§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he can take to encourage national health service trusts to fully adopt last year's recommendations of the Pay Review Body in respect of midwives' pay and conditions. [15508]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 16 November 2001]: We accepted in full the recommendations of the review body for nursing staff, midwives and health visitors and professions allied to medicine for 2001–02.
The advance letter promulgating the pay increases for 2001–02 and the new midwifery grading agreement was issued to the national health service on 15 February 2001. The advance letter made it clear' that national health service employers have a responsibility to implement these agreements from 1 April 2001.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps can be made to encourage midwives who have left the profession to return. [15507]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 16 November 2001]: The Department is working closely with the Royal College of Midwives to encourage and support returning midwives. The national health service now offers all midwives improved pay, supportive family friendly working practices, improved training conditions, better access to continuing professional development and a better career structure.
All returning midwives will now receive:
134W
- Free refresher training
- A minimum of £1,500 financial support while training
- Assistance with child care support of up to £135 per week for one child and £200 for two or more children
- Assistance with travel and books
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the statutory instruments required for the implementation of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, due to come into place in April 2002, are to be laid before the House. [15509]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 16 November 2001]: The order under section 60 of the Health Act 1999, which will establish the Nursing and Midwifery Council, has today been laid before Parliament. Copies are available in the Vote Office. A similar order which will establish the Health Professions Council has also been laid.