Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 December 2002. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 19 December 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much training is provided to those manning the call centre of NHS Direct. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 10 December 2002).

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much training is provided to those manning the call centre of NHS Direct. [86066] Mr. Lammy: [holding answer 10 December 2002]: There has and continues to be a significant investment in staff development at NHS Direct. NHS Direct nurses must have a minimum of three years post registered qualifications before starting with NHS Direct. In addition, this will involve a period of four to six weeks' induction training followed by a period of on-line preceptorship. NHS Direct also is committed to on-going training and professional development. This involves an allocation for training each year of 21 days for nurses, 16 days for health information advisers and 11 days for call handlers.

Secondary information