HL Deb 28 April 2003 vol 647 cc81-2WA
Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How, given that the rights and responsibilities of the Chief Nursing Officer and those of nurses at regional level have been restricted, they will ensure effective leadership of nurses and nursing in the provision of healthcare. [HL2500]

Baroness Andrews

The Chief Nursing Officer and her team will continue to exercise strong policy and professional leadership through well established networks with nurse leaders in Strategic Health Authorities, National Health Service Trusts, Primary Care Trusts, professional associations and organisations, and in independent and voluntary sector healthcare providers.

In the new departmental structure the Chief Nursing Officer will remain accountable to the Chief Executive, have a place on the two main boards—the Department of Health Management Board and the Health and Social Care Delivery Board—and play a key role as Director of Patient Experience.

Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will ensure that an executive nurse is on every foundation trust board. [HL2499]

Baroness Andrews

Subject to parliamentary approval, the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill will provide for applicants for National Health Service Foundation Trust status to determine the detail of their constitutional arrangements within the parameters set out in Schedule 1. It will be for each applicant to decide whether to include an executive nurse on the board of directors taking account of its local circumstances and any responses to consultation on the proposals set out in its application.

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