§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial assistance is provided to those nurses wishing to return to the NHS for(a) tuition fees, (b) subsistence and (c) travel costs; and if he will make a statement. [56711]
§ Mr. HuttonHealth care professions (including nurses), returning to the national health service benefit from a returners' package which includes
free refresher traininga minimum of £1,000 financial support while retaining (£1,500 for midwives)assistance with child care support of up to £135 per week for one child and £200 for two or more childrenassistance with travel and books.Over £70 million has been allocated to build around 150 on-site subsidised nurseries. Around a further 7,500 places will be created by 2004.
The Government's starter home initiative launched on 6 September 2001 will help the NHS ease staffing shortages in parts of London and the south east.