§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made on an all-Wales level with regard to the future role of mental handicap nurses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristIn the context of the development of community-based services for people with a mental handicap, under the all-Wales strategy, mental handicap nurses have a valuable and important role in the provision of the range of services required in support of those people living in, or resettled into, the community and who require nursing care.
The four chief nursing officers in the United Kingdom have established a working group to review the needs of people with a mental handicap, and identify the future requirement for skilled nursing care arising from the changes outlined in the White Paper "Caring for People". Their report, which will address the issues that require resolution at the all-Wales level, will be ready in the autumn.