§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had recently with representatives of higher education over(a) the impact of and (b) future implications to Project 2000 for nurse recruitment. [153794]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 16 March 2001]: Project 2000 nurse education and training is currently being phased out and replaced by a new model of nurse education—as outlined in the Government's "Making a Difference" strategy and United Kingdom Central Council Education Commission report, "Fitness for Practice" in 1999. The Department is working with all key stakeholders—and especially higher education, with which it has a long established partnership—to ensure the effective roll-out of the new model of nurse education to support nurse recruitment.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role of nurse consultants with regard to their preceptor responsibility for newly qualified D grade nurses. [153795]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 16 March 2001]: Guidance issued to the national health service (in Health Service Circular 1999/217) makes it clear that nurse consultants have an important education, training and development role but that this is best targeted to support colleagues who need to develop advanced knowledge and skills. A period of preceptorship for newly qualified D grade nurses is good practice in the NHS and best provided by a more experienced nurse in the same team who has been trained for the role.