§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what factors led Healthcare NHS trust to reduce nursing costs; and if contracts with purchasers of the Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust are dependent on reducing costs. [21174]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe review of nursing management and organisational structures within the Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust was driven by the objective of improving patient care and providing nursing services which would best meet the health care needs of the people of Renfrewshire for the future.
All NHS trusts and health boards in Scotland are required to identify efficiency savings to release resources for re-investment in direct patient care. It is for the trusts and boards to determine how this is to be achieved.
§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations led Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust to remove the position of ward sister and charge nurse from hospitals in its responsibility. [21173]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRenfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust has reviewed its nursing management and organisational structure and is embarking on a two-year implementation programme. The revised staffing structure will change the current configuration of nurse grades and increase the number of nurses involved in direct patient care.
It is for the trust to decide on the implementation of the revised structure, but I welcome this initiative if it improves the quality of patient care and offers an opportunity for nurses in the trust to develop further their skills and expertise.