§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of newly qualified nurses completed their training in Scotish NHS hospitals in the 12-month period ended December 1993 and found full-time permanent employment in NHS hospitals in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 3 February 1994]: The exact information requested is not available centrally. The table shows the status of nurses who were final year students in Scotland on 30 September 1992 one year later.
It should be noted that the methods by which this information is collected do not permit account to be taken of certain students, for example those who have been unable to complete their training within the normal three year period; those who, having qualified, may have chosen to have a break in service before seeking employment; those who have found employment as a nurse outwith the NHS; and those who may have qualified, joined the NHS and left. Those who qualify and work occasionally in the NHS, for example, bank or agency nurses, also cannot be identified and have therefore been counted with the "not employed" category.
Status of final year basic student nurses in Scotland one year later: year beginning 30 September 1992: Status at 30 September 1993 Headcount Per cent. In full-time post in NHS 889 37.5 In part-time post in NHS 325 13.7 Total in post in NHS 1,214 51.2 Taking further training in NHS 16 0.7 Not employed in NHS 1,143 48.1 TOTAL 2,373 100