§ 22. Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the level of impact of the creation of NHS Direct on the recruitment and retention of nurses in the community and in hospitals. [81830]
§ Mr. DenhamNHS Direct has recruited nurses from many sources including the private sector. NHS Direct offers an exciting new career opportunity for nurses, which the Government believe will help to retain nurses in the National Health Service.
§ 23. Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the range of services available through NHS Direct. [81831]
§ Mr. DenhamIn April, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced thatNHS Direct will develop in six new ways: to provide integrated out of hours access to other services; to develop an outreach service for people who may need help or advice; to introduce an online service to other health information; to provide a range of public access points for NHS Direct; to produce a new healthcare guide and a related healthcare education programme. These new services which will be developed and piloted in coming months provide further evidence of this Govenrment's commitment to modernise the National Health Service.