§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated saving is from the proposal to withdraw bursaries from nursing students from non-European countries. [4334]
§ Mr. HuttonNo cost saving is anticipated.
The change to the student support arrangements was not introduced as a cost-saving measure but to bring conditions for access to the National Health Service bursary for applicants to diploma nursing and midwifery courses into line with those for degree nurses, and students in higher education as a whole.
§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on the recruitment of nurses in the United Kingdom of the proposal to withdraw bursaries from student nurses from non-European countries. [4332]
§ Mr. HuttonWe do not expect any impact on student nurse recruitment.
The change to the National Health Service bursary regulations requiring applicants to diploma level pre-registration courses in England to meet a prior residence requirement, will be phased in over a 15 month period. The staging of the changes will minimise the impact on higher education institutions. This change will bring diploma level courses into line with degree courses.
116W In areas which traditionally have recruited significant numbers of students from beyond the European Union, NHS workforce confederations will work closely with Higher Education Institutions to ensure that places on nursing/midwifery courses continue to be filled.
A 10.4 per cent. increase in the basic rate of bursary, effective from September 2001, will also assist in the recruitment and retention of nursing and midwifery students.
This year we are on course to deliver just under 21,000 nursing and midwifery training places, in English higher education institutions, nearly 6,000 more than four years ago.
By 2004, on current plans, we expect more than 45,000 new nurses and midwives to come out of training.
Student nurse recruitment in other parts of the United Kingdom is a matter for the devolved assemblies.
§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of bursaries to nursing students from non-European countries. [4335]
§ Mr. HuttonWith effect from 1 November 2001 applicants to diploma level pre-registration courses in nursing and midwifery in England who wish to access the National Health Service bursary will be expected to meet a prior residence requirement. This brings the NHS bursary regulations for these courses into line with those for degree level nursing and midwifery courses, and for higher education as a whole.
The changes are staged over a 15 month period in order to minimise the impact. In areas which traditionally have recruited significant numbers of students from beyond the European Union, NHS workforce confederations will work closely with higher education institutes to ensure that places on nursing/midwifery courses continue to be filled.
Officials consulted fully with the representative bodies for higher education before Ministers decided to change the residence requirement.
Ministers will continue to take a close interest in the effective operation of these new arrangements.