AQW 2193/22-27
Mr Danny Donnelly
Alliance Party
East Antrim
Tabled Date: 27/06/2022
Answered On Date: 05/07/2022
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to progress the implementation of safe staffing levels within the health service.
Answer:
I remain committed to the delivery and implementation of the Delivering Care policy for Nursing and Midwifery. I have secured additional funding to expand the clinical workforce and initiated the process to bring forward safe staffing legislation to the Assembly. My Department is committed to sustained investment in growing the local nursing and midwifery workforce to meet ever increasing demands, for example, this year we have commissioned pre-registration nursing and midwifery training places at a record high level, (1,335). In addition, a total of 1,023 nurses have been recruited internationally over the last 4 years. Since January 2020, I have secured additional recurrent funding of £60m to ensure safe and effective staffing for Nursing and Midwifery from the Executive. To date £25 million of this funding has been allocated, delivering approximately 360 whole time equivalent nursing and midwifery posts. In May I announced a £2.1m education and training package which includes expansion of medical specialty training posts, and an additional 41 AHP training posts this year. As Minister, I will continue to do the best I can to deliver for the HSC and the public within the constrained resources I have available. My commitment to introducing a Safe Staffing Bill early in the new Assembly mandate remains. Despite the current uncertainties, work is continuing in partnership with the co-design group and interested stakeholders to ensure that the policy proposals for the Bill are fully developed and agreed. Transformation of health and social care in Northern Ireland is a priority.
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