HC Deb 02 July 2001 vol 371 cc25-7W
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action the Government are taking to recruit more(a) nurses, (b) physiotherapists, (c) occupational therapists and (d) GPs in London; and if he will make a statement; [412]

(2) what action the Government are taking to recruit (a) more community psychiatric nurses and (b) more approved social workers in London; [416]

(3) what action the Government are taking to recruit more psychiatrists in London. [414]

Mr. Hutton

We are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention in the National Health Service for all staff, including London. Examples include investing in fair pay, encouraging the NHS to become a better employer, increasing training commissions for all professional groups, attracting former staff back to the NHS, encouraging flexible retirement, and supporting more effective, collaborative international recruitment where appropriate. We are also funding a recruitment campaign to raise the profile of social work and improve recruitment rates into social work.

In places where recruitment is most difficult, we are also looking at accommodation issues. For example, a NHS housing co-ordinator has been appointed in London to improve the recruitment and retention of key workers. The NHS Plan aims to provide 2000 residential units in London by 2004.

From March 2000 until May 2001, 661 nurses and midwives returned to practice in London.

By 2004 we will increase the number of general practitioners, nationally, by at least 2000 and increase the number of GP training places by 550. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State also announced a package of measures aimed at improving recruitment and retention of GPs on 13 March 2001. Other measures such as personal medical service pilots will attract GPs into deprived areas. In London we already have 265 GP registrars in training and are looking to increase training capacity to increase local supply. We are also seeing if we can increase the number of feeder senior house officer posts to increase the flow into the GP registrar grade. Increasing numbers of newly qualified pre-registration house officers are now getting exposure to general practice as part of their year's training.

Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health service in London; and if he will make a statement. [417]

Mr. Hutton

We have received one representation in the last three months about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health services in London.

Following the planning round an additional £155 million for 2001–02 has been made available to the National Health Service, partly in recognition of additional financial pressures. London received £25.4 million of this.