assessors whose primary role is to advise the authority on the competence to undertake the responsibilities of the post concerned. Area health authorities are also responsible for identifying any further training needs of individual area nursing officers and ensuring these are met.