§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of places available to state118W enrolled nurses to convert to registered general nurses in 1987, 1988 and 1989; what is the total number of applications received for these courses; what is the average waiting time for successful applicants; and if there are any plans to increase the number of places available for state enrolled nurses wishing to undertake the conversion courses to registered general nurses.
§ Mr. GristThe number of places available to second level nurses to convert to first level nurses in Wales is as follows:
- 1987 — None; no courses were approved
- 1988 — 47
- 1989 — 98 (to date)
Information about the number of applications received for the conversion courses, and the average waiting time for successful applicants, is not held centrally.
The Government's response to Project 2000 stressed the need to increase the number of second level nurse conversion courses, and the UKCC is examining the provision for more flexible modes of conversion. Health authorities in Wales have been encouraged to increase opportunities for second level nurse conversion wherever possible.