§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of those now being taken on in Wales for training as qualified nurses come as graduate entrants; and if he will make a statement on the changing qualification patterns for nurses in Wales and its implications for recruitment in future.
§ Mr. RichardsThe current proportion of graduate entrants to Project 2000 student nurses is approximately one to 12. It remains the responsibility of the United Kingdom Central Council, as the statutory body governing nurse registration, to ensure that nurse training is tailored to meet the requirements of the NHS. This is monitored in Wales by the Welsh National Board.
It was anticipated that the recent introduction of Project 2000-September 1991 in Wales—with its emphasis on a broader-based training would better meet the needs of patients. This diploma level qualification will be evaluated including the implications for recruitment.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that the forthcoming increase in nurses pay will not be financed by a reduction in the number of nurses employed in the NHS.
§ Mr. RichardsThis is a matter for individual health authorities and NHS trusts to determine.