Staff Nurse and Consultant (Training Costs) (Hansard, 23 July 1982)

§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The average costs for the financial years 1975–76 to 1981–82 of training a nurse in 327W the NHS to the standard which would enable her to register with the General Nursing Council and thus be eligible to enter the grade of staff nurse are as follows. The figure for each financial year relates to the approximate cost of a student completing training during that year. Figures are not readily available for the years 1970–71 to 1974–75.

NHS nurses in training are employed by health authorities and it is not possible to identify precisely between actual training, on the one hand, and the service given to the health authorities, on the other. The costs therefore represent only the approximate cost of training over the three year course and excludes that part of the student's remuneration which is estimated to reflect the value of the services rendered to the health authorities during this period.

Cost of Training a State Registered Nurse (SRN)
Financial Year	Total Approximate Cost for 3 year Training Course
1975–76	£4,400
1976–77	£4,750
1977–78	£4,800
1978–79	£5,450
1979–80	£5,700
1980–81	^*£7,200
1981–82	£8,250
^* This figure takes account of the Clegg award of 13 per cent, from 1 April 1980.

Before appointment to the consultant grade it is necessary first to acquire a registerable medical qualification and then to gain suitable postgraduate experience and training in medical training grades. At 1980–81 outturn prices the average net recurrent cost to universities and the NHS of training an undergraduate medical student from university entrance to MB graduation is estimated to be about £95,000. The majority of postgraduate training and experience is gained whilst providing, under supervision, medical care for patients; it is not possible to estimate the cost of this training and experience as distinct from the contribution to patient care made by doctors in training posts.