§ 21. Mrs. FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on developing the role of nurses in the delivery of health care. [177305]
§ Mr. HuttonDeveloping the role of nurses has been at the centre of the government's plans for improving health services. Patients are benefiting from the most comprehensive programme ever that is increasing the number of nurses, creating new roles such as nurse consultants, and extending their responsibilities in prescribing, ordering investigations and referring patients to other professionals.