§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) nature and (b) length is of the specialist training for NHS Direct nurse advisers on (i) self-harm and (ii) suicide. [35497]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 12 February 2002]: All NHS direct nurse advisers are qualified nurses with several years of front-line experience. They receive a supplementary three-day intensive programme of training to develop their competence in the identification of mental health problems over the telephone which includes assessment of risk of self-harm or suicide. In addition, they are given on-site supervision by a senior mental health nurse; they utilise an interactive CD Rom based training package designed to enhance their general knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, and they attend regular refresher courses.