HC Deb 24 May 2004 vol 421 c1375W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to encourage more practice nurses to undertake dermatology training. [173926]

Mr. Hutton

This is a matter for the national health service locally. Post registration training for NHS staff is determined against local NHS priorities, through appraisal processes and training needs analyses. Training needs analyses are informed by local delivery plans and the needs of the service.

The Department published an "Action on Dermatology" good practice guide in January 2003, drawing on the experiences of 15 Action on Dermatology pilot sites. The guide suggested the development of a structure of specialist clinics, as well as a comprehensive nurse-led service.

Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the impact on waiting times for secondary dermatology care is of treating actinic keratosis in secondary rather than primary care. [174126]

Mr. Hutton

The information requested is not collected centrally. No assessments have been made of the impact of waiting times based on the setting where a treatment is provided.