Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2008. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Psychiatric Nurses: Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made in the training of psychiatric nurses for the recognition and understanding of the mental health needs of those aged under 25 years.

Answer: There is currently no specific education or training route in to specialist children and adolescent mental health services.The Nursing and Midwifery Council set out the curriculum for pre registration training and standards for registration as a general mental health nurse. Local health trusts arrange post registration training and development with their higher education providers.We do share a commitment with these bodies that all health professionals are trained, so that they have the skills and knowledge to deliver a high quality health service to all groups of the population with whom they deal.

Secondary information