§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with the NHS University project; how much money has been allocated to the NHS University project in each of the last three financial years; and who the executive postholders of the NHS University project are. [163522]
§ Mr. HuttonNHSU has moved through a number of stages of development. It has consulted widely across the national health service and social care on its development plan, "Learning for Everyone", the results 1673W of which fed into NHSU's first strategic plan, launched in December 2003. At this point NHSU was officially constituted as a special health authority.
NHSU has also been piloting and launching a range of programmes—including an induction programme. "Working for the NHS and First Contact", a programme that equips nurses and other healthcare professionals to act as the first point of contact for patients. NHSU has also launched its telephone helpline service for learning opportunities for staff (Ui).
NHSU received its first allocation of £10 million in 2002–03. A further allocation of £30 million was made in 2003–04.
The chief executive and vice chancellor designate of NHSU is Professor Bob Fryer CBE. NHSU has three group directors; Neil Johnson (director of learning programmes and services), Derek Grover (director of distributed learning) and Jeffrey Defries (director of corporate services). Sue Eggleton is director of resources and planning.