HC Deb 24 March 1998 vol 309 cc130-1W
20. Mr. Heppell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he intends to take to improve the recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives. [34388]

Mr. Milburn

The Government are employing a twin strategy to deal with the growing workforce demand by increasing training levels and investing in initiatives to improve the recruitment, retention and return to practice of trained staff, including flexible and family-friendly ways of working.

36. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategies are in place to improve the recruitment and retention of nursing staff at NHS trusts. [34405]

Mr. Milburn

We are employing a twin strategy by increasing training levels and investing in initiatives to improve the recruitment, retention and return to practice of trained staff, including flexible and family-friendly ways of working. A resource pack has been sent to all trusts to help local managers develop and expand their recruitment and retention programmes, using the momentum built up by the current £1.2 million nursing publicity campaign.