§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will introduce a standard set of guidelines in relation to the clinical grading structure for nurses;
(2) if he will issue a standard set of guidelines agreed by both management and unions on the clinical grading structure for nurses; and if he will include a provision that Macmillan nursing sisters be on grade H.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe grading definitions in the clinical structure introduced in 1988, and any joint guidance relating to them, are a matter for the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council. Following prolonged discussions, it was not possible to reach agreement on such guidance between the staff and management sides of the council. It is for health authorities to decide how particular posts should be graded, including those occupied by Macmillan nursing sisters, in the light of the grading definitions agreed by the council, the management guidance which has been issued, and the specifications of the particular post.
§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will take steps to establish a timetable for negotiations for those still appealing at district or regional level to deal with the cases of nurses throughout the country who are still awaiting appeals into their grading;
(2) if he will take steps to speed up the grading appeals process into the new clinical grading structure for nurses.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe procedures for handling NHS appeals are a matter for the General Whitley Council, not Ministers. Health authorities are making efforts to operate the appeals process as quickley as possible.