§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if, as part of the current regrading exercise, he will consider the introduction of an additional payment to psychiatric nurses in recognition of the extra clinical responsibility they bear.
§ Mr. MellorNo. The new clinical grading structure is designed to recognise and reward extra clinical responsibility in all branches of nursing, including psychiatric nursing. In addition, nursing staff in psychiatric units receive an allowance, on top of basic pay, of £220 a year.