§ Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to recruit and retain nurses within the National Health Service in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Wray) of 27 October 1987, at column104.
In the intervening period, the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council has agreed a new grading structure which recognises specific skills and will enable nurses to progress in their careers without necessarily having to move into management, will recognise post-basic clinical skills and training at all levels and provide a response to shortages in key specialisms. The Nurses' Pay Review Body has been asked to make recommendations on salaries in the new structure as part of its annual report on pay.
111WIn addition, the launch of a joint Nursing Times/ Scottish Home and Health Department campaign on nurse recruitment and retention will take place on Monday 28 March 1988 in Edinburgh.