HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc993-5W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he has introduced to gauge the physical and mental fitness of managers working within NHS Professionals; [35092]

(2) what measures are in place to ensure the financial viability of NHS Professionals; [35096]

(3) what training is being provided to NHS Professionals' call centre staff; [35094]

(4) what measures he has put in place to ensure that the management structure of NHS Professionals adequately reflects the size of the agency and the volume and complexity of the services it provides; [35098]

(5) whether managers working within NHS Professionals will be required to hold nationally recognised management qualifications; [35093]

(6) what measures are in place to ensure the management structure of NHS Professionals allows sufficient flexibility for the organisation to (a) respond to the changing needs and circumstances of service users and (b) maintain an effective quality control system; [35097]

(7) what measures he has put in place to ensure that managers working within NHS Professionals have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to provide trusts with temporary health care staff; [35091]

(8) what measures are in place to ensure that (a) the size and layout of NHS Professionals' premises are appropriate for the effective management of the services which the agency provides and (b) the premises are kept clean and suitably equipped and furnished; [35095]

(9) which body has responsibility for (a) regulating the performance of NHS Professionals and (b) investigating complaints made against the service provider. [35099]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 11 February 2002]: The National Health Service Professionals initiative is being implemented nationally in three phased approach, highlighted in detail in "HSC 2001–02 NHS Professionals—Flexible Organisations, Flexible Staff". To date the service has been extended to 38 sites. An evaluation is being undertaken at the moment of the existing sites.

A national project board has been established that includes representatives from the NHS and Department of Health, that is responsible for the development of NHS Professionals. Regional project boards will closely manage the development across regions. Each site has its own project structure to manage and monitor implementation.

This structure will ensure that measures are in place to address:

  1. 1. The physical and mental fitness of managers working within NHS Professionals is gauged.
  2. 2. Managers working within NHS Professionals having the necessary and appropriate qualifications, skills and experience to provide trusts with temporary health care staff.
  3. 3. Need for appropriate training and development to be provided to NHS Professionals' call-centre staff.
  4. 4. The size and layout of NHS Professionals' premises are appropriate for the effective management of the services that NHS Professionals provides, and that they are kept clean and suitably equipped and furnished.
  5. 5. The financial viability of NHS Professionals.
  6. 6. The management structure of NHS Professionals adequately reflects the size of NHS Professionals, and the volume and complexity of the services it provides; and allows for sufficient flexibility for the organisation to 995W respond to the changing needs and circumstances of service users and maintain effective quality control systems.
  7. 7. The investigation of complaints and monitoring of performance.