§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage nurses to remain in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Wray) today.
§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what policies are being proposed or carried out in order to (a) attract more nurses into the National Health Service in Scotland and (b) to give them incentives to stay and constantly improve their standards.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythDiscussions are taking place at national and local level on how best to attract more recruits into nursing. In Scotland. recruitment initiatives undertaken by individual health hoards on a local basis include "back to nursing" campaigns, advertising of part-time opportunities, co-operation with head teachers and career advisers on recruitment from schools and co-operation with job and skill centres on recruitment of mature entrants. We have reversed the decline which took place between 1974 and 1979, when the pay of nurses fell by 21 per cent. in real terms, and implemented increases in nurses' pay giving a rise of 30 per cent. in real terms since 1979. In addition the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council is reviewing grading structures in order to ensure that those working in clinical areas are appropriately rewarded.
§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish (a) the number of nurses in post in Edinburgh Royal infirmary as at 1 April and (b) the Lothian health board established figure for nurses on 1 April.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information as at 15 April 1987 is:
Nurses (whole-time equivalent) In-post Funded establishment Trained 737.75 733.6 Untrained 219.34 230.0 In addition there are on average 295 learner nurses and 15 post basic learner nurses at the hospital.