§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued regarding the recruitment of nurses from overseas; and if he will make a statement. [135835]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 31 October 2000]The Department published guidance on international nursing recruitment in November 1999. The guidance stresses that international recruitment should be valued and has made a valuable contribution to the National Health Service throughout its history; is a two-way process in view of the increasing globalisation of the world's nursing work force; and is viable only when its professional and service value can be clearly demonstrated, and if the recruit's placement in the NHS will have no negative impact upon their home healthcare system.
Each NHS region is appointing a team to lead on international recruitment. This activity will be managed across the entire region to ensure that best practice is followed and promoted. They will also promote collaboration between trusts, to achieve efficient, ethical international recruitment.