§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions(a) his Department and (b) the Assistant Chief Nurse Officer have had about the recruitment of nurses from South Africa; what steps his Department is taking to ensure that no nurses from South Africa are actively recruited; what mechanisms he has in place with the South African Government to ensure that such a scheme is effective; and if he will make a statement. [99759]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 3 March 2003]: Actively recruiting from South Africa is against the code of practice for National Health Service employers involved in the international recruitment of healthcare professionals. Workforce development confederations are responsible for performance managing the trusts in their area to ensure compliance with the code of practice. This is being monitored through quarterly monitoring.
Officials from the Department have met with South African officials to discuss co-operation on workforce, recruitment and other health related issues.
The Department would investigate any alleged breach of the code of practice brought to its attention by the South African Government.