HC Deb 16 January 2003 vol 397 cc782-3W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health regarding the extension of the proposed NHS University to Northern Ireland. [90389]

Mr. Browne

I have been kept fully informed of plans to establish a university for the NHS (the NHSU).

NHSU has initially been developed with the Department of Health for the NHS in England although it is recognised that discussions will have to be held with other administrations on the scope of NHSU outside England. As a first step the NHSU Development Plan is being circulated to HPSS bodies and other interested parties here for comment. This process will inform decisions on how NHSU might be used to support lifelong learning for everyone involved in health and social care in Northern Ireland.