§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the role of health visitors in health promotion and health education in the community and their role in providing advice to people in their own homes and in the context of their own lifestyles and family circumstances;
(2) what appropriate qualifications he supports for nurses undertaking health advice and health promotion work in the community.
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§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 2 July 1991]: All health professionals have a responsibility to promote positive health in their work with patients and clients and their families and carers.
Health visitors are uniquely placed as a profession to make a significant contribution in health promotion and education and disease prevention. The Government's new strategy for health puts an even stronger emphasis on improving health. Health visitors provide advice systematically and opportunistically to people in their own homes as well as other places.
Nurses in possession of a health visitor or district nurse qualification are especially equipped with skills in health promotion and disease prevention. Other nurses who have been suitably educated and trained for their roles in the community are also able to fulfil these functions.