§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what advice he has given to local authorities in Scotland regarding the maintenance and professional role of those nurses with mental handicap training in Scotland; and if he will make a statement;
375W(2) what specific future role there is for nurses with mental handicap training in the new arrangements for community care in Scotland;
(2) what specific future role there is for nurses with mental handicap training in the new arrangements for the national health service in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 10 December 1990]: Nurses with mental handicap training will continue to fulfil a vital role in the provision of specialised health services for people with mental handicaps. Although over time, some of these nurses may change their place of work, they will continue to be required to provide skilled care for people with severe or profound handicaps whether living in institutions or the community where they will often be members of community mental handicap teams. In addition, hospitals, although reduced in size, will continue to provide care for a substantial number of patients for the foreseeable future. In due course local authorities will make their own decisions on the skill mix and the staffing levels required for their services and any necessary central guidance will be issued at the appropriate time.