§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of those who have enrolled on nurse induction and training courses in each of the last five years have not(a) completed their course, (b) completed their qualifications and (c) passed their qualifications at the required grade, expressed (i) numerically and (ii) as a percentage of those originally enrolled. [4343]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation is not collected on nurse induction courses. Information on the number and percentage of student nurses who have not completed their course is shown in the table. The human resource performance framework, published last year, sets a target of 13 per cent. attrition (leavers) for those students entering training in 2000–01.
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§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he plans to provide incentives to qualified nurses who are not working within the NHS and who have taken a career break; and if he will make a statement; [4340]
(2) what action the Government are taking to recruit more (a) nurses, (b) physiotherapists, (c) occupational therapists, (d) radiographers, (e) pathologists, (f) theatre technicians and (g) other hospital support staff for NHS acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [4341]
§ Mr. HuttonTo ensure there are sufficient staff to provide the treatment and care that patients need in a modern and improved national health service, funds have been made available to employ up to 20,000 more nurses, midwives and health visitors, 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals, 7,500 more consultants and 2,000 more general practitioners between now and 2004. To do this we are increasing the number of training places; improving retention of staff throughout the NHS; attracting former staff back to the NHS and international recruitment.
A national recruitment campaign was launched in February this year covering all staff groups in the NHS. Local initiatives continue to build successfully on the momentum of the national campaign and are again supported by NHS Careers.
In order to attract former staff back to the national health service, a package has been developed to encourage them to return. From 1 April 2001, healthcare professionals returning to the NHS will receive at least £1,000 income to support them while they are retraining (£1,500 for midwives). In addition we have also standardised the amount of child care assistance that can be offered to returners while they retrain. This means that a returner will now receive free refresher training; a minimum of £1,000 financial support while retraining; assistance with child care support of up to £135 per week for one child and £200 for two or more children; and assistance with travel and books.