§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list in the Official Report the districts and the units within each district which those engaged in the review of nursing skill mix have already visited, together with a list of those projected for such visits in the future;
(2) if he will publish in the Official Report the terms of reference of the review of nursing skill mix currently being conducted by his chief nursing officer on behalf of the National Health Service management board; what are the reasons for conducting this inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe purpose of the review of nursing skill mix is to obtain structured information about the levels and mix of nursing staff, related to costs and activity, and so far as is possible, outcomes and quality of nursing care in these areas with a view to improving it. The view will be a descriptive study which will take note of existing experience, highlight discrepancies and will possibly indicate where further work may be useful.
The review team have now completed their field work and visits have been made to the following district health authorities:
- South Birmingham
- Waltham Forest
- Canterbury and Thanet
- Cambridge
- Macclesfield
- South Derbyshire
- Portsmouth and South East Hampshire
- York
All the above districts unite for the care of the mentally ill, the mentally handicapped, and the elderly, intensive care units and special care baby units were visited at Bloomsbury and Camberwell. In these two districts intensive care units and special care baby units only were visited. I am extremely grateful to all the staff in those districts who have contributed to the review.
The report is expected early next year.