HC Deb 22 May 2002 vol 386 c421W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole-time equivalent nurses are responsible for assessing patients for free nursing care. [57247]

Jacqui Smith

Across the country as a whole, in the period from October 2001 to March 2002, a total of approximately 800 nurses received training in carrying out the registered nursing care contribution in order to determine the needs of approximately 42,000 people. The number of whole-time equivalent nurses is not known.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people have been waiting(a) less than one month, (b) over one month and less than two months, (c) over two months and less than three months, (d) over three months and less than four months and (e) over four months for an assessment for free nursing care; [38354]

(2) how many people are awaiting an assessment for free nursing care; and what proportion that represents of people who have either been assessed for or are awaiting an assessment for free nursing care. [57246]

Jacqui Smith

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on 6 March 2002,Official Report, column 462W.