§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost to public funds of training (a) a state-enrolled nurse and (b) a state-registered nurse; and what was the total cost of training all such nurses for the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.
§ Mr. NewtonThe estimated cost, based on July 1986 figures, for England, is as follows:
- (a) Two-year training of an enrolled nurse (general)—previously state enrolled nurse—£7,700.
- (b) Three-year training of a registered general nurse—previously state registered nurse—£11,700.
The total cost of training all such nurses in England, for the financial year 1985–86 was £449 million. This is made 622W up of £378 million in salaries, national insurance and superannuation costs for learners, paid by health authorities, and £71 million expenditure by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting in training costs. These figures are subject to audit by the National Audit Office. There is additional, but not separately identified expenditure on informal teaching costs (teaching provided by qualified staff as learners during clinical placements) and on maintenance and conditions in lieu of rates in respect of schools of nursing.
§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make an estimate of the number of agency nurses currently employed to provide temporary nursing cover in the National Health Service hospitals in the North-West Thames region.
§ Mr. NewtonAs at 30 September 1985, there were 1,060 whole-time equivalent hospital nursing and midwifery agency staff employed in the North-West Thames region.