§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recommendations have been made by the National Health Service Management Board concerning the recruitment and retention of nurses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonIn the light of the projected decline in the number of suitably qualified school-leavers over the next decade who might be expected to enter the nursing profession and the projected increase in demand for nursing staff, the NHS management board has asked health authorities to devise recruitment strategies. In particular, health authorities have been asked to give careful consideration to skill mix, increased male recruitment, attracting mature recruits, "Back to Nursing" campaigns, nurse banks and more opportunities for part-time working and job sharing.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many qualified nurses leave the profession each year; how this compares with the number of nurses qualifying each year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonI shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.