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Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 October 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2017. It was answered by Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 on behalf of the Department of Health.


Health Professions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he has taken to expand the number of health visitors and school nurses.

Answer

Since April 2013, local authorities (LAs) have been responsible for public health locally, including commissioning public health services for school aged children, namely school nursing services and the Healthy Child Programme. Additionally, from 1 October 2015, LAs took over responsibility for commissioning public health services for children aged zero to five from NHS England. LAs are mandated to provide or secure the five universal health visitor reviews.

It is for local authorities to assess the health needs of their populations and commission the appropriate services and workforce. All commissioning should be based on a robust Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and supported by local workforce plans. Commissioning decisions are for local discretion and as such there will be variations.

Health Education England is ensuring sustainable development of the workforce and there are presently over 800 health visitor student training places commissioned.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
110679
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Health professions Health visitors Nurses Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk