§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to recruit and retain nurses within the National Health Service.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have taken a number of steps recently designed in whole or in part to improve nurse recruitment and retention in the National Health Service. For example, we announced before Christmas the special mortgage scheme with the Nationwide Anglia building society and agreement has been reached on a new grading structure for nurses which will mean that the skills of nurses in key specialisms will be reflected in their grading and therefore in their pay. Other central initiatives include the recently completed consultations on new nurse training proposals (Project 2000) and a new support worker grade for nursing; the feasibility study on the use of the youth training scheme as a means of recruiting to nurse training and to the support worker grade, on which a report has recently been published; a study commissioned by RHA chairmen to examine factors influencing recruitment and retention and suggest improvements; a career development project group established to examine the scope for attractive career goals for nurses; and in NHS/DHSS working group on equal opportunities for women which will in particular make recommendations for management of the career break.
Action at national level can only be effective if it is matched by action by local management. Health authorities have been asked to improve recruitment and retention by making greater efforts to recruit mature entrants; organising "Back to Nursing" campaigns including refresher training; increasing male recruitment; establishing nurse banks: giving more opportunities for flexible working and job sharing.