§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 5 February 2003,Official Report, column 317W, on the overseas nurse advice line, when the decision to continue funding the helpline was made; what meetings were held; and if he will list the organisations which were consulted.[100152]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
The decision to continue funding the overseas nurses advice line was made in February 2003.
207WMeetings are held on a quarterly basis by the International Nurses Working Group, set up to identify the problems faced by overseas nurses.
Representatives from the Royal College of Nursing, UNISON, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Work Permits (UK), Independent Healthcare Association, Registered Nursing Home Association, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines Embassy and Philippines Nursing UK attend the International Nurses Working Group meetings.