§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of places available to state224W 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. MellorNot all the information required is available centrally.
Since April 1986, the number of schools of nursing approved by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting to run the 52-week enrolled nurse to registered general nurse conversion course has increased from three to 83. We understand from regional health authorities that, as at the end of August, a further 26 courses were in the planning stage. In addition, there is a smaller number of courses enabling enrolled nurses to convert to registered mental nurse or registered nurse for the mentally handicapped.
The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting has recently published consultative proposals for more flexible modes of conversion, which we welcome. In addition, as part of their initial implementation plans for the Project 2000 proposals for the reform of nurse education and training, health authorities have been asked to produce plans and targets for further enrolled nurse conversion.