Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bowie Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Edward Argar]

As I have made clear, we have set out the funding for the six new hospitals in the first tranche; we have invested seed funding in the development of the schemes for the further 34; and further capital announcements will be made in due course.

[Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking with the Home Secretary to fast-track immigration applications from doctors and nurses who want to work in the NHS.

[Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking with the Home Secretary to fast-track immigration applications from doctors and nurses who want to work in the NHS.

[The Minister for Care (Helen Whately)]

This Government will be introducing an NHS visa, which will offer reduced fees and fast-track access for overseas doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to work in the UK. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will be outlining detailed plans in due course.

[Andrew Bowie]

Scotland has an increasing crisis of GP shortages, and in NHS Grampian—where £1 million had to be spent on agency nurses this winter—we have an increasing nursing crisis. Some people are understandably concerned that the changes to immigration rules will have an adverse effect. Can my hon. Friend confirm that the new NHS visa will be applicable in Scotland as well?

[Helen Whately]

Yes, I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that assurance. The NHS visa will be available for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals coming to work in the NHS across the whole United Kingdom.