HC Deb 19 December 2002 vol 396 cc1051-2W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much training is provided to those manning the call centre of NHS Direct. [86066]

Mr. Lammy

[holding answer 10 December 2002]: There has and continues to be a significant investment in staff development at NHS Direct.

NHS Direct nurses must have a minimum of three years post registered qualifications before starting with NHS Direct. In addition, this will involve a period of four to six weeks' induction training followed by a period of on-line preceptorship.

NHS HCHS and general practice doctors and nurses in England, 1992–2001
Numbers (headcount)
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
All doctors excluding retainers1 79,230 80,740 81,320 84,460 86,580
Consultants 17,140 17,490 18,050 19,420 20,300
of which
Hospital medical consultants 16,260 16,600 17,100 18,400 19,220
Registrar group 10,730 11,050 11,210 11,470 11,380
of which:
Hospital medical registrar group 10,080 10,370 10,570 10,820 10,840

NHS Direct also is committed to on-going training and professional development. This involves an allocation for training each year of 21 days for nurses, 16 days for health information advisers and 11 days for call handlers.