§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she has yet responded to the request by West Lindsey NHS Trust to reduce the size of its trust board; what representations she has received from local nursing professional organisations in respect of the effect of such a reduction; what consideration she has given to the possible child protection implications of the reduction in nurse management; and how she will ensure that her Department's guidance on this issue is followed locally.
§ Dr. MawhinneyMinisters are considering whether to agree to the trust's request to reduce the number of its board members. Whatever the outcome of this consideration, the trust will continue to be required to appoint a registered nurse or registered midwife as an executive director under the National Health Service Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990. We expect all trusts to develop the role of nurse director in a way which will guarantee high standards of leadership and care.