Health and Social Care Bill

Lord Kakkar Excerpts

Monday 28th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Emerton]

I rise without notes, which is very unusual for me, to thank the Minister very much indeed. There is anxiety about education among nurses, midwives and particularly community nurses—they are getting very agitated. Therefore, I am absolutely delighted that we shall see something soon.

[Lord Kakkar]

My Lords, I, too, want to congratulate the Minister on his very helpful statement on education and training which is warmly welcomed not only in this Chamber but I suspect broadly through the medical and healthcare professions. This issue has caused tremendous anxiety. To provide clarity and the opportunity for it to be addressed in a constructive way on Report is genuinely welcome.

[Lord Rooker]

I, too, welcome the Minister’s statement. He will know that I have no qualifications in this but I have raised the issue of nurse training twice in the House this year—in the debate in March and at Question Time in October. I just want a point clarified. The amendment of the noble Lord, Lord Patel, refers to the board promoting but,

“having taken note of the responsibilities of the regulatory authorities”.

Does the Minister include possible changes and recommendations to the regulatory authorities in terms of their aspect of education and training?