§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of nurses in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [168266]
§ Angela SmithRecruitment and retention of nursing staff is a matter for individual employers. In recognition of recruitment difficulties the annual number of preregistration nurse training places was increased from 580 to 680 in 2001 and 750 in 2002 and these increases have been maintained. There are currently around 2,300 nursing students undergoing training.
Local employers attend annual "Job Fairs" arranged by Queen's University and University of Ulster and these provide additional opportunities to recruit staff and promote nursing as a career.
Existing employees have opportunities to participate in post-registration training to meet service needs and enhance career progression.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many school(a) full-time and (b) part-time nurses are employed within each Northern Ireland Education and Library Board area. [168274]
§ Mr. GardinerThe information available in respect of the number of(a) full-time and (b) part-time nurses employed by each Northern Ireland Education and Library Board is detailed follows.
Number of nurses Full-time Part-time BELB 0 0 NEELB 0 13 SEELB 0 25 SELB 34 37 WELB 0 0 1 Two share one post. 2 Four nurses and one matron. 3 Staff are engaged by the board as nurses, matrons and pupil welfare auxiliaries.